NASA Dual Speed and Depth

[sonarbell]

I would like to change my old propeller driven VDO log and NASA Roundy Roundy old type depth sounder with a new Nasa Dual unit. My biggest worry is drilling the holes in the bottom of my pride and joy to fit the new units. Any suggestions as to what might be my biggest hurdles?? I would very much like to remove the old log propeller unit and use the same hole for one of the new units. Not sure about any of it at all.!!!!
Or should I just pay those very nice men at Naburn Marina to fit the hull transducer and log impeller and leave the wiring etc for me to do.??

 

[Jools_of_Top_Cat]

I nearly bought this unit and was strongly advised against. No keel offset, and apparently the depth will not read less than 2.5M. I instead for the same cash bought a lowrance X51 fishfinder, which is great to read, has water temp and you can fit a paddle wheel as an option. The transducer is transom mount but will equally epoxy to the hull of a fiberglass boat, there is a calibration to ensure this method reads accurately.

Just a thought.

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

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

 

[Johnjo]

Thats handy to know the depth thing!
mike

 

[Strathglass]

The NASA Clipper Duet does have keel offset. I have one and the handbook is here. The only problem I find is that because both sensor inlet connectors on the case are used there is no provision for fitting repeaters to the unit.

The depth sensor can be fitted to a GRP hull without a hole using the NASA in hull kit.

I have fitted many NASA instruments to both yachts and cruisers.
The only problem I have had was when one boat owner wanted the display to indicate 50% above actual boat speed to impress passengers and the internal calibration could not be adjusted far enough.

Iain

<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by iainsimpson on 26/01/2003 23:16 (server time).</FONT></P>

 

[Jools_of_Top_Cat]

This is just what I have been told by other users, I generally like NASA clipper stuff, I have the wind speed and am extreemly happy with it, yet I have heard many scourn it.

Before you turn away do check with someone who actually owns one, they might have a totally different view from me.


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

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

 

[jleaworthy]

Agree with Iain. Fitted a Duet recently without problems. Epoxied the echo sounder transducer directly to the inside of the grp hull and got a very good signal that way. The handbook points out how important it is to glass in the the through-hull fitting for the log to provide increased strength where you have drilled quite a large hole. A couple of layers of 2 oz glass seems to do the trick alright but only time will tell! Prices seem to vary quite a lot. I paid £150 (inc Vat) for mine from Compass.

 

[sonarbell]

Thanks for all the info so far. The old Depth transducer is also fixed to the inside of the hull. Maybe I can use this.? Are they all the same? It is an old seafarer 700 type I think. Not a NASA type.

 

[chrishewett]

I fitted a clipper duet last year and it couldnt have been easier. you can use the same transducer from your old depth sounder, it should just plug straight in the back. Dont shorten the cable. The hole to drill in the hull for the paddle wheel is 42mm and should be larger than the hole left by your old prop. fit the tube in with sikaflex and build up inside after fitting the nut with GRP bridging compound. The unit itself works perfectly and does have keel ofset. The only other thing I had to do was fit a supressor to the engine.
Hope this is of some help.

 

[Jacket]

Yes, it has keel ofset. It also reads accurately right down to when my keel goes "Bump", which is when the waters abou 0.8 m below the transducer.

 

[FlyingSpud]

I fitted a Nasa Depth and Log to my old boat, and they worked fine. I used the old depth transducer, but was told at the time not all would work. Ask NASA as they are good at giving advice on this sort of thing

The only things you do not get (at least when I bought a set about 7 years ago)– and hence the cheaper price I suppose – is
1. The ability to link to other instruments (i.e. to get True and apparent wind)
2. The log impeller housing is very basic and does not have the built in quick seal you find on the more expensive sets, this means that taking the impeller in to clean does involve shipping a lot of water and I found as a result (‘cos I don’t like looking at a hole in the bottom of a boat) I tended to ignore it and use GPS, which was bad of me.
I also replaced a VDO and taking up from my second point, they are often in awkward places, remember that you do need to get to the impeller often, and need to be in a comfortable position.
On the whole, good value though

 

[Davydine]

I replaced an old seafarer echo sounder with a NASA target depth and used the old transducer as a temporary measure until the boat came out of the water. Two years later it is still working fine! I have been out of the water but if it aint broke...

I have had no problems with readings in shallow water down to about 0.8 metres but I did have some erratic readings before I had my old Stuart Turner engine replaced with a new diesel. There was obviously a supression problem with the engine, when it was running, not a problem with the sounder.

Hope this helps...

David

 

[kingfisher]

I had a Seafarer rotary depth sounder with an internaly mounted sensor in an oil bath. I replaced it with a Clipper depth. The sensor of the Clipper simply fitted exactly in the recipient that was glassed in by the previous owner. No problems whatsoever, both in installation and in working. Had it for two seasons now, still going beautifull.

