280 depth gauge
 

Hello, I have a PQ 280 Silencer, with the stepped hull. My depth gauge really ticks me off! It only works when it wants to, never when planed off, and other than that it reads " 1.2 " . The transdoucer looks like the kind that is glued right to the bottom of the bildge. I was wondering if anybody has this same problem, or if it is b/c of the stepped hull, or anyone had any recommendations. Thanks

Transducers that are glued to the inside of the hull usually do not work with a crap. If there are any air pockets in the epoxy used to glue it down or any voids in the hull where it is mounted it will never read right. Your best bet is to replace it with a unit that takes a thru-hull transducer. Yes, that means drilling a big 'ol hole in the bottom of your boat. On your stepped hull boat, placement will be critical. It will need to be located in a place where the hull is always in contact with clean, un-aerated water from the step. The factory is open again so I would suggest calling them for their recommendation for transducer placement on your hull. If you can get past having to drill a hole in the bottom of your boat, this is not a big deal to do. Make sure to drill the hole perpendicular to the hull and seal it proper with plenty of 3M 4200 or equivalent sealant. Good luck!

up until this year mine worked great Know it has a mind of its own but mine reads 0.5 ft when it works it right on just sometimes when I am at idle it doesn t usually when Im running along it fine I guess I m not the only one But reading the fix I ll deal with it no holes for me !!!!!

280 depth gauge
 

Thanks for the replies. My freind has a 260 legend, he has the thru hull transduser and he love it. So, talking to him about and reading your replies makes me think that the thru hull transducer is the answer. I do a lot of boating in northern michigan where I don't know the water so a depth gauge is a must!!! Thanks again!

Wouldn't he want to use 5200 for thru hull applications?

4200 is for below the waterline and will allow the transducer to be easily removed if it ever goes bad. 5200 will work, but you will have one heck of a time removing the transducer if you ever have a need to.

gotcha. Thanks.

The depth gauge on my old 280 *never* worked when the boat was on plane. I think the air from the step messed it up.