Sensor Locations????

[Dave Royce]

I have a 1994 23.5 Hunter. When I purchased this boat it already had Autohelm Speed and Depth system installed. After reading alot of the articles here, I have started to wonder about the sensor locations. The speed and depth sensors are located just off center line midway between the keel and the rudder. Basically they are directly under the cockpit.As far as the depth sensor being so far aft, if the depth changes quickly and the sensor is behind the keel. Then could I run a ground prior to the sensor detecting the depth change. And with speed sensor being behind the keel am I getting diry water and not getting a good accurate speed reading?Any ideas....should I move them or leave them alone.

 

[Mark Major]

Sensor location

Leave your sensors alone and adjust your perception. Having depth sounding behind the keel isn't good, but with this size boat just look over the side or put a boat hook down, for you are in marginal water. You can jump in and haul your boat in a favoring tide. Mud and metal give false readings, so erratic soundings do occur. Trust your instincts.

 

[Mike]

Sensor location

I agree with Mark. Sailing has to be common sense. Check your charts and act accordingly. My depth is always off by 5 feet but as long as I know this I won't get into trouble. And yes I have been aground, but only by the Captain's error.Good Sailing Mike S.V. Sail La Vie

 

[Ken shubert]

Experiment?

If you can get the depth sounder 'puck' loose, you can experiment with new locations by sealing it to the hull with KY Jelly. The H23.5 doesn't seem to have any usable spot in front of the WB tank. I'll bet yours is mounted under the aft berth just like 99% of us have done. Mark is right. The CB and rudder both will kick up and we can pull them on up. As long as there is 18" of water, we can limp back into the channel. Rocks are the only thing that ruin the day!KenS/V Wouff Hong