I have installed a ST60 depth sounder in my Cat 30. I am trying to calibrate the depth sounder, but am not sure about the numbers. I have the fin keel (5'3"), but the transducer is mounted a foot or two below the waterline. How should I set the numbers to compensate for my boat? Thanks, Russ
calibration of depth sounder
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Personal Preference
It will really come down to personal preference. Some set their "offset" so that the sounder reflects the depth under the keel, some set their "offset" so that it reflects the depth they might be reading on a chart (forgetting about tide and all that). The real key - in my opinion - is setting it so that you know how it's set for your boat. You're not doing an oceanographic survey, so there's no "absolute" right or wrong - You just need to know how it's set and then "drive the boat" accordingly. FWIW, mine displays depth under the sensor, so I mentally know that any reading near 8 feet has me in very shallow water (I draw nearly 7 feet). Fortunately Puget Sound is typically very deep in most areas and we don't have the kind of issues found on the east coast and many inland lakes. You might also search the archives on this site for terms like "offset" etc. Good Luck! Tim Brogan April IV C350 #68 Seattle
It will really come down to personal preference. Some set their "offset" so that the sounder reflects the depth under the keel, some set their "offset" so that it reflects the depth they might be reading on a chart (forgetting about tide and all that). The real key - in my opinion - is setting it so that you know how it's set for your boat. You're not doing an oceanographic survey, so there's no "absolute" right or wrong - You just need to know how it's set and then "drive the boat" accordingly. FWIW, mine displays depth under the sensor, so I mentally know that any reading near 8 feet has me in very shallow water (I draw nearly 7 feet). Fortunately Puget Sound is typically very deep in most areas and we don't have the kind of issues found on the east coast and many inland lakes. You might also search the archives on this site for terms like "offset" etc. Good Luck! Tim Brogan April IV C350 #68 Seattle
Run aground, read the depth and don't go lower
ever again. Seriously, we've had extended discussions about this for years. Choose your own way to do it: 1. my way 2. keel depth 3. water depth Russ, if you take your subject line, and insert it into an archive forum search, exact phrase, you''ll find all those discussions. Your boat, your choice.
ever again. Seriously, we've had extended discussions about this for years. Choose your own way to do it: 1. my way 2. keel depth 3. water depth Russ, if you take your subject line, and insert it into an archive forum search, exact phrase, you''ll find all those discussions. Your boat, your choice.
Really , These Two Ya....
guys are right on. An easy way to set the depth sounder offset is to make a lead line (4-6 fathoms is nice (24-36')), then anchor in a nice shallow (25' or less)anchorage and check the depth with the lead line, and set your depth offset according to how you prefer.
guys are right on. An easy way to set the depth sounder offset is to make a lead line (4-6 fathoms is nice (24-36')), then anchor in a nice shallow (25' or less)anchorage and check the depth with the lead line, and set your depth offset according to how you prefer.
a former fisherman
Well not really former fisherman, but former power boater (troller) I always got used to the depth reading the actual depth of the water. So now with my C30 fin keel at 5'3" I like to know the actual water depth, so 6' gets scary. And for others on the boat, they don't have to know "the formula". Dean www.blowinganddrifting@yahoo.com
Well not really former fisherman, but former power boater (troller) I always got used to the depth reading the actual depth of the water. So now with my C30 fin keel at 5'3" I like to know the actual water depth, so 6' gets scary. And for others on the boat, they don't have to know "the formula". Dean www.blowinganddrifting@yahoo.com
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