Swap knotmeter for depth sounder?

[Mike]

My Kenyon knotmeter does not work. I don't miss it as I use my GPS to gauge speed. I don't have a depth sounder and am considering installing one for next spring. Rather than put new holes in the bottom of my boat and in the bulkhead, I would like to use the through hull fitting and bulkhead cutout already in place for the knotmeter. Are through hull fixtures standardized so that I can simply swap the paddlewheel plug for a transducer? Do I need to keep with the same manufacturer? Any insight/advice?

 

[LaDonna Bubak - CatalinaOwners]

Doubtful

You might get lucky and not have to adjust the hole but most likely you will. It's not really a difficult task, just cut or grind it down to the right size; OR if it's too big, build up with fiberglass

 

[Bob F.]

Depth Finder

It is not really necessary to mount the transducer through a hole in the hull. It will work OK just by being epoxyed to the inside of the hull with no hole to the outside. You might want to just plug the knotmeter hole and keep the hull sound.

 

[Steve Dion]

Doubt if the thru hull will fit but......

there are several mfg that have multi displays now. You can have a single display that will show speed, depth and temp all at once. If you shop around this time of the year there are some good deals on this stuff during the boat show circut. As Bob mentioned you can also glue the depth sounder to the inside of the hull to prevent having to cut another hole. Or you just have the other transducer put in the hull when you install the new transducer.

 

[Debra Blatnik]

GPS vs Knot meter

GPS will give you a fair view of speed made good, but won't tell you anything about how your really sailing.Are you making 6 knots in a 3 knot current, etc.That said, you've got to have a depth sounder....