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RL
1st Mate

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USA
76 Posts
Initially Posted - 10/06/2004 :  11:12:51  Show Profile
OK guys, after 10 years of using Free Spirit's swing keel as a depth gauge, I think it's time to update my technology. We sail on a small inland lake so our needs are small. I want to know the depth of the water under the hull, no color displays with paper read outs. Small simple and inexpensive. Also I really do not want to put any holes in the hull. Any suggestions. Thanks
Free Spirit
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ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts
Response Posted - 10/06/2004 :  14:23:27  Show Profile
There's been a ton of prior discussion on this topic. Here's a distillation.

In an nutshell, there are two schools of thought on this. Some of us prefer a simple (traditional) digital display that can be 'dash-mounted' in the front of the cockpit.

It is a simple digital depth display but most units include depth alarm and anchor alarm features too. The nice thing about this approach is that it's (semi) permanently mounted and 'fits' well with the cockpit environment. (i.e. out of the way and doesn't get knocked about)

Other folks here have gone with inexpensive 'fishfinder' units that have larger graphical displays. These usually require some fiddling to mount as most aren't designed for flush mounting in sailboats. This is overcome by using swing out mounts in the companionway or by the use of portable bases that are set out in the cockpit during use and stowed when not needed.

For my money, Humminbird makes a nice little flush-mount depth instrument that's available for $99 from defender.com (the HDR 600). It includes an in-hull puck (epoxy to inside of hull or mounted in a standpipe with mineral oil). I've had good luck with their products in the past.

Lots of fishfinders are available starting at about the same price ($100). Hunting/fishing suppliers like Cablea's or Bass Pro Shops will have literally tons of 'em. When I had fishing boats I used both Humminbird and Eagle (Lowrance) units and was happy with both brands.

Happy shopping !
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pierrem
1st Mate

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64 Posts
Response Posted - 10/06/2004 :  22:32:55  Show Profile
Does anyone use a combination speed/depth with no holes drilled?

Pierre
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RL
1st Mate

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USA
76 Posts
Response Posted - 10/08/2004 :  09:42:28  Show Profile
Pierre,
On Free Spirit we use an inexpensive (<$100) handheld GPS to measure speed. While the GPS gives speed over land and makes no allowances for current it is still a good judge of performance. We can tell if we are going faster or slower as a result of a change we've made while sailing. Also the handheld is great for canoeing, hiking biking and locating your position on a chart. And it required no holes in the hull, or running any wires.
RL
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pierrem
1st Mate

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64 Posts
Response Posted - 10/08/2004 :  22:50:09  Show Profile
I also have a gps....as mentioned works great but doesnt help with the depth...plus not easy to read at a glance. It seems the combo depth/speed/wind are very expensive.

Pierre
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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.