Depth finder for H240

[David E. Cox]

While I was thinking about cockpit drains (see H240 cockpit locker drains) I might as well ask what you think is a good depth finder for the 240. What I mean by good is something easy to install myself. Any suggestions appreciated. Should be able to put boat in water in about 30 days. YEADavids/v Devine Spark

 

[Mark Kissel]

Bidata

David,Congrats on the boat purchase!I mounted an Autohelm ST-30 Bidata, which gives depth and speed, on a swing mount on the inside of the companionway. When "deployed", it is visible from any position in the cockpit. When folded inside, it's out of the weather.Mounted both through-hull transducers in the area just aft of the ballast tank. This was quite a job! Many have reported good results using the "drill-less" method by afixing the transducer appropriately to the inside of the hull.I am very pleased with the results and operation of the unit.Mark KisselKittiwake/H240

 

[Ken Shubert]

GPS-Sounder

We've used a Garmin GPS135 Sounder for several seasons and shoot through the hull. I've never been in water more than 75' deep but it works fine. I simply stuck the sounder puck down with RTV adhesive just behind the ballast tank under the aft bunk. The best place would be further forward but I couldn't find any access. I tried 3 locations.... don't mount it any further back than necessary and keep it on the center line. You can remove the puck with a razor blade and move it. This idea came from Garmin.... matter of fact, you can try lots of sounder location by using a balloon full of water or KY jelly. A swing mount in the companionway sounds like a good idea too.KenS/V Wouff Hong

 

[Dave Condon]

Bidata ST-30 by Autohelm

Mark has recommended a good unit for installation on your boat. Just a couple of things to note. When cutting holes through the hull for the transducers, use the hole saw closest to the widthe of the transducer. You will note flanges on the transducer. Lightly sand the area around the hole on the outside of the hull which the flange will cover for better adhesion. Suggest using 5200 and use allot. You can always clean it up after the installatin but do not wait too long.

 

[George Henry]

Bidata ST-30, also.

I installed a Bidata in a H26 last summer. Placed the speed transducer in the sump pump locker about 12" off center line out of turbulence from keel.I decided I was going to install depth transducer in forward locker. What a job!!!!Final route was out of locker to bow area behind access cover in v berth (drilled hole in top of bulkhead separating locker from bow area), along port side behind cabin liner (make to pulls with snake to get back to head), I removed compass to gain access behind liner.Speed transducer cable was pulled up over liner under cockpit sole, using access plates in liner.One word of advice- before running cables test speed transducer over side and test the depth transducer by running cable thru cabin to desired position on hull. Tested with K-Y jelly for proper sounding thru hull.I had a bad depth transducer what an ordeal to rerun cable even with a messenger line.I mounted the transducer in a piece of PVC pipe with a cap cut to fit the slope of the hull so it would shoot straight down. Glue in place with 5200. The flat place in the center is full of voids and should be avoided.

 

[Tom]

Standard Multi 100

We have this unit and it is very nice, has speed, depth, water temp, average speed, timers, yada, yada, don't even know what else. Transducers throught the hull in the space provided by Hunter under the aft berth port side of center.Tom