My x-ducer is really XXXXX

[seasick]

Last season, my Lowrance HST-WSBL transducer started to send incorrect water temperature data to the plotter. The sonar worked fine though.
When I started my 'spring' chores last week , I took a look at the transducer and it looked like it had experienced a mini explosion. The case was cracked, broken and missing areas. I can only assume that it somehow got water inside and burst during the winter. It was only three seasons old.
I did order a new unit and managed to pull the cable this week ( as always, a real pain) . I still need to mount the unit and cable ties. I have a picture of the old transducer so that you can see how it failed. ( Maybe someone knows WHY).
All part of the boating experience I guess.

 

[Fishtales]

those aft mounted ones are prone to getting banged. Might have happened and then with water and freezing temps - pop.

 

[teaklejr]

Same thing happened to mine this past season. That’s the third one in 10 years, actually just finished ordering a Airmar P66 triducer that way I can eliminate the separate paddle wheel for speed. Don’t need a expensive transducer here on the Chesapeake bay since it’s mostly shallow water plus we don’t fish much anymore and really just need depth and temp.

 

[SkunkBoat]

Yes the plastic gets brittle over the years.. I had good results with that exact transducer gluing it to the inside hull with poly resin....temp didn't work though...

 

[seasick]

I have had this model on both my boats and up until recently, they lasted a long time. previous failures have been due to the mounting tab breaking off but electrically the ducer still worked.
I am not sure why this recent one disintegrated. I do apply transducer paint (MDR) and I am pretty sure it didn't get wacked but who really knows. I guess we will see how it holds up this year. I am pretty sure that all the cracking is due to water intrusion and subsequent freeze - thaw cycles. Pieces were just flaking off in my fingers. I think I will wrap it with a plastic bag next fall and see how that works out. I don't mind replacing it, cost wise but I wish they would put an additional connector a few feet from the transducer. That would make replacement a lot easier.