Diagnosing depth gauge problem

My depth gauge worked perfectly for 2 years always reading the correct depth while running up to 40mph. It recently started working intermitently and just blinking the last read value until it gets another good reading.

I'm trying to figure out if it's the transducer or the gauge that is bad, or perhaps some other problem I'm unaware of. Is there a problem more "typical" than others that causes this?

I've checked that the transducer is still epoxied solid to the hull and it looks solid (and hard to replace).

Thanks for any help.

Mike,

Sorry,I wont be able to answer your question but your post made me aware of a problem that I am having. I cant get my depth finder to work, is it because of this "transducer" wire? When I bought my used boat the Marine surveryor said something about the transducer. Any help is appreciated...

I'd definitely check the wire from the transducer to the gauge.

But, I'd think it more likely to be a power or ground issue. Have you unwired the power and made sure the connections are clean? Is the ground in clean condition also?

Other than that, you may want to try a different transducer if you can get hold of one.

Depth finder is a sore subject for me. I had a Humminbird installed in my boat by MC. They can't seem to get it to read correctly. We have replaced the head unit twice. Then Humminbird said we need to install it while the boat is in the water for "good transducer positioning". Well, we couldn't get the darn thing to work! The transducer would make that "sound" like it's working but yet it wasn't. MC is now going to install one of their factory units because they are sick of all the issues with Humminbird. I'm crossing my fingers........I pick up my boat on Tues.

Check all the wire connections, I had the transducer to guage come loose.