Our new (old) boat is a 1976 Hunter 30', Most of the interior is in the cellar right now, and I am making progress, The tanks, and motor replacment is next on the list, then wiring and plumbing. I have a dilemma with the existing instruments. I think they are all 1976 original equipment. I did a little research and found the existing depth sounder and speed instrument (Standard Communications and SR mariner)are no longer made (are the tranducers compatible with anything else). The two wind instruments (electro marine systems)don't appear to be connected to anything but the power supply, and there is a minimal of wire in the mast (just nav lights I think). There is a whirly gig on the top of the mast, but it has no wiring. I am wondering just what needs replacing and what doesn't. I would think depth and speed would be important, even for novices. I am not sure about the wind instruments, are they really important, for day sailing and short cruises. All of the instruments are 4" round, if I replace the depth and speed, that leaves two holes, I guess I could fill with resin, or with speakers for the music. If anyone has any suggestions, advice, or wisdom, I would love to hear it. Especially any advice as it relates to new replacements, reliability, service, makes and models.
- Status
Our new (old) boat is a 1976 Hunter 30', Most of the interior is in the cellar right now, and I am making progress, The tanks, and motor replacment is next on the list, then wiring and plumbing. I have a dilemma with the existing instruments. I think they are all 1976 original equipment. I did a little research and found the existing depth sounder and speed instrument (Standard Communications and SR mariner)are no longer made (are the tranducers compatible with anything else). The two wind instruments (electro marine systems)don't appear to be connected to anything but the power supply, and there is a minimal of wire in the mast (just nav lights I think). There is a whirly gig on the top of the mast, but it has no wiring. I am wondering just what needs replacing and what doesn't. I would think depth and speed would be important, even for novices. I am not sure about the wind instruments, are they really important, for day sailing and short cruises. All of the instruments are 4" round, if I replace the depth and speed, that leaves two holes, I guess I could fill with resin, or with speakers for the music. If anyone has any suggestions, advice, or wisdom, I would love to hear it. Especially any advice as it relates to new replacements, reliability, service, makes and models.
Bob -
Don't go nuts with this stuff right now. Depth - very important, a must-have. Speed - get a handheld GPS. No wiring needed. Wind (speed/direction) - nice to have but not a must-have right now. The Windex (windvane on top of the mast) will be good enough, even a couple of pieces of yarn on the shrouds will give you wind info. Good luck and have fun.
Don't go nuts with this stuff right now. Depth - very important, a must-have. Speed - get a handheld GPS. No wiring needed. Wind (speed/direction) - nice to have but not a must-have right now. The Windex (windvane on top of the mast) will be good enough, even a couple of pieces of yarn on the shrouds will give you wind info. Good luck and have fun.
Bob -
Don't go nuts with this stuff right now. Depth - very important, a must-have. Speed - get a handheld GPS. No wiring needed. Wind (speed/direction) - nice to have but not a must-have right now. The Windex (windvane on top of the mast) will be good enough, even a couple of pieces of yarn on the shrouds will give you wind info. Good luck and have fun.
Don't go nuts with this stuff right now. Depth - very important, a must-have. Speed - get a handheld GPS. No wiring needed. Wind (speed/direction) - nice to have but not a must-have right now. The Windex (windvane on top of the mast) will be good enough, even a couple of pieces of yarn on the shrouds will give you wind info. Good luck and have fun.
Im already nuts
Thanks Greg, I was thinking along those lines, I just wasn't sure how much the wind instruments would be used. My brother in lawy gave me a GPS, I think its a northstar 952X. He says its a very good GPS/Chartplotter, and the wiring is simple. I appreciate the help, let me know if you don't get the beer by e-mail, the last three cases wound up in someones spam folder....beer and spam....yuck
Thanks Greg, I was thinking along those lines, I just wasn't sure how much the wind instruments would be used. My brother in lawy gave me a GPS, I think its a northstar 952X. He says its a very good GPS/Chartplotter, and the wiring is simple. I appreciate the help, let me know if you don't get the beer by e-mail, the last three cases wound up in someones spam folder....beer and spam....yuck
Im already nuts
Thanks Greg, I was thinking along those lines, I just wasn't sure how much the wind instruments would be used. My brother in lawy gave me a GPS, I think its a northstar 952X. He says its a very good GPS/Chartplotter, and the wiring is simple. I appreciate the help, let me know if you don't get the beer by e-mail, the last three cases wound up in someones spam folder....beer and spam....yuck
Thanks Greg, I was thinking along those lines, I just wasn't sure how much the wind instruments would be used. My brother in lawy gave me a GPS, I think its a northstar 952X. He says its a very good GPS/Chartplotter, and the wiring is simple. I appreciate the help, let me know if you don't get the beer by e-mail, the last three cases wound up in someones spam folder....beer and spam....yuck
Depends on what you want.
