Well, boys, after TWO MONTHS, I got me a new 520c from Lowrance

Printable View

08-21-2009, 11:43 PM
Arkie John

Well, boys, after TWO MONTHS, I got me a new 520c from Lowrance

But I have a problem and may you all can help me get over it all.

I have this complex. I just KNOW that if I mount that thang back on the boat that it will attract the biggest thunderstorm west of the mississippi and I will be without a depth finder for aNOTHER two months. :eek:

What is the hail is a guy supposed to do when his new lowrance units take on water like a SPONGE???????? :mad:

Maybe I'll just mount it in a waterproof Pelican or Otter box since the Lowrance folks dont' have a CLUE as to how to keep the water in the lake and out of their electronics.

jus' venting. :p

aj
08-21-2009, 11:49 PM
skeetbum

Which unit is spongy? I take the head unit inside when not in use(quick release/swivel bracket) and the ducer shouldn't leak, potted with epoxy. You makin me nervous. Just bought a 527, love it so far.
08-22-2009, 10:58 AM
FroggerZack

If it helps I take my electronics out every time I get back from the lake (2 depthfinders and a GPS unit) and put them in the garage. Keeps water out of em and sticky fingers away from them.:cool:
08-22-2009, 09:14 PM
skeetbum

Ditto on the sticky fingers. I think it was Booger in east TN that had his boat under cover in his yard,in a small outbuilding, and he was cleaned out. Including his prop!! Gotta think ahead.
08-23-2009, 07:01 AM
ready2fish

i never had a water problem with my yet, just a shallow water reading losing depth, they replaced it and yesterday was my 3rd time out with it and it would not stay powered up, I forgot to charge to battery, my bad.

I take extra care with my ff i always keep my boat stored in the garage and if its going to rain it comes off the boat and gets put in a dry spot, i hear of people putting a plastics clear bag over the unit while fishing in the rain
08-23-2009, 07:26 AM
Shellback

Protecting your electronics is always a good idea, but they should withstand spray or rain. If not, they are broken!
08-23-2009, 08:28 AM
gabowman

My son and I just finished up his boat shed so now his boat is stored under lock and key. (Really makes me feel better about his equipment.;)) While it was just sitting out in the yard he was also putting clear bags over his electronics but I told him I thought the bags and heat would make them sweat inside so he took 'em back off. He also was tying a tarp big enough to cover everything over is boat and trailer. The boat shed might slow thieves down a little and it'll definitely keep his boat in better shape getting it out of the weather when he aint fishing though.;)
08-23-2009, 09:22 AM
skeetbum

Gabowman, my boat is testament to garage keeping. I've not owned it long, and it looks almost new with the original interior and carpet. I can't find any oxidation on the gelcoat. It's 21 yrs old and I'm the 4th owner. A garage queen with little use. But you're also right, the locks will only keep the honest man out.
08-23-2009, 03:24 PM
creekslick

Quote:

Originally Posted by skeetbum

Which unit is spongy? I take the head unit inside when not in use(quick release/swivel bracket) and the ducer shouldn't leak, potted with epoxy. You makin me nervous. Just bought a 527, love it so far.

I think John has had problems with his unit getting water in it when he is out fishing and a rain storm catches him on the lake.
08-23-2009, 06:20 PM
Cane Pole

Several years back,

I had a 102C ,and, after 5 years Lowrance replaced it with a 510c (free). I had been leaving the 102c on my boat, covered. One day I was out fishing and that 102c started acting like it was possessed by demons. Yep. I would come on by itself, go off by itself, randomly blink. Plumb spooky.

The Lowrance tech told me the storage temperature specifications and said I was probably exceeding the high temp spec. Of course, I believed he was full of chit.

I checked the temp inside the boat in July with the boat covered . The temp was about 170 degrees. Wow. I had been "slow smoking" the critter for five years.

I now take all my stuff inside. Takes two trips.:o
08-26-2009, 10:08 PM
slimeyslab

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cane Pole

I had a 102C ,and, after 5 years Lowrance replaced it with a 510c (free). I had been leaving the 102c on my boat, covered. One day I was out fishing and that 102c started acting like it was possessed by demons. Yep. I would come on by itself, go off by itself, randomly blink. Plumb spooky.

The Lowrance tech told me the storage temperature specifications and said I was probably exceeding the high temp spec. Of course, I believed he was full of chit.

I checked the temp inside the boat in July with the boat covered . The temp was about 170 degrees. Wow. I had been "slow smoking" the critter for five years.

I now take all my stuff inside. Takes two trips.:o

OOPS!!
08-27-2009, 05:29 AM
wannabe fisherman

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cane Pole

I had a 102C ,and, after 5 years Lowrance replaced it with a 510c (free). I had been leaving the 102c on my boat, covered. One day I was out fishing and that 102c started acting like it was possessed by demons. Yep. I would come on by itself, go off by itself, randomly blink. Plumb spooky.

The Lowrance tech told me the storage temperature specifications and said I was probably exceeding the high temp spec. Of course, I believed he was full of chit.

I checked the temp inside the boat in July with the boat covered . The temp was about 170 degrees. Wow. I had been "slow smoking" the critter for five years.

I now take all my stuff inside. Takes two trips.:o

Hey CP do like I do, I don't have all the stuff you have, but I put it all in a small soft tackle bag wrapped in towels to keep from scratching. grab the strap and throw it over my shoulder and I'm good to go.
08-27-2009, 05:46 AM
chaunc

Cabelas has some electronics storage cases that work well for my 997 and 987. And they have them on sale too. The medium fit them very nice.
Cabela's Electronics Travel Case
08-28-2009, 10:23 AM
c1bigocarp

That temp rating sure did open my eyes! I think that is a fine temp for a roast or something. I will be taking my units into the house. Too much money to slow bake the darn things. My cover does have a vent but do not think that will take care of that much heat build up. Glad you pointed out that fact and put yoiur themometer in there.
08-29-2009, 01:47 PM
Arkie John

I'm all for takin' my unit off the boat and inside when it's in my yard...

