Depth and speed sensor

[daver]

What would be the best location to punch to hull to setup the speed and depth sounder on that boat ?? Since it has water ballast, I guest you need to be carefull Anybody has advise/done it.thanks,daver

 

[Steve Dion]

Forward is best!

Dave:I am in the process of installing new instruments too. Obviously the depth finder is best installed forward to give you the extra micro second to respond. The speed transducer should also be mounted forward of the keel/center board so you get a accurate reading. If you mount the speed transducer aft of the C/B, it may get water over it that causes you to higher than actual speed readings.Now that I have told you this, I know nothing about your specific boat. So there may be some reason why you cannot mount these forward of the C/B. You may also be able to glue the depth finder transducer to the hull rather than drilling a hole. Ours has worked quite well this way for 14 years.

 

[Tim Paul]

Aft Bilge

On my H26 I mounted the depth transducer in the aft bilge area primarily because of the easy accessibility, simple wiring, and large smooth hull bottom. Forward would no doubt be better, but also more complicated to install (IMHO). I'm lucky to have plenty of deep water for sailing. Except when anchoring, if I get a reading under 15 feet, I tack and head for deeper water. For speed, I use a handheld GPS instead of another thru-hull. The GPS seems to do the job quite well and can be carried off for other uses (its cheaper too).

 

[Tom]

Knotstick for speed...

On my 260, I epoxied the depth transducer inside the hull, aft of the bilge pump, without drilling a hole. I use a "Knot Stick" for accurate through the water speed, when needed. They are available through http://www.knotstick.com/ for about $40 and use no electricity.I also use GPS for over ground speed. Comparing the two can be pretty interesting when running with or against the current.Fair winds,Tom

 

[Mark Cooper]

What kind?

It makes a difference. I went with a non standard Humminbird Depth sounder on my 240 partly because of cost and partly because I kind of like the display giving me some idea of what the bottom looks like. I didn't drill a hole to mount the transducer, but permanently glued it to the hull just behind the bilge pump. It gives pretty good reading in all but the steepest degrees of heel - which I don't stay at for very long for obvious reasons.

 

[BART FORD]

speed transducer

I have been tempted to glue the speed transducer to the bottom about 2-3 feet in front of the motor mount. I have talked to Hummingbird and have not gotten anywhere. Also tried Basspro shops with no success. These people have not been able to relate to a sailboat. I have no desire to drill a hole in the hull. I feel that is accident waiting for a place to happen and with my luck, it will happen on my boat.

 

[runwolf]

Whay I finaly did (And tested last week...)

After reading all this and talking to Hunter Marine and a few other fellow, I drill two nice 2" hole in my haul.They are about 8-10" behind the water ballast tank aft, the depth sounder is 4" on the starboard side and the speed sensor is about 1-2" on the port side. I sail last week in some pretty rought weather all week and everything seem to work perfectly (And stay dry...). For your info I bought the Raytheon BiData.Thanks for the feedback.