Bob: If you want these type of instruments, it is usually less expensive to purchase a packaged system. I personally do not like instruments mounted in a bulkhead. They are usually not visible when you have guests/crew aboard, because they are leaning up against them. The option is to mount them across the companionway or on the steering pedestal. If you decide to mount them where the old ones were located, you may find that the new ones will fit the old holes without much of a problem. It appears that the Navman Instruments are quite popular now and they are the about the same as the older displays (size wise). If you boat is out the water, then there is not much of a reason to worry about using an old transducer with a new instrument. The yard can usually patch the old transducer holes and redrill them if necessary.
Bob: If you want these type of instruments, it is usually less expensive to purchase a packaged system. I personally do not like instruments mounted in a bulkhead. They are usually not visible when you have guests/crew aboard, because they are leaning up against them. The option is to mount them across the companionway or on the steering pedestal. If you decide to mount them where the old ones were located, you may find that the new ones will fit the old holes without much of a problem. It appears that the Navman Instruments are quite popular now and they are the about the same as the older displays (size wise). If you boat is out the water, then there is not much of a reason to worry about using an old transducer with a new instrument. The yard can usually patch the old transducer holes and redrill them if necessary.
Depends on what you want.
Bob: If you want these type of instruments, it is usually less expensive to purchase a packaged system. I personally do not like instruments mounted in a bulkhead. They are usually not visible when you have guests/crew aboard, because they are leaning up against them. The option is to mount them across the companionway or on the steering pedestal. If you decide to mount them where the old ones were located, you may find that the new ones will fit the old holes without much of a problem. It appears that the Navman Instruments are quite popular now and they are the about the same as the older displays (size wise). If you boat is out the water, then there is not much of a reason to worry about using an old transducer with a new instrument. The yard can usually patch the old transducer holes and redrill them if necessary.
Bob: If you want these type of instruments, it is usually less expensive to purchase a packaged system. I personally do not like instruments mounted in a bulkhead. They are usually not visible when you have guests/crew aboard, because they are leaning up against them. The option is to mount them across the companionway or on the steering pedestal. If you decide to mount them where the old ones were located, you may find that the new ones will fit the old holes without much of a problem. It appears that the Navman Instruments are quite popular now and they are the about the same as the older displays (size wise). If you boat is out the water, then there is not much of a reason to worry about using an old transducer with a new instrument. The yard can usually patch the old transducer holes and redrill them if necessary.
Hold up there, Bob!
Put a couple slices of fried Spam on white bread with Duke's mayo and sweet pickles. Then grab that cold beer.(It's so good you'll smack yo' mamma 'cause she never fixed you none.)
Put a couple slices of fried Spam on white bread with Duke's mayo and sweet pickles. Then grab that cold beer.(It's so good you'll smack yo' mamma 'cause she never fixed you none.)
Hold up there, Bob!
Put a couple slices of fried Spam on white bread with Duke's mayo and sweet pickles. Then grab that cold beer.(It's so good you'll smack yo' mamma 'cause she never fixed you none.)
Put a couple slices of fried Spam on white bread with Duke's mayo and sweet pickles. Then grab that cold beer.(It's so good you'll smack yo' mamma 'cause she never fixed you none.)
