Depth Sounder

[Tom]

I've read with interest the discussion on replacing the depth sounder. Can any of you who have replaced the existing unit ('84 Cat 30 - I think it's a Standard Horizon) with an inexpensive fishfinder tell me the model you bought? Can you replace the in-hull transducer without too much difficulty or did you mount a speedboat type transom transducer? Where have you mounted the fishfinder display unit - obviously it wouldn't fit in the existing 'dial' hole. I am thinking of a swing out bracket as I don't want to cut a hole in the fiberglass.Thanks for all your advice.

 

[LaDonna Bubak - CatalinaOwners]

Wrestling with this myself

My DS looks like it's given up the ghost and if confirmed, I'll replace it with a fishfinder. The cheap Garmin (good brand) would suit my purposes just fine but it can only be mounted on that stupid bracket. I could make a round teak "plate" to cover the old hole

 

[Rob Rich]

Check Archives...

I have posted on this several times before. I have a Lowrance X-65 and it is fantastic. Check the archives for "transducer" and you will find my posts as well as many others.You can either get a new through hull, or for 40 bucks get a "shoot thru hull" transducer which you epoxy to the inside of the hull. Re-post and I will e-mail you if you need more info. Very easy stuff, and the performance increase is amazing. Best of Luck,Rob

 

[mg]

just did this

and there is a post but basically i bought an eagle fishfinder type from walmart$100. and had been unsuccessful in doing the epoxy in hull mount on any of my boats ,i'm in a 22 now and didnt want to give up prime bulkhead space for napping or leaning against so i mounted it and the compas on the small sill just under the companion way all the way to one side. the compas is a richie type with the bracket attatched to the wood companionway step and sits on top of the sill ,the depth fits right under it mounting on the aft face of the sill. the wires exit the copit on the side and sealed nicely with white silicone (dont forget the drip loop). i was afraid id kick it all the time . but so far i havent even come close and crew doesnt either. this was a great compromise to save the bulkhead space. i almost mounted it in the coming box. (it fit in pretty well) but i put every thing else there and hated to lose the space plus it was harder to see. i used the outboard transducer mounted to a piece of plexi screwed into the side of the wood on the motor mount so that when the mount is up the transducer is out of the water to prevent fouling. when sailing i just tilt the motor out. on something with an inboard i dont know how i would deal with the fouling issue on the outboard transducer. as for the fish finder when sailing i tend to run a basic depth only mode but when coming into a cove to anchor i switch to fish mode to see the bottom . its pretty cool to see the cover on the bottom (they put christmas trees in the water here and it is a pain to snag one and have bring up your ground tackle, tree and cement block at the same time.)best of luck . mg

 

[Bryan]

depth gage

I am in the process of replacing an 18 year old SR Marinier which has a retractable thru hull. I have ordered a Standard Horizon that is "supposed" to fit in the same opening. This will allow me to make the switch in the water. I have already removed the tranduser once to try to fix it and only took on a little water. I should have the new unit on Wed. I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[Bob Fischer]

Raytheon L365

I just installed a ray L365 Depthfinder/speedometer/mileage log/water temp unit in my C27. I flush mounted the unit into the bulhead where the round depthfinder came out. I needed to enlarge the hole slightly, but it was well worth it. The unit has a choice of graphic display or large digit display for all functions simultaniously. $399 with the bronze through hull. They sell a flush mount kit, with cutout template. Good luck