Fish-finder as a Depth Sounder ??

[very_moody]

Guys,

I sail on the east coast in a Moody 346, and wonder if a Fish-finder would make a better depth sounder than the typical units from Raymarine/NASA etc.

Any views or experience?

 

[spannerman]

In that kind of price bracket they make excellent depth sounders, I have used one in the very rocky fjords of Norway for the past 7 yrs 99% of the time as a D.S.
The reason I prefer it is that it shows you the trend of the bottom, if it suddenly ramps up you can usually expect it to continue that way ahead of you so you can slow down accordingly, whereas a D.S. is only showing you a spot depth.

 

[Jools_of_Top_Cat]

I have the lowrance X51, excellent piece of kit, can also be set just to give depth (as in NASA units) will also display like wizzy round ones, nice to see trends as already posted. Also gives water temp and can have paddle wheel added to work as log.

Display is great to read, I would definately recommend this unit.

<font color=blue> Julian </font color=blue>

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.ukstaffords.com>http://www.ukstaffords.com</A>

 

[Viking]

Interested to hear you say that! (funny expression that - 'hear you say' when your reading it) Anyway - I've just fitted a 'fishfinder' (got it cheap - still in the box) but havent had the chance to try it 'under-fire'. So looking forward to using it next season. If I can find the boat under the snow!

PS Found someone in Bergen who seems interested in joining the 'coastal chain' I'll be intouch soon.

 

[spannerman]

What kind of boat have you got? Where were you planning on mounting the transducer?
I run a Bayliner 2655 with the transducer epoxied to the engine room floor, works great up to about 25 kts, then gets a bit intermittent but I have found thats normal with planing boats. and you are lucky if it reads above 20kts with it mounted on the transom, due to air\water turbulence. The best are the proff thro' hull types, just done the refit on Norske Sjøkartverkets mapping boat, transducer is a huge retractable one!
This web page idea could be really good if we get a network of expats involved.

 

[kindredspirit]

Agree with "Spannerman".

You can see it "out of the side of your eye" and you know what the trend on the bottom is all the time. Also you judge if the bottom is rocky, sandy or softish mud, which the ordinary depth sounder won't do.

I have a JRC which has given me no trouble. Lovely colour screen.

Kevin.

 

[mtb]

Re: talking about transducers

While at lbs I brought a ray marine fish finder, it has a transome mounted transducer . As I understand the instructions it may not be suitable for Danbrit as she has a round counter stern , should I bother trying to make up a block so that it can be mounted in the vertical position and if I do that how deep do you lot think I could mount it .
The instructions seem to conflict in this respect. I do want to keep this transducer if I can because it has the paddle wheel for speed which is handy. Fitting a through hull unit will be a hard job not only because she has 9ft draft and would cost a lot to slip but also the hull inside is the usual concrete.
Cheers
Mick

smile you'l be on your boat soon ;-)
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://homepage.ntlworld.com/boats/>http://homepage.ntlworld.com/boats/</A>

 

[Viking]

Its an 'Eagle'. Having a yacht I epoxied the transducer to the bilge floor in the forecabin. So I dont thing I'll have your problems (I have plained on surf in a gale at over 15kts - went off the speedo).

regards

 

[oldsaltoz]

G'day Very Moody, and welcome to the YBW forums.

One thing to look for in fish finders is a good size display of the actual depth reading.

It's one thing to see the trend of a reduction in depth, but another you realise the trend started at only 8 feet, so look some BIG numbers.

I hope this helps

Andavagoodweekend Old Salt Oz /forums/images/icons/cool.gif

 

[cameronke]

UK supplier of Lowrance X51?

Jools
Do you know of a UK supplier and approx price of the Lowrance X51?

Best regards
Cameron Kennedy

 

[Jools_of_Top_Cat]

Re: UK supplier of Lowrance X51?

I bought mine from the boat show 2002 from the redcar fish company for £159.99 inc VAT, though I just purused their site and could not find the X51 listed

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.redcar-fish.co.uk>Redcar Fish Company</A>

I did find one for sale here Phiad Marine for £169.95 which would be about right, £10.00 off at boat show.

It may be worth giving redcar a call and see if they can order one for you at a better price. This is in my opinion a great little unit.

<font color=blue> Julian </font color=blue>

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.ukstaffords.com>http://www.ukstaffords.com</A>