Depthsounder Recommendations

[Joel Swan]

Can anyone recommend a good (but not too expensive) depth sounder for use on an older 1987 H23? Or more importantly, ones to aovid? Based upon everything I've read here, I plan on getting one which can be used with a shoot-through hull transducer.Thanks,Joel

 

[Jon Bastien]

Consider a fish-finder...

... instead of a depth-only guage- The fish-finders on the market today are generally cheaper, and will give you more information than a depth-only guage. As far as brands/types go, I don't have much to pass- I haven't heard much that says one's much better than any other.--Jon BastienH25 'Adagio'

 

[Pat Spino]

Depth sounder

I have an Autohelm seatalk on my Legend and it seems to work quite well. If you decide to look at fishfinders, check out West Marine's line of Furuno Finders. You can even get several that combine fishfinding/depth and gps chartplotting if you want to spend the money. PAT

 

[Wanderer138]

I agree with Jon B

The most basic depth gauge in the marine supply catalogs costs more. Figure about $240 for a "real" depth gauge vs $100 for the least expensive fishfinder. The fishfinders with all the bells and whistles (including a knotmeter) top out at about $250.Most fishfinders are transom-mounted, which simplifies installation. Besides, IMHO, a picture of the bottom is more useful than a number in the display. OK, I will admit that a fishfinder may look a little out of place on an H23, but at those prices, I can live with that. I have one on my wish list.PeterS/V Raven

 

[Jeff Davis]

Humminbird

I have a Humminbird fish finder on my H240 and it works great. It gives the depth and you occasionally actually see a fish. It does have a transponder that shoots through the hull. It is mounted under the rear bunk near the bilge pump. Use slow drying epoxy for the mount.

 

[Joel]

Which Hummingbird

Which Hummingbird did you get? Most that I have seen use either transom mounts or through-hull transponders. Ihaven't found one that uses a shoot-through.

 

[Henry Scurlock]

Humminbird 100 wide

I've used one for the last couple of years on our h19. Got the transom mount transducer 'glued' in the bilge (behind the pump) with peanut butter. Use smooth not chunky. Works great, although I think I'll have to redo the pnut glue this season.