Need advice on Depth Finder, speed, etc.

[John Allison]

I have a '91 26S with water ballast, and need a depth finder. I'm told the Raytheon 365 model fish finder (with depth, speed, water temp, zoom-in profile) at about $200 is a good way to go. I'm also told the water ballast can prove tricky for through-hull transducers, giving way to the less attractive transom mount. Anyone have any comments on gear or placement? Sure would appreciate it, with just a few weeks to go before she's back in the water.

 

[Steven Shenkel]

My Solution

I have a 95 (26S) and had installed a Standard Digital depth sounder (from a previous boat)in the lazerette. This unit is approximately 12 years old and finally died this past year. Standard no longer made this unit, but sold me the upgrade for approximately $100.00. The old transducer still worked with the new unit, but they sent me a new one anyway.At installation time, I decided to install a knotmeter in the old depth sounder tranducer hole, and moved the depth sounder transducer to the water tank inspection plate (within the galley cabinet). Placing the transducer farther forward gives me more piece of mind to know what I might run into rather than what I just hit.If I did not already have one (depth sounder), I probably would look at the variety of fish finders as you are. Good luck.

 

[Bob Cassel, Mac 26S, Fiu!]

I used a Humminbird 100SX

I used the Humminbird 100sx from Walmart. Cost less than $100. Epoxy the puck at the forward end of the lazarete compartment with about 3 oz. of slow cure epoxy resin. Works like a charm. Clean installation, good signal.