[Rhodes22-list] GPS/Depth Sounder Questions

[David Bradley]

Thanks, Lee, and all of you, for the good input.  I may try the rail-attach
rig and move it from stern rail to Pop Top rail as I get used to viewing it
from different positions.  I don't even like small holes in the bulkhead if
I can avoid them.  Think I'm going to spring for the Garmin 545s.  Based on
collective input it sounds like I can go with an in-hull transducer and
avoid another hole, but I may have to get to that part of the project a bit
later.  Charts should give me enough info for anchoring for now, but I do
believe I should have the depth sounder for the long term if we're going to
be getting into Puget Sound with any regularity...  which is a nice goal.
