Water in raydome

[Bob Nala]

Has anyone had this problem? Mine is a Raymarine 3G maybe 10 years old. I opened it up and there was 1/2" of water. No signs of water intrusion, sealed tight as a drum. Quick search suggests condensation from greenhousing effect.
This from Tech support:

Response By Email (Raymarine Tech.) (10/12/2022 03:22 PM)
Water penetration is not a common problem on radars, I recommend you take down the unit and make sure that the parts are properly matching so there is no filtering in the connections.


Technical Support Specialist
Raymarine / Teledyne FLIR

 

[Comodave]

I have never seen it. It can’t be a good thing. Not sure how I would go about isolating the source thought. Good luck.

 

[MacDuff]

Had a similar problem with a Simrad dome about five years ago. The unit was only a year old. Brought it back to Navico in Nashua, NH. They replaced it for free. I never could understand how water got in it. It was always vertical up on a pedestal.

 

[Comodave]

Have you checked the dome for minute cracks? Maybe use a light to help see if there are any.

 

[ofer]

condensation could form. all my Furuno's have a breather valve. if yours have one make sure its not plugged

 

[Hippocampus]

What clued you in to look for this problem?

 

[Shrew]

This issue happened to a friend of mine. If I recall he simply drilled some holes in the bottom of the dome to allow it to drain out.

 

[DDW]

At least the later Raymarine radomes have a breather hole in the bottom, the installation instructions admonish to make sure this isn't blocked. What can happen is this: thermal cycles alternately pressurize and then vacuum the interior. The seals aren't perfect, moist air intrudes on each cycle, then condenses out at night forming a puddle. The puddle does not evaporate and leave, it just grows.

 

[Bob Nala]

What clued you in to look for this problem?

We were getting a fault reading on the headunit.

 

[Comodave]

We were getting a fault reading on the headunit.

I guess that would do it…

 

[fgarriso]

You might go to the lowest point in the bottom of the lower housing and drill an 1/8" weep hole. Thermal changes will create condensation.

 

[High Wire]

Your installation guide should show the drain hole in the unit. make sure it is clear.

 

[Bob Nala]

Thanks for the replies and suggestions. I believe DDW is the winner. The unit does have a breather port, but nothing in the install manual to suggest a drain hole. If it does decide to reboot, I will drill a drain hole in it and cover it with some mesh to keep critters out.

 

[DDW]

Was the breather hole blocked or restricted?

 

[Bob Nala]

Was the breather hole blocked or restricted?

Nope. But after I looked at how small and tight it was I couldn't imagine it releasing much vapour. It is probably where the air got in after it depressurized at night or after powering down.