1988 Gran Sport-Suggestions on replacing Impuse XP Depth Finder.

[Jersey Joe]

I'm looking at replacing the original Impulse XP Depth finder on my 88' Gran Sport. Can anyone tell me where I can access the internal side of the transducer? Can anyone suggest an inexpensive replacement (depth reading only) that can be done with the boat in the water?
Thanks.

[Billm]

The Impulse XP uses a 160khz transducer. Maybe there is a fish finder that will work with that, assuming the transducer is still good. Otherwise use an in hull transducer which should work with your solid hull.

[LMK]

There are some pretty good & inexpensive options out there today.
Hummingbird HDR 650 is a small round gauge depth finder. About $90 with out tranducer.
A Lowrance Hook 4 with a transducer can be bought at the GPS store for about $100. Transducer will mount on the stern.
I doubt your present transducer will work unless you can find an OEM head to go with it. One problem will be the plug end of the cable.
Good Luck!!

[Jersey Joe]

I'm not near my boat now. Can anyone tell me if the two pucks/transducers down in the fwd engine bilge are "in-hull" or "thru-hull"?

[Billm]

If they are the original Impulse XP transducers, then yes, they are thru hulls. One is the speed pickup though and can be unscrewed for cleaning the paddle wheel. They came with a plug to insert in its place while cleaning. I still have mine; it’s a little scary doing it.
Both of my XP’s still work, but I added a small fish finder because I like how the depth scrolls across the screen. They are not very expensive. Because the Impulse screens look so much alike, I sometimes get mixed up reading them.
If you cannot find a new or used fish finder that will work with the existing transducer, then your only option is an in hull transducer. I have heard they are not great but will at least get you through to the next haul out when you can put in a proper thru hull transducer.

[CptBill]

Please stay away from the Hook series from Lowrance, the faults with that series are many. There sounders freeze, gps is slow to react and you can't expand them or add a gps ant. Lowrance at this time has no plans for any soft ware updates to fix any of this

[Jersey Joe]

Thanks everyone. I'm going to add a Faria Chesapeake "In-hull" between the two existing units in the same bilge compartment.

[daveswellcraft]

Just my 2 cents, I removed both transducers, closed off one of the holes with a custom made stainless steel plate. Opened up the other hole for a new transducer. Installed a Gamin system. Moved my hours meters up to the old cut outs. Now I am planning on new switch panel.