Best Position for Transponder.

[Binman]

Should the depth gauge transponder be fitted as far forward as you can fit it? Mine is fitted just inside the cabin but I was advised to fit it as far forward as I can, I have bilge keels boat is a Pandora 700.

 

[lw395]

Ahead of the keel(s) helps. Turbulence.
Other than that, so long as it stays in the water at speed....

 

[johnalison]

It is possible that you will spend more time going forwards than the other way, so a transducer towards the bow is probably a good idea.

Whether you set it to read depth from transducer, or the depth from the surface or keel, is up to you. Personally, I have it from the transducer, because that is how the Romans did it, or at least Seafarer. Tastes differ, but sailing in 0.3m doesn't appeal to me.

 

[pagoda]

It is possible that you will spend more time going forwards than the other way, so a transducer towards the bow is probably a good idea.

Whether you set it to read depth from transducer, or the depth from the surface or keel, is up to you. Personally, I have it from the transducer, because that is how the Romans did it, or at least Seafarer. Tastes differ, but sailing in 0.3m doesn't appeal to me.

Whatever set up you want- Depth below transducer or keel.... it doesn't really matter.
However you need to be absolutely confident with which ever choice you make.
So get a tape measure ready when she's next out the water and check numbers. Check with a marked lead line in the water. Finally make sure any offset involved in calibration is appropriate and also written down somewhere !

 

[johnalison]

Whatever set up you want- Depth below transducer or keel.... it doesn't really matter.
However you need to be absolutely confident with which ever choice you make.
So get a tape measure ready when she's next out the water and check numbers. Check with a marked lead line in the water. Finally make sure any offset involved in calibration is appropriate and also written down somewhere !

Measuring when out of the water is all very well, but inaccuracies are likely to creep in. What you actually need to know is what is the least depth you are happy to sail in, as shown on the meter. The gentlest way of doing this is by noting what the meter shows as you dry out on a level base, such as the hard in St Helier. Alternatively, you could do what we do, which is to bumble around and try and remember what the meter showed when you grounded inadvertently. This might differ slightly between mud and sand. Fortunately, in Essex we have plenty of mud.

 

[ghostlymoron]

I was advised by a good sailing friend (and rya instructor) to mount it towards the bow so as to give a bit more warning of reducing depth.
I've always set mine to depth below keel(s) which makes most sense to me.

 

[RupertW]

Measuring when out of the water is all very well, but inaccuracies are likely to creep in. What you actually need to know is what is the least depth you are happy to sail in, as shown on the meter. The gentlest way of doing this is by noting what the meter shows as you dry out on a level base, such as the hard in St Helier. Alternatively, you could do what we do, which is to bumble around and try and remember what the meter showed when you grounded inadvertently. This might differ slightly between mud and sand. Fortunately, in Essex we have plenty of mud.

Exactly this - we know from experience that we ground at 1.3m reading. Could calibrate that but no need once you know

 

[oldsaltoz]

As others have indicated forward will give a little more protection and id good advice.
However, the actual location you choose should be tested before fixing it in position. The simple method is to place the transducer in a clear plastic bag and wet the soul so no air is trapped between the tranducer and the bag. I assume the hull is fibreglass. By turning the sounder on and moving it around you will if the signal is good or bad. small pockets in the original layup or as a result or repairs can produce poor readings.
Once you have confirmed the bests location you van simply stick it down with some sealent making certain there is no air trapped in the mix. No need to cut a hole in the hull at all.
Tip: I find it better to install an off cut of plastic PVC pipe to help support the tranducer.

Good luck and fair winds.