What Depth finder and transducer mounting?

[Naut Norman]

I have a 1999 Maxum 1800. Looking for a simple depth finder with GPS. Not interested in fish finder. I just want to make simple waypoints to follow back to the dock and have a simple clear readable depth # displayed so I don’t run aground. Would like to mount transducer in hull without running a wire over the back of the boat or drilling a hole through the boat. Any ideas? Thanks

 

[dingbat]

Not interested in fish finder. I just want to make simple waypoints to follow back to the dock and have a simple clear readable depth # displayed so I don’t run aground.

Sonar will not keep you from running aground.

Problem is your reading depth from the transom and leading with the bow. Depending on the length of the boat, you could be taking readings 18 to 25’ behind the first point of contact. Not good.

I rarely look at sonar readings to navigate. The exception is navigating through uncharted back water channels where I really shouldn’t be to begin with.

A chart plotter would give color referenced soundings for visual reference of depth. It would also allow you to store tracks, waypoints and plot courses for later use. Much more useful than depth sounder alone

Don’t sing the blues...stay out of the blue (shaded areas)

 

[Naut Norman]

Any recommendations on a affordable model?

 

[Chris1956]

The cost of GPS units seems to be dependent mostly on the size of the screen. You can probably still get handheld GPS units w/o chartplotters and a 2" screen, pretty cheap. I do not know if you can get a GPS/sonar combo without a large expensive screen. The bigger screen chartplotters are so much better.

Look for a model that is on close out sale. They do that all the time.

As for the transducer. If you have a spot in your fiberglass hull where is it solid glass. No bubbles, no wood, strakes or any other items that cause voids of thickness, a transducer may be mounted inside the hull. You just need to keep it wet, for it to work, which in a bilge is easy.

However, the only way to make it happen is to try it.

 

[Naut Norman]

Thanks for the info. I read about some where they said only certain hull thickness, no voids, no bubbles, no wood, etc. Not sure how I would know what’s under the surface of my fiberglass though.

 

[dingbat]

Thanks for the info. I read about some where they said only certain hull thickness, no voids, no bubbles, no wood, etc. Not sure how I would know what’s under the surface of my fiberglass though.

Sonar is an "acoustic based" transmission technology. Whatever you put between the face of the transducer and the "target" must be acoustically transparent as possible to minimize signal loss.

Dense (hard) materials (epoxy, fiberglass, etc.) are very efficient at transmitting sound. Less dense materials like wood, foam, glue and air, not so much.

Unless your hull is cored, you typically don't have an issue finding a suitable place to mount an in-hull transducer. To install you need nothing more than a bit of 30 minute marine epoxy, a sandwich bag full of water and the bottom 1" or so of a disposable plastic cup.

Detailed instructions can be found below
http://www.airmar.com/uploads/InstallGuide/17-010.pdf

 

[Naut Norman]

Appreciate the info.