Gauges needed on cruising sailboat
Gauges needed on auxiliary cruising sailboat, in order of priority: 1. compass 2. depth (with these two you can navigate anywhere) 3. voltmeter 4. engine water temp. 5. clock 6. speed 7. tachometer 8. oil pressure 9. ammeter 10. fuel level(s) 11. windspeed 12. apparent wind direction 13. barometer 14. close-hauled indicator 15. fish finder (these last two a close call) --in MY humble (read that: often clueless) opinion. The point about GPS is a good one, but notice how much you have to rely on THOSE batteries now. Gauges provide the safety of redundancy. JC 2
Gauges needed on auxiliary cruising sailboat, in order of priority: 1. compass 2. depth (with these two you can navigate anywhere) 3. voltmeter 4. engine water temp. 5. clock 6. speed 7. tachometer 8. oil pressure 9. ammeter 10. fuel level(s) 11. windspeed 12. apparent wind direction 13. barometer 14. close-hauled indicator 15. fish finder (these last two a close call) --in MY humble (read that: often clueless) opinion. The point about GPS is a good one, but notice how much you have to rely on THOSE batteries now. Gauges provide the safety of redundancy. JC 2
Gauges needed on cruising sailboat
Gauges needed on auxiliary cruising sailboat, in order of priority: 1. compass 2. depth (with these two you can navigate anywhere) 3. voltmeter 4. engine water temp. 5. clock 6. speed 7. tachometer 8. oil pressure 9. ammeter 10. fuel level(s) 11. windspeed 12. apparent wind direction 13. barometer 14. close-hauled indicator 15. fish finder (these last two a close call) --in MY humble (read that: often clueless) opinion. The point about GPS is a good one, but notice how much you have to rely on THOSE batteries now. Gauges provide the safety of redundancy. JC 2
Gauges needed on auxiliary cruising sailboat, in order of priority: 1. compass 2. depth (with these two you can navigate anywhere) 3. voltmeter 4. engine water temp. 5. clock 6. speed 7. tachometer 8. oil pressure 9. ammeter 10. fuel level(s) 11. windspeed 12. apparent wind direction 13. barometer 14. close-hauled indicator 15. fish finder (these last two a close call) --in MY humble (read that: often clueless) opinion. The point about GPS is a good one, but notice how much you have to rely on THOSE batteries now. Gauges provide the safety of redundancy. JC 2
What to do with gauge holes
Bob, I guess I have the same two gauges on my 1974 boat. The SR Mariner ones are still made but I am not sure about compatibility with the old transducers. In my case the transducers are the questionable part of both. I removed the speedo one but the depth one, the less reliable of the two, looks like it might have to come out in small shards of irreparable plastic. I looked into replacing both gauges. SR Mariner and Moor make decent inexpensive ones. I was also thinking about that Humminbird one-- they make an in-hull transducer that sticks to the inside of the hull-- but it requires glassing over the old hole which would suit me fine anyway. If anyone knows anything about the Humminbird ones that sell for like 109.00, do let me know bad or good. As for the holes in the back of the cabin, you could fill them with blank covers (usually sold by the instrument people) or put something else there. By bonding a piece of epoxied teak plywood to the inside of the cockpit trunk I made my holes weathertight anyway. I moved my compass to the traveller bridge and am putting a traditional 8" round deadlight in its old space. It's over the quarter berth, according to convention the abode of the skipper, and it serves a purpose as the off-watch can keep an eye on the cockpit and the following seas in inclement (closed-hatch) weather-- as well as see who's knocking at strange anchorages. JC 2
Bob, I guess I have the same two gauges on my 1974 boat. The SR Mariner ones are still made but I am not sure about compatibility with the old transducers. In my case the transducers are the questionable part of both. I removed the speedo one but the depth one, the less reliable of the two, looks like it might have to come out in small shards of irreparable plastic. I looked into replacing both gauges. SR Mariner and Moor make decent inexpensive ones. I was also thinking about that Humminbird one-- they make an in-hull transducer that sticks to the inside of the hull-- but it requires glassing over the old hole which would suit me fine anyway. If anyone knows anything about the Humminbird ones that sell for like 109.00, do let me know bad or good. As for the holes in the back of the cabin, you could fill them with blank covers (usually sold by the instrument people) or put something else there. By bonding a piece of epoxied teak plywood to the inside of the cockpit trunk I made my holes weathertight anyway. I moved my compass to the traveller bridge and am putting a traditional 8" round deadlight in its old space. It's over the quarter berth, according to convention the abode of the skipper, and it serves a purpose as the off-watch can keep an eye on the cockpit and the following seas in inclement (closed-hatch) weather-- as well as see who's knocking at strange anchorages. JC 2
