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Depth Sounder

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Joltnjoe
Deckhand

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USA
21 Posts

Initially Posted - 12/04/2008 : 23:15:32

My depth sounder is not working (LCD Display) is blank but it sounds for low water. Any Ideas about a replacement I want a forward looking Depth Sounder

The only thing Constant about the Wind is that it is NOT.
Smooth Sailing

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 12/04/2008 : 23:46:02

I use a fishfinder, Eagle Cuda 166. The transducer is mounted behind the keel cable inside the boat (not thru-hull) and it works just fine.

Edit: I have the alarm set for 8 ft., which, considering the placement in the boat is probably closer to 9 ft. giving me adequate time to tack.

Edited by - dmpilc on 12/06/2008 16:45:35

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 12/05/2008 : 18:03:42

I used a Humminbird under the v-berth on my previous boat, and many here do also. As for forward looking, a true forward looking is quite expensive; if a regular transducer is angled, it will give you a little more warning before your keel hits but depth will be inaccurate. That approach is only useful if you are nosing into shore at dead slow. In all other conditions, you are better off with good charts, knowing where you are, and accurate depths. There are many ideas for display location in other's installations.

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Old Disco Queen
1st Mate

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USA
66 Posts

Response Posted - 12/08/2008 : 18:02:00

I put a Uniden Depth gague on Old Disco (Uniden has 3 types...I used the one that will work without drilling through the hull, and has a multi-directional holder - you can set it on a sloped area of hull). I Placed the transducer forward of the swing keel just inside the foward birth hatch...warmed up a big wad of bee's wax to put it in place. Works great!

Edited by - on

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5418 Posts

Response Posted - 12/22/2008 : 22:05:20

I also got a Uniden QT206 depth sounder and mounted the transducer on the inside of the hull using a wax toilet bowl ring ($3.50 at a local discount home center). I re-used my old Standard Horizon housing mounted in the starboard cockpit bulkhead. i just pulled out the old display and electronics and somehow finagled the new display into the old housing.

The Uniden display is mounted behind the glass of the old housing. There are two pushbuttons on the face of the display for setting the offset and the alarm depth which became inaccessible once the display was mounted under the glass, but since I never adjust these values, it wasn't a problem. I just set them and forget them.

The unit was very useful last summer. The only limitation I've seen with this model is in shallow, soft mud bottoms, the display stops registering and goes to two dashes. This can be nerve racking and inconvenient at first, as you can run out of water if you miss the channel. But I found that it always works in rocky & sandy bottoms. Soft mud is reasonably forgiving, unless you really get stranded. Good charts are the best way to stay out of trouble.

Edited by - on

Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 12/23/2008 : 08:59:38

Joltnjoe,

Before you go shopping, make sure that your battery is topped up in the boat. With our Battery issues this past summer, the depth sounder was usually on the "first to go" list, and would pick up in the shallows, but go to '0' in the deep water (analog - not digital). If your batteries are low on juice, you may be better off to fix that problem than to start replacing electronics.

Also, some manufacturers will refurb old units at a fraction of the cost of buying new. It may be worthwhile to call your manufacturer and see if there is a repair depot. This was our route last year - not only do we have Like-New Gauges now, we didn't have to drill new holes.

Of course if you hate the gauge and are looking for a reason to go shopping, please disregard the above, and don't let your wife read this post.

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3477 Posts

Response Posted - 12/23/2008 : 09:13:33

I had an old SR Mariner Analog Depthfinder that no longer worked. I opted to buy a fishfinder rather than get the depthfinder fixed. I sail on the Potomac River and I felt there was a benefit to getting a Fishfinder in that the change in the depth is more apparent - kind of maps the river contour and rate of depth change.

I decided to mount the fishfinder on a swing arm from inside the companionway.

New transducer is under VBerth area next to original transducer. New transducer mounted in a toilet bowl wax ring glob:

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 12/23/2008 : 09:47:42

Regarding cost, the Eagle Cuda 166 is frequently on sale for about $70-$80 at places like Bass Pro and Academy Sports (I bought mine at Bass Pro).

Correction: I have a Cuda 168.

Edited by - dmpilc on 12/23/2008 22:18:34

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.