Hull Depth Finder

[Plymouth Sailor]

Depth finder wisdom appreciated: Two part question: first, my through-hull depth finder (in-hull don't know name of it) has been painted over many times with anti-fouling. Doesn't seem to be working. Does this effect the function and if so would removing the paint help? Secondly, how often do these devices fail, leak and sink a boat? (I know, funny question)

 

[Whatfiero1]

Paint doesn't affect and rare to sink. I can't afford to replace mine right now with the fancy $600 raymarine depth finder so I gonna with Wal-Mart hummingbird and just glue to hull. The sensor shoots thru fiberglass no problems

 

[BudGates]

I gonna with Wal-Mart hummingbird and just glue to hull

That's what I've used for the past several years and just upgraded to a newer model with GPS. I glued the transducer down with RTV which made it easy to replace.

 

[Roadking Larry]

I've been using a Lowrance fishfinder/GPS plotter for several years. I set the transducer in a big wad of toilet bowl wax gooped to the inside of the hull, works great. I mounted the display on a Ram mount set up from inside the cabin and swing it out towards the cockpit when underway.

 

[Capt Robbie]

Mine is going on 35 years now brand is data marine. No issues knock wood, however its mounted in clear silicon. If you feel that the paint build up might be an issue then clean it off and see if it makes a difference.
My knot meter is same with no issues however I do regular inspections as you should with all thruhull fittings.
Plus I always close thruhulls before I leave the boat.
Unlike my fellow boaters at the marina it takes one minute to do and gives me piece of mind.