Depth Sounder Install on 23.5, Where's Yours ?

[Rick Webb]

I bought a depth sounder off of ebay, did not think I needed one but got a great deal so figured what the hell. My question is where to put the gauge itself. Seems like a bad idea to put it anywhere near the compass. I am not sure how much space is between the liner and the outside of the boat. I thought about facing forward under the stern rail but it seemed like that would get in the way of feet and I am reluctant to drill a hole that low in the cockpit. There is gobs of info on where to place the sending unit. Mine is behind the ballast tank, checked it using Vaseline and even after a couple of weeks it is still stuck pretty good. I will epoxy it in later.

 

[Wanderer138]

Swing-out panel in companionway

Make a simple wood panel with hinges screwed to the inside of your companionway frame (I'm assuming it's wood too). The spring-loaded cabinet hinges are best. Dimensions are about 12" high by 4" wide by 1/2 inch thick. If you have time, taper the panel from top to bottom so that when it's out, the edge is vertical. Varnish will improves its weather resistance and looks.Mine holds the GPS, depthsounder display unit and tillerpilot remote control socket. When the instruments are not in use, the whole thing swings back inside the cabin up against the bulkhead, far from prying eyes. A word of warning...if you use a hardwood like oak or maple, I suggest predrilling the screw holes so the wood doesn't split (learned that the hard way). Good luck.PeterH23 "Raven"

 

[Chip Tobey]

Similar suggestion

I too choose not to permanently mount my depth finder display. I made a small insert that slides down the track used for the companionway hatch boards. It's only about three inches high, so it doesn't restrict access to the cabin. Of course, when I close the boat, the insert comes out, the hatchboards slide back into place and the display is neatly tucked away inside the boat out of view.