What to do with gauge holes
Bob, I guess I have the same two gauges on my 1974 boat. The SR Mariner ones are still made but I am not sure about compatibility with the old transducers. In my case the transducers are the questionable part of both. I removed the speedo one but the depth one, the less reliable of the two, looks like it might have to come out in small shards of irreparable plastic. I looked into replacing both gauges. SR Mariner and Moor make decent inexpensive ones. I was also thinking about that Humminbird one-- they make an in-hull transducer that sticks to the inside of the hull-- but it requires glassing over the old hole which would suit me fine anyway. If anyone knows anything about the Humminbird ones that sell for like 109.00, do let me know bad or good. As for the holes in the back of the cabin, you could fill them with blank covers (usually sold by the instrument people) or put something else there. By bonding a piece of epoxied teak plywood to the inside of the cockpit trunk I made my holes weathertight anyway. I moved my compass to the traveller bridge and am putting a traditional 8" round deadlight in its old space. It's over the quarter berth, according to convention the abode of the skipper, and it serves a purpose as the off-watch can keep an eye on the cockpit and the following seas in inclement (closed-hatch) weather-- as well as see who's knocking at strange anchorages. JC 2
Bob, I guess I have the same two gauges on my 1974 boat. The SR Mariner ones are still made but I am not sure about compatibility with the old transducers. In my case the transducers are the questionable part of both. I removed the speedo one but the depth one, the less reliable of the two, looks like it might have to come out in small shards of irreparable plastic. I looked into replacing both gauges. SR Mariner and Moor make decent inexpensive ones. I was also thinking about that Humminbird one-- they make an in-hull transducer that sticks to the inside of the hull-- but it requires glassing over the old hole which would suit me fine anyway. If anyone knows anything about the Humminbird ones that sell for like 109.00, do let me know bad or good. As for the holes in the back of the cabin, you could fill them with blank covers (usually sold by the instrument people) or put something else there. By bonding a piece of epoxied teak plywood to the inside of the cockpit trunk I made my holes weathertight anyway. I moved my compass to the traveller bridge and am putting a traditional 8" round deadlight in its old space. It's over the quarter berth, according to convention the abode of the skipper, and it serves a purpose as the off-watch can keep an eye on the cockpit and the following seas in inclement (closed-hatch) weather-- as well as see who's knocking at strange anchorages. JC 2
SR Mariner rebuilds are relatively inexpensive
I sent them my depth guage, and was pleasantly surprised at the reasonable cost for rebuilding. They replaced the face, readout and housing, giving it the appearance of a new instrument for less than $100 (I also replaced the sending unit, which, of course, was more). I would certainly recommend boxing everything up and sending it up there for them to look at (they will give you a quote before they start anything), or, as I have with the knotmeter, order the parts and do it yourself, that saved me even more money. This way, you don't have to worry about the holes, plus you have good looking, high quality insturments.
I sent them my depth guage, and was pleasantly surprised at the reasonable cost for rebuilding. They replaced the face, readout and housing, giving it the appearance of a new instrument for less than $100 (I also replaced the sending unit, which, of course, was more). I would certainly recommend boxing everything up and sending it up there for them to look at (they will give you a quote before they start anything), or, as I have with the knotmeter, order the parts and do it yourself, that saved me even more money. This way, you don't have to worry about the holes, plus you have good looking, high quality insturments.
JC II, Instruments??