Quote:

Originally Posted by skeetbum

Which unit is spongy? I take the head unit inside when not in use(quick release/swivel bracket) and the ducer shouldn't leak, potted with epoxy. You makin me nervous. Just bought a 527, love it so far.

...but when you're in the middle of 40,000 acre Lake Ouachita and the mother of all thunderstorms hits you, there's really nothin' that can be done.

I've had Lowrance units since the days of the whirring little green box, but I'm tellin' anyone that will listen, their electronics are the sorriest I have ever had in my boat, here of late. How can they stay in business peddling an inferior product?

aj
08-29-2009, 03:42 PM
Cane Pole

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arkie John

..
How can they stay in business peddling an inferior product?

aj

I often ponder this question with all manufacturers.
08-29-2009, 04:17 PM
Billbob

thanks for that cp i will take my stuff out of the truck
09-05-2009, 04:26 PM
gabowman

You'd think Lowrance would replace a unit taking on water/moisture, especially a new one under warranty. After all, they DO have a reputatuion to uphold.:eek::o
09-06-2009, 10:13 AM
drifter106

Quote:

Originally Posted by wannabe fisherman

Hey CP do like I do, I don't have all the stuff you have, but I put it all in a small soft tackle bag wrapped in towels to keep from scratching. grab the strap and throw it over my shoulder and I'm good to go.

Found this item from discussion on another fishing site. A lot of the fellows were putting their electronics in this for safe keeping.

PLANO PROTECTOR PISTOL CASE
09-06-2009, 11:32 AM
Fishtaco

The one thing I do not like about water proof cases is that if there is any moisture in the case or on your electronics, its going to turn to water vapor, get inside the unit if there is a way, and recondense.

Now if the LCD and its protective covers (the plastic on the front of the screen you can touch) are properly sealed, then we wouldn't be having this discussion, but it seems that some were not. So, sealing the unit in a high humidity case (cause it might have gotten a bit of splash on it on the ride back to the boat ramp) is going to be worse than the little dab of water you got on it.

If it were me, and it came a toad strangler, I would keep a clear plastic bag to cover it, and then let it air dry inside the house for a few days. I wouldn't keep it in a water tight container all the time. Only when I'm transporting it. If I did, I'd be sure to keep dessicant material in there, like the silica gel packs that were in the box when you bought it.
09-06-2009, 12:16 PM
Pomoxis

take a ziplock bag, put rice in it and pop a bunch of little holes in the bag (smaller than the rice). The rice will absorb the water. If you want to spend money there are descacant<sp> packs you can buy to do the same thing.
09-06-2009, 02:46 PM
AgriHawg

Have your wife sew the rice into a cloth bag....microwave it every so often to re-dry the rice. Be careful though, dry rice gets very hot in the microwave.

A bigger bag makes a great hot compress for your back too!
09-06-2009, 05:04 PM
Arkie John

Oh, Lowrance has replaced my 520c THREE times. The problem is...it takes MONTHS for them to replace it!!! Man, this society put men on the moon. You'd think we could do better than that. Then again...Lowrance (thank God) probably had nothing to do with the space program.

Now, about the water issue while on the lake. The last unit I had took on SIX or EIGHT ounces of water inside the electronics in ONE downpour! We're not talking about mere condensation here. There's just no excuse for such a sorry product flaw X THREE. YUP, times THREE.

I am keeping my new unit off the boat and when fishing in wet conditions, under a rectangle tupperware thangy that is deep enough to do the job. The bottom is open. I just invert the dish and it does alright except under power of the big motor.

I think I've beat this horse to death. If you have money for only one depth finder, buy anything other than Lowrance. That is fair warning to all my crappie.commer friends. He that has an ear, let him hear. :)

aj
09-07-2009, 12:05 AM
drifter106

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arkie John

Oh, Lowrance has replaced my 520c THREE times. The problem is...it takes MONTHS for them to replace it!!! Man, this society put men on the moon. You'd think we could do better than that. Then again...Lowrance (thank God) probably had nothing to do with the space program.

Now, about the water issue while on the lake. The last unit I had took on SIX or EIGHT ounces of water inside the electronics in ONE downpour! We're not talking about mere condensation here. There's just no excuse for such a sorry product flaw X THREE. YUP, times THREE.

I am keeping my new unit off the boat and when fishing in wet conditions, under a rectangle tupperware thangy that is deep enough to do the job. The bottom is open. I just invert the dish and it does alright except under power of the big motor.

I think I've beat this horse to death. If you have money for only one depth finder, buy anything other than Lowrance. That is fair warning to all my crappie.commer friends. He that has an ear, let him hear. :)

aj

I know they have been having some issues with water in some of their products but this goes beyond ridiculous. Have you talked to Linda Colt at Lowrance? I have read where a lot of people get things done rather quickly and done right when they go through her. I can only imagine your frustration but as silly as it sounds, I would go out and get that thing wet ASAP so you don't have to deal with this later. I could understand maybe the first one going bad, but your on your 3rd one. Geesh, you would think that they would check it out before sending it to you. I am thinking about getting something before Xmas but this makes me hesitate...wanted to get it over the internet, but now me thinks it would be better to get one at Cabela's...they will replace it if you have a bad one even though it would cost a little more.

Good luck...