[Rhodes22-list] GPS/Depth Sounder Location Question

[John Lock]

At 02:35 PM 7/2/2007 -0700, Tootle wrote:
>The depth sounder/fish finder needs to shoot straight down.  However, the
>inside surface is angular, it can be made horizontal for this purpose.  The
>hull can be accessed several places forward of the compression post, such as
>under the head area, under the floor to left and adjacent to battery
>compartment, and next to battery.  These forward locations might give more
>warning if approaching obstacles.  Wires could be run under seats and to
>cockpit for readout device where ever you decide to locate it.  Just forward
>of keel might yield the least water turbulence issues.  It is also the
>deepest part of the boat, which may yield more accurate measurements.

There was a recent article in Sail magazine (May 2007, pg. 37) 
describing the virtues of having your depth finder read actual water 
depth, not depth under the keel.  That implies mounting as close to 
the waterline as possible, not in the deepest part of the 
boat.  However, mounting as far forward as possible is a very good plan.

While the angle of mount should be as flat as possible, it's not 
critical in shallow water.  The deviation will be quite small.  It's 
more of an issue in deep water where the angle could read very 
different depths than what's actually under the boat.

All of this becomes moot under sail with the boat heeled over.  The 
depth sounder cannot be trusted in that attitude, mounted flat or otherwise.

Cheers!

John Lock
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
s/v Pandion - '79 Rhodes 22
Lake Sinclair, GA
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~