JC II, Betherl marine has some fantastic prices (compared to everyone else) on Standard Dept, and speed instruments and thier 4" holes. http://www.bethel-marine.com/Standard_Instrument6A.htm http://www.bethel-marine.com/Standard_Instrument7A.htm Merry Christmas to all
JC II, Betherl marine has some fantastic prices (compared to everyone else) on Standard Dept, and speed instruments and thier 4" holes. http://www.bethel-marine.com/Standard_Instrument6A.htm http://www.bethel-marine.com/Standard_Instrument7A.htm Merry Christmas to all
about speed and wind
Lots of good advice in thjis thread My 2 cents worth:. Most speed indicators only tell you the speed through the water, so it is important to remember tides and currents can throw that off significantly. The hand held GPS, as mentioned, is an excellent speed-over-ground indicator, and can be a backup. For "day sailing and short cruises" the wind instrument is nice, but non-essential. racers love them. (Has anyone tried the small hand-held wind devices?) Assuming you want to do some cruising, learn navigation, and that you live in an area with fog or may stay out after dark, then the GPS will be an important tool. Just don't let it replace basic navigation skills and good judgment. Fair winds, Sanders
Lots of good advice in thjis thread My 2 cents worth:. Most speed indicators only tell you the speed through the water, so it is important to remember tides and currents can throw that off significantly. The hand held GPS, as mentioned, is an excellent speed-over-ground indicator, and can be a backup. For "day sailing and short cruises" the wind instrument is nice, but non-essential. racers love them. (Has anyone tried the small hand-held wind devices?) Assuming you want to do some cruising, learn navigation, and that you live in an area with fog or may stay out after dark, then the GPS will be an important tool. Just don't let it replace basic navigation skills and good judgment. Fair winds, Sanders
GPS will tell depth too
Just in case you were unsure, get the map cartridges for a GPS chartplotter, and it will tell you the depth just fine. I bought my '79 37C two years ago and had the same problem with the depth and speed indicators not functioning. I just use the GPS and have been very impressed with the sensitivity and precision of the instrument to handle both of these tasks. Since you will need a GPS anyway, just know that it will give you good info on both of speed and depth. Josh
Just in case you were unsure, get the map cartridges for a GPS chartplotter, and it will tell you the depth just fine. I bought my '79 37C two years ago and had the same problem with the depth and speed indicators not functioning. I just use the GPS and have been very impressed with the sensitivity and precision of the instrument to handle both of these tasks. Since you will need a GPS anyway, just know that it will give you good info on both of speed and depth. Josh
GPS will tell depth too
Just in case you were unsure, get the map cartridges for a GPS chartplotter, and it will tell you the depth just fine. I bought my '79 37C two years ago and had the same problem with the depth and speed indicators not functioning. I just use the GPS and have been very impressed with the sensitivity and precision of the instrument to handle both of these tasks. Since you will need a GPS anyway, just know that it will give you good info on both of speed and depth. Josh
Just in case you were unsure, get the map cartridges for a GPS chartplotter, and it will tell you the depth just fine. I bought my '79 37C two years ago and had the same problem with the depth and speed indicators not functioning. I just use the GPS and have been very impressed with the sensitivity and precision of the instrument to handle both of these tasks. Since you will need a GPS anyway, just know that it will give you good info on both of speed and depth. Josh
GPS Does not tell depth.
A chart plotter GPS will indicate the depth marked on the chart for your location. if the chart is wrong like it happens a lot in the Bahamas you could run aground if relaying on the GPS. Only a good working depth sounder will give you a close reading on the bottom under you. I have seen combination chartplotters/fish finders and them will give you a depth reading picked up from a transducer but this has nothing to do with the global positioning system. We are fortunate here in the coastal mainland to have very good and updated charts but such is not so in other parts. I will continuously compare the depth sounder readings against the chart depths and become very concerned whn the two do not match. Here in FL we sail in preety skinny water.
A chart plotter GPS will indicate the depth marked on the chart for your location. if the chart is wrong like it happens a lot in the Bahamas you could run aground if relaying on the GPS. Only a good working depth sounder will give you a close reading on the bottom under you. I have seen combination chartplotters/fish finders and them will give you a depth reading picked up from a transducer but this has nothing to do with the global positioning system. We are fortunate here in the coastal mainland to have very good and updated charts but such is not so in other parts. I will continuously compare the depth sounder readings against the chart depths and become very concerned whn the two do not match. Here in FL we sail in preety skinny water.
- Status