Ocean Alexander Mark 1 transducer location

[Tarantelle]

I’ve had my 1981 55’ Mark 1 for a little over a year and am thinking about new electronics. I now have all Raymarine. The transducer is located just inside the entrance to the engine compartment on the starboard side. I’m wondering if this is the best location for it or if others have found a more optimal location for a transducer on an OA Mark 1. Thanks for your input!

 

[RobertLeatch]

Same location on my 1980 Mk1. I did install a second transducer opposite it on the port side (in hull not thru hull) mainly as a backup. Even though they are physically very close inside the boat, the hull shape at that point means they transmitt down different sides and I've not noticed any interference between them.

 

[Tarantelle]

Thanks. I’m thinking I may install an in-hull transducer on the port side since I don’t want to haul out only for a transducer installation.

 

[Insequent]

I've got two in that location, one port and one starboard.

But I also have 3 further forward, at bottom of stairs. This includes the Ultrascan forward looking sonar.

 

[new2trawl]

Greetings Ocean Dream. I know the boat well; although, I haven't seen it since it changed owners. I have an Airmar thru-hull tansducer located in the same place as yours and it works okay for me; however my speed wheel fell victim to an agressive diver doing a hul cleaning one day, so I have to replace it during my haul-out in June at Port Townsend. I think your location is okay since mine works as it should in this same spot (starboard side of engine room access). It's also hooked to my Raymarine system. If your goind to replace yours, check out the Airmar transducers with fairings.

 

[Tarantelle]

Thanks for the reply. I’m thinking of getting (temporarily) a new in-hull transducer. I’ve got a strange problem once in a while that I don’t know if it’s a transducer problem or a problem with my chartplotter (Raymarine e127). No one has been able to give an idea of what’s happening that makes any sense yet. It can get really annoying when it happens in unknown waters. If it’s not a transducer problem, then it’ll be time for new chartplotters.

 

[new2trawl]

I’ve had my 1981 55’ Mark 1 for a little over a year and am thinking about new electronics. I now have all Raymarine. The transducer is located just inside the entrance to the engine compartment on the starboard side. I’m wondering if this is the best location for it or if others have found a more optimal location for a transducer on an OA Mark 1. Thanks for your input!

Have you checked to see if your current transducer can talk to your Raymarine box (I think they call it the DSM, I forget)? The Airmar part # for the transducer I have is compatible to Raymarine boxes. I had to be sure of the wheel speed insert I bought had the same configuration identifying it with "RAY" the end of its part number. I'd give a tech at Raymarine a call and to see if whatever transducer you have now or buy in the future is compatible before you change out your MFC. It's cheaper to go with a compatible transducer or just a different RM model "box" that will receive your current transducer's conversation.