They're cheaper, because of the lack of options (no communication with other eqpt.), not by the lack of quality.

Good visibility of numerals. Still waterproof, no humidity inside.



Group of people on the pontoon: skipper is the one with the toolbox.
http://sirocco31.tripod.com

 

[Guest]

Had them - would buy again .... fit yourself - easy.

One tip : The echo-sounder tube used inside the hull. If it leaks the castor oil, then take it off the hull...... Break away the old glassing and then to clean the area thouroughly .... Mr. Muscle Oven Cleaner sprayed on .... Levae it for while and then wipe away with absorbent cloth. Once bulk of foam is away .... repeat if necessary, as often the castor goes thick and black where it leaks and may need 2-3 applications. Once clean then wipe with fresh water till 'squeeky clean' !!! This is a now perfect surface for glassing up properly ! Clean the tube similarly and roughen up the outer surface where you will glass. Two blobs of quick dry epoxy to hold the tube in place. Now glass up the tube to hull making sure that all -round is sealed. I used Davids Isopon on one boat - no problem, plastic metal on another - no problem ....

Hole cutting for the log ..... another has already described it and its a doddle !!

Another tip ..... the blanking plug for the log tube ..... driil a hole in the centre centre and fit with washers a bolt with 2 nuts ..... so that it stands proud of the plug and has a loop of wire attached ... other end tied of to the through hull fitting. The wire should be able to turn around the bolt while you fit to the log tube. You will then not lose the blanking plug / have to search for it !! I don't know why the manaufactures don't provide this facility anyway ....

Why pay another humoungous rates for a simple job !


Nigel ...
Bilge Keelers get up further ! I only came - cos they said there was FREE Guinness !

 

[Guest]

Keel offset ... Yes mine has
Reads no problem if water touches hull ! Mine goes down to .7 m - where thw water starts to not touch hull .....

you were badly advised !

Nigel ...
Bilge Keelers get up further ! I only came - cos they said there was FREE Guinness !

 

[Guest]

Nasa gear ..... built to do a job

You pay for what you get ..... ok fancy bibs and bobs like interfacing etc. is not there .... but you are paying less !! Echopilot mini dual is same and priced about same ... so ..

NASA have always made it clear they are providing practical useable gear for the cheaper end of market. Of course components etc. will be debatably less qulity - who cares if it works - I have had their Decca - excellent, Navtex - excellent, Target Duet - excellent etc. I actually couldn;t justify the extra for the Clipper !!! So bought Target and never regretted it. Many I know have had returns and other things with Nasa factory .... no problems they have all had good service from Nasa direct.


Nigel ...
Bilge Keelers get up further ! I only came - cos they said there was FREE Guinness !

 

[Strathglass]

Re: Nasa gear ..... built to do a job

I have found them very helpful. I had purchased a Target wind and before I installed it they had introduced the Clipper range. Although I had purchased it some time previously they gave me a good exchange price to update to the Clipper display. Their repair prices when well out of waranty are not excessive. They may be low cost but are not cheap they are just built for a specific part of the market.

Iain

 

[milltech]

Many of Seafarers transducers were manufactured for them by Nasa and most should be interchangable. A call to Nasa on 01438 354033 will put you right.

If you'd like to see in advance the process of installation you can go to my web site and click, "the shop", click "marine instruments" and find either the Clipper Duet, Clipper Depth, or Clipper Log and on the page you will see a link to download the instruction manual as a pdf file, which you might find helpful to read.

John
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.allgadgets.co.uk>http://www.allgadgets.co.uk</A>

 

[Guest]

Who\'s arguing ????? I agree

*

Nigel ...
Bilge Keelers get up further ! I only came - cos they said there was FREE Guinness !

 

[Strathglass]

Nobody we are all agreeing.

Good to see it happening.

ps GPS site usefull.
Just had yahoo problems finding unused user name, sorted now.

Cheers
Iain

<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by iainsimpson on 27/01/2003 11:50 (server time).</FONT></P>

 

[gjeffery]

I have just fitted a Duet. The only concern is that NASA recommend using a silicone sealant to seal the paddle wheel skin fitting flange to the hull. I questioned this both by e-mail, and in person at the LBS and was told that silicone is compatible with the polymer that the skin fitting is made from; other sealants may not be. Like you, I would have preferred to use sikaflex, which I have used for all other hull fittings.

I followed NASA instructions and glassed the skin fitting in using the Plastic Padding filler that contains glass fibres. Seemed to work OK and does provide some security if the nut that pulls the skin fitting down on the inside of the hull fails.