Suggestions for a depthmeter on a Catalina 22

[Pat Ehlers]

Hi there --I'm looking for advice on depthmeter for a Catalina 22. I'll mostly be doing lake sailing but want to make sure I'm not running my keel into the beach. Would like to get input on what an economical depthmeter would be. I saw one by Uniden with a transducer for 119.00 but was not sure if that was a good one.Any advice MUCH appreciated.Thanks,Pat

 

[LaDonna Bubak - Planet Catalina]

Lead line

Get a piece of string, tie a big hunk of lead at the bottom and voila! The cheapest and most accurate depthsounder in the world! But if you're set on the whole electronic thing, buy a fishfinder. They're inexpensive and not only show you depth but a reasonable representation of the bottom as well. They're every bit as good as a "real" depthsounder and probably better for your needs anyway.LaDonna

 

[Al Kile]

Depthfinder

I agree with Donna on the purchase of a fishfinder. My daughter purchased one for me for my 22 footer and I epoxied the senser on the inside of the hull just in front of the keel. It works great.The model she bought me cost about $100.

 

[LAJ]

Depth meters

Hi Pat,LAJ here... I have my 79 CAT 22 and what I use, is what we call in Maine, a frugal (poor man's) Depth Finder...We pay out about 15 feet of line; about 3/4s length of your vessel with a mushroom anchor attached while sailing. At about 4-5 knots, the anchor rides about 8 feet below the water's surface. Since it is very sandy bottom here, when we get in shallows, the mushroom starts draggin; we come about and find another passage or drop sail; raise the keel and shorten the stay on the anchor line by by 1/2. For just fun sailing, that's what I have ben taught as a kid, and on my 22, when near the shallows, over goes the mushroom.Sounds a little korny, but Pat, it's different, and works. Of course, electronic means are always available, but I try to just sail with the wind.Take care, smooth sailng and have a great Catalina 22 day.Sea ya,LAJ

 

[Tom]

Depth Finder

All three of the previous methods will work just fine. However before you purchase a fish finder make sure you check out the response time for the depth readings as well as the accuracy of the depth reading. If you have charts available of the lake you sail on you will know the danger areas for plumbing with a string and weight. However if the lake you sail on has a dam and the water level fluctuates an accurate depth meter is a must. Does the laket have a sandy bottom or a rocky (ouch!) bottom where running aground can be costly.Weigh all of the options before you make your determination and then go for it.

 

[Dave LaPere]

Depth Finder

After reading all the replies about finding the depth of water, all are great ideas. I have a raytheon tridata system which works well for me since I do off shore and lake sailing as well.Yes it's not cheap, so my second choice would be a decent fishfinder like an Eagle for under $200.00. The leadline idea is great but if you are single handing at all it's great to have some advance warning especially if you are really moving !!!!!Dave LaPere