Depth offset on 2012 H(e)33

[Serena1]

I would like to know what the distance is from the depth transducer to the bottom of the keel on a 2012 H(e)33?

I would like to use this value as a depth offset in my depth instrument.

(I know the draft is 4.5 ft - distance from waterline to bottom of keel)

 

[DRhoads]

try 3.21 ft

 

[JoeWhite]

From inside the hull at the depth sounder measure up to where you can estimate where the water line is - about 15". Then subtract from the draft of 4.5'. Also have in mind that the depth sounder is at an angle and it measures a distance that is more than what it really is. This error can cause you to run aground. I let it measure what it thinks the depth is and set the alarm for 7'. This way I will have some time to change course before I hit bottom. The waves also will cause inaccurate measurement.

 

[Stu Jackson]

If you have the manual for your boat, it most usually has a side picture showing the keel, hull and deck and rigging. You can measure off that.

Otherwise, there is a philosophical approach to doing this:

http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=726257&highlight=philosophical

Your boat, your choice.

 

[Serena1]

It's surprizing that I got more replies from Catalina owners than from Hunter owners. Is there some kind of rivalry here...?

Thanks for your replies.

DRhoads, impressive...accurate down to 1/100th of a foot. I think I'd go with a ballpark figure, just to be on the safe side.

 

[Bill Roosa]

Take a fishing weight (anything that will sink really) and tie a light line to it. position yourself athwart ship from the depth transducer and lower the line into the water till it touches bottom. Pull the line and weight and note where the water stops wetting the line. measure this distance. Set your depth meter so it matches or a depth of water reading. subtract 4.5 feet for depth of water under the keel.

 

[seadaddler]

Draft

What I did at some point when boat was on the hard I took my own measurement of the keel from waterline to bottom of keel,Hunter spec's say my draft is 4'10''.
I have my depth gauge tell me what the depth is at all times and set it at the dock and lower a lead weight down to check what the actual water depth is at the dock and set the gauge so it tells me what depth the water is and than I figure I need 5' of water before running a ground,some set the gauge to tell them how much water depth is under the keel and I say to each his own way and I don't need to think about if am in 10' of water I need 5' to stay off the bottom.
Here in Charlotte Harbor,Fl the deepest part is 22' or 25 ' so I set my alarm on depth gauge at 5'6'' and at some point I had it set at 6' but I have a C-80 and lets me know what the water is around me and always watch the chartplotter when at the helm which repeats my depth gauge reading at the top of the chartplotter and the chart shows me what the water depth is on the chart.
Sure I have run agound and touched bottom when in a tight shallow area here in lFlorida with almost all soft sand or mud and here we have lots of skinny water here and my 5' daft I need to be alert.
You really need to take your own measurement on land for your keel and in the water what the gauge is telling you,like my mast height Hunter spec's say 55' but that does not include another 2' for windvane anchor light and wind machine so I say I need 58' not 55'.
Nick

 

[Benny17441]

Wow, in all these years this is one topic I never considered to be of controversy. I know my boat's draft is 4.4' but it will hit bottom at a reading of 3.5' as indicated by the depth gauge. I learned this fact and have confirmed its accuracy through thorough testing by first hand experience. I like a straightforward reading that do not require any further calculations.