1979 Speed and depth readout

[Captainron1]

Hello My 1979 O'Day 30ft is missing the speed and depth readout. I guess the previous owner removed the readout (for winter) which must look something like a marine radio, going from the bracket which is still attached, (complete with the wires which go to the speed and depth sensors). I wonder if anyone knows where I can find another replacement unit, or should I go to a new system and, which is a good system for speed and depth that will fit the O'Day through the hull tubes.
Many Thanks
Ron

 

[Stu Jackson]

Ron, it's hard for us to help you with such limited input. A marine radio has little to do with speed and depth transducers (the hull thingies). And this equipment isn't specific to your boat brand. Can you find out from the PO what manufacturer made the old ones? That'd be a much better starting point.

 

[Captainron1]

No Names anywhere

Ron, it's hard for us to help you with such limited input. A marine radio has little to do with speed and depth transducers (the hull thingies). And this equipment isn't specific to your boat brand. Can you find out from the PO what manufacturer made the old ones? That'd be a much better starting point.

Hi Stu and thanks for the reply, Not a single name anywhere, only clue is the speed and depth units fit the tubes through the hull perfectly with "O' rings to keep water tight and a pin at the top which stops the units from popping out of the tube thru the hull. These pins are kept in place by screwing a large lever up to cover the tin ends. Your right a picture would help. The idea of mentioning "a marine radio" was just to give an idea of the size of the missing read out unit. What is a good unit to replace my missing system with??
Thanks
Ron

 

[jrussnogle]

Ron, I suggest you focus on Stu's comment that " this equipment isn't specific to your boat brand." Rather than try and make the boat like it was, do the research and figure out what you want the boat to be. I understand wanting to find new electronics that will fit the existing tubes, but don't know how likely you are to be successful. The question is what do you really need and how much do you want to spend. If you have a smart phone you can download an app that will give you an accurate speed. Some sailors choose a fish finder to use for depth. If you want cockpit mounted gear, I'd suggest you just start over. Find equipment that meets your price and needs. If you aren't qualified to install it yourself, have it professionally done. Not a good idea to start drilling holes in the bottom of your boat if you don't know what you're doing. Tack Tick equipment is also a consideration. It's wireless. I've had good luck with it. Apparently that's not everyone's experience.

 

[jrowan]

Ron, I also spent a lot of time trying to rehab older, non wokring depth gauge, etc. on my boat when I bought it. I tried to reuse the thru hull transducer, which appeared to be fairly new. I bought a used Datamarine / Corinthian 4" round bezel depth receiver, and wiring to convert the old to older units. After all the work the damn thing still didn't work right. There are diffrent frequency outpouts of transducers verses receiver units, etc. I would not waste time or money doing it again. I instead bought a new Garmin 440sx GPS plotter unit that automatically tells U your speed, and has the optional sounder unit which tells you the depth. Its all in one package, and costs around $500. This gives U color GPS, sounder & speed all in one, & is hard to beat!