2020 R-5 Depth Finder

[herbk@comcast.net]

On all boats past, I have always experienced some issues
with the boats depth finder “losing bottom” from time to time.
The new R-5 uses the Intelliducer NMEA 2000 (13 - 24 degree tilt) instrument for depth and water temperature,
I presume. A typical outing I still see periods where the
depth finder reports 1.5 -1.4 feet where I am in deeper water, of course. Yesterday, in 50’ of ocean water,
I was getting this reading for at least several minutes continuous. When we stopped and shut down for some period, correct depth resumed for the balance of the trip.
My question is if we see “periods” of this almost every trip, should I report to the dealer as a possible defective instrument? Or does everyone “lose bottom” from time to time on these instruments?
Herb

[greenhut]

Similar problem on my 2020 R5. Will be driving and suddenly depth finder blinks constant depth, and then goes blank for 5-10 seconds, then starts reading again.

Something inst right. The Depth finder on my prior boat that was 20 years older on the same lake never blinked.

I think we should both ask the dealer to address.

[herbk@comcast.net]

Greenhut:
Thanks for the feedback and encouragement.
I was trying to “feel my way” into a sandbar
trip today when the depth finder went low on me
again and wasn’t reporting the actual depth, but
1.4 - 1.5 - 2.4 ft when I was plenty deep. Then, for no
apparent reason, it starts to regain and looks good.
My only difference from you is I don’t get the
blinking display. Although I did on my previous Cobalt
226 with the Hummingbird instrument, as I recall.
An intermittent depth finder is of limited value,
I intend to contact the dealer.
Perhaps a few others will weight in on this
so we know ours is not just a normal situation.
Thanks
Herb

[Luv2HuntAR]

Recently, I’ve had issues with incorrect readings. While cruising in 100’ of water, it might say 10’. The incorrect reading will continue until I employ the #1 Tech Support recommendation .... I shut down and restart. In the last 5 outings, it happened 3 or 4 times over the course of those 5 days. Definitely not every trip or every day.

[Norris_Boating]

I get the blinking occasionally too. I am usually at speed when this happens. I have always assumed that is when the signal goes out and doesn't return, ie very murky water or sheer cliffs where the signal bounces and I am gone by the time it returns.
Be aware of your water and if it is clear and you are idiling though a sand bar and you aren't getting good reading I would take it in. If there is a lot of sand in the water or thick algae that could be a cause.

[Nander]

Greenhut:
Thanks for the feedback and encouragement.
I was trying to “feel my way” into a sandbar
trip today when the depth finder went low on me
again and wasn’t reporting the actual depth, but
1.4 - 1.5 - 2.4 ft when I was plenty deep. Then, for no
apparent reason, it starts to regain and looks good.
My only difference from you is I don’t get the
blinking display. Although I did on my previous Cobalt
226 with the Hummingbird instrument, as I recall.
An intermittent depth finder is of limited value,
I intend to contact the dealer.
Perhaps a few others will weight in on this
so we know ours is not just a normal situation.
Thanks
Herb

I recently purchased a used 2020 R5 Surf and first weekend out the Depth Finder had the same behavior as yours - intermittently going between 1.5 feet and 2.4 feet when I am in anywhere from 20 - 500 feet of water. If I turn the boat off and on, it typically resolves itself. This probably happened 5 or 6 times over the weekend.

Herb - did you ever get any answers from the dealer (I know its been a while on this thread)?

Thanks!
Nathan

[AsLan7]

Greenhut:
Thanks for the feedback and encouragement.
I was trying to “feel my way” into a sandbar
trip today when the depth finder went low on me
again and wasn’t reporting the actual depth, but
1.4 - 1.5 - 2.4 ft when I was plenty deep. Then, for no
apparent reason, it starts to regain and looks good.
My only difference from you is I don’t get the
blinking display. Although I did on my previous Cobalt
226 with the Hummingbird instrument, as I recall.
An intermittent depth finder is of limited value,
I intend to contact the dealer.
Perhaps a few others will weight in on this
so we know ours is not just a normal situation.
Thanks
Herb

I recently purchased a used 2020 R5 Surf and first weekend out the Depth Finder had the same behavior as yours - intermittently going between 1.5 feet and 2.4 feet when I am in anywhere from 20 - 500 feet of water. If I turn the boat off and on, it typically resolves itself. This probably happened 5 or 6 times over the weekend.

Herb - did you ever get any answers from the dealer (I know its been a while on this thread)?

Thanks!
Nathan

.
Hey Nathan. So glad you found us.

Any pics of your R5?

And welcome aboard mate!

.

[sailor55330]

We used to get this when on Galveston Bay where the water was very murky/muddy and the bottom was stirred up often. You would go to blank or zero, usually after following a boat that had churned things up or a shrimper dragging bottom. Very unnerving.

As said above, if it is blanking out with deep water and no turbulence, then it might be time for a visit. If you are in murky water with boat traffic, it might be a glitch that you learn to deal with. Most depth finders rely on the continuity of the water and cavitation around the sensor could also be a source. Either way, you don't want to be probing the bottom with the bow.