Topic: corrosion on connections ?

[oz]

Im loving my new 898 SI

The only thing that concerns me is the connection system on the back. My old Garmin had a rubber cap that covered  the exposed connectors on the boat. Despite that it still corroded  and I replaced the cables twice. Ive not had any problems with the 898 but having to stick  a plastic bag over the connectors and sealing with a rubber band does seem rather un proffesional for such an expensive product.

Have other owners have had corrosion issues ?

If all the connections rust on the back of the unit , does anyone know what it costs to have the fishfinder repaired ?

[Double Digit]

I dont leave my unit on my boat when I'm not out,but the cables are always exposed.I have never coverd them  with a bag or anything.They have been on my boat 1yr now i always fish in saltwater and they look as new today as the day i installed them..

[sonar2000]

You could use a dab of the electrical grease. It comes in a tube.

Chuck

[Enufzed]

Hi Oz,
My 898 came with a protective cap that covers the back of the unit connectors and helps prevent corrosion. I looked on the HB website for the part number without success but if you see the dealer you purchased your unit from he should be able to help. It is a rectangular black plastic cap that is secured to the back of the unit by  stainless screw and also supports each cable. If you have a look at the back of your 898 you will see a brass mounted thread to receive this screw. Dont hesitate to email me if you need any further info.
Enufzed 

[sonar112]

Oz,

I'm trying to understand your concern.  If your unit is mounted on your boat, the cables are connected to the connectors on the back of the unit, are they not?  If so, how would moisture get inside the connectors to cause corrosion?  If you take the unit off the boat, don't you bring it in the house, or put it somewhere so it's out of the elements?

I've had 3 Humminbirds, and never experienced corroded connectors.  If I'm not mistaken, the contacts are gold plated, and gold doesn't corrode under normal conditions.  Gold will not rust under any conditions.

I think putting a plastic bag around electronics is the worst thing you could do - it will keep the contents constantly wet.

If you're that concerned about corrosion, put a little electric grease, as Chuck suggested, or brush on some CorrosionX.

[Doc Stressor]

I'll second the recommendation for Corrosion X. Gold connectors shouldn't corrode. But salt and other junk can get in there. And every time you disconnect and re-connect the wires, you have the potential of bending the pins.

Corrosion X has a number of good properties in regard to marine electrical connections. In addition to blocking corrosion, it displaces water and unlike WD40 is a good lubricant.  So re-connection is less likely to bend the pins. It has low enough viscosity that it doesn't affect conductivity.

I've had good results using it on the connectors of my Matrix 97 on my skiff, where I remove the unit after each trip, and on the 997 on my Grady, where I rarely disconnect the head unit.

[oz]

Thanks for al lthe positive replies. I do use an anti corrosion gel / liquid everytime I unhook it and cover the wires in a plastic bag everytime I remove the FF so hopefully I wont have any problems.

cheers
oz