Instruments - am I being dense?

[Metabarca]

I'm in the market for a new depth sounder, and have mulled over past posts, etc. I like the Raymarine ST60 but seems rather expensive for what I want; the Navmarine seems a good alternative. The Tacktick seems even better (easy to install) but very expensive. Anyone have any experience of Tacktick?
And then I thought: 'fishfinder'! The Navmarine 4800 got a good writeup from some of you, but then I said to myself: 'where do I put it?' Or am I being dense? It can't go on the pod over the hatch, after all. So does it go on the chart table with a repeater on the hatch (this repeater presumably just gives me the depth in figures, so I might as well stick with a depth sounder (or am I, etc.)?
confused! /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[boatmike]

A "fishfinder" is just a depth sounder with more functions. They are both sonar sets. If you see a fishfinder with repeater at a reasonable price it will do the job OK. I would have thought a stand alone sounder would have been cheaper though?

 

[branko]

I have ST 60 and it serve very good. I decide to buy all instrumentation from one producer ( Raymarine) as I can share data via Seatalk + NMEA ( almost double quantity of data). Raymarine in US is much cheaper than here(see www.defender.com). Regards!

 

[bigmart]

I bought the full kit of Tacktick & am very pleased with the system. Its easy to fit & easy to add to. The instrument heads will fit on any flat surface without major surgery being required.

The ability to be able to remove all major parts appeals from the security point of view.

In the end you pays your money & you takes your choice.

Martin

 

[jstalpaert]

I also bought the full kit of Tacktick instruments to replace my old Stowe instruments on my Sigma 362. Installation is indeed very easy, and that does make a difference in cost!

 

[tozer]

i have raymarine and can,t speak higher of it

 

[jfkal]

Get a used Raymarine and save some money. Seatalk makes it easy to hook up as many repeaters as you like.

 

[Guest]

No - practical and sensible post ...

Many advocate the Fish-finder and if you have space then I agree.
But many boats especially on the small to mod size - space is a premium and that FF will occupy precious part.
Ok so mount it inside at chart area, repeater at helm station .... but then the advantage of the FF is lost and you are looking at basic depth at the helm. Plus the cost of the repeater is near enough the cost a basic depth unit ....

For me - FF yes if you have space, if not then I like the Dual Display jobs ... speed and depth ... or just depth if speed already catered for. The beauty of the display is that it is waterproof and can be mounted literally anywhere there is a about 15cms square area .....

 

[ShipsWoofy]

Re: No - practical and sensible post ...

If you have a look at the Lowrance X51 it takes a footprint not much larger than the average instrument, it can be flush mounted.

I have a link to an american company who sells a cover for them too.

Weather covers