Replacing some instruments. Advice requested..

[john_morris_uk]

I fitted the Nasa clipper combined unit to a boat we had years ago. In those days you couldn't put a keel offset into the unit to get true water depth read out which I found very annoying. (I appreciate people's opinions differ, but I like to know how deep the water really is and think that if I can't remember I need 1.8 metres to float in then I shouldn't be in charge of a boat.)

FWIW I do think the log is important as I also like knowing how fast I'm going through the water. Combine the information with SOG and COG and you have a good feeling for what the tide is doing. I know that cleaning the impeller is a pain in the proverbial, but I think its a pain worth paying (please forgive the mixed metaphors).

Tacktick have a good reputation.
Raymarine are everywhere.
I think the Clipper ones look cheap but I did use them once upon a time and they worked OK

None of them are cheap.

PS Our Raymarine sounder (which is mounted through hull so no losses) reads down to about 120 metres before it goes blank or has a hissy fit and says it can't find the bottom.

 

[GHA]

You will undoubtedly get a lot of opposing views on any manufacturer's kit, particularly with NASA as they are from the cheap end of the scale and so more people have experience of them. Personally I have used NASA log and depth sounder and found them simple to use and reliable - albeit with some drop outs when over soft spots down Southampton Water. With the keel offset carefully set we dared to tack much later than most. The current Raymarine ST60+ is much the same... You can replace the NASA twice over for the differential in price.

The only thing is there is no option of using them in an integrated system, but there is little benefit lost on a cruising boat without a dedicated navigator constantly checking whether to tack!

Rob.

+1

I've also had a clipper duet and st40 bidata. Both worked fine.

 

[ghostlymoron]

I think the NASA combined unit would suit you well. And you could have displays at the helm and a repeater at the chart table. I found mine reliable except the speed transducer which needed regular cleaning and annual replacement. The airmar combined transducer looks good. It would mean only one hole in your boat and i think has a flap valve in the mount so you can pull the transducer out with very little water ingress. (bet it's not cheap though). If you go this way, i'd like to buy your surplus Nasa speed transducer!

 

[ghostlymoron]

Also, think of all the extra space you'll have at your chart table!

 

[PuffTheMagicDragon]

I've just fitted a Tacktick starter kit that gives depth,speed and temp from one transducer to one display, the entry level kit includes everything including the transducer. It needs 12v to the sender and 12v to the display but no wiring between. I was sceptical at first but it works as it should. £270 or thereabouts from Marine Superstore.

Good call. I'd forgotten about Tacktick and the only ones that I have seen were the wind type. I shall have a look at your option and see how much they are locally. Thanks.

 

[PuffTheMagicDragon]

FWIW I do think the log is important as I also like knowing how fast I'm going through the water. Combine the information with SOG and COG and you have a good feeling for what the tide is doing. I know that cleaning the impeller is a pain in the proverbial, but I think its a pain worth paying (please forgive the mixed metaphors).

Yes, what you say is very true. Here in the Mediterranean we have no tides to speak of but there are some areas where the current flow is notorious, one typical place being the Messina Strait between Sicily and the toe of Italy.

However, since the advent of GPS plotters I find that most people, myself included, tend to take the 'easy' (or lazy?) way and read speed and track directly from the display. I find it convenient, although I do log and plot the GPS position every hour onto a paper chart. If nothing else, it gives me something to do besides keeping a lookout and trimming sails while the boat continues under the able guidance of the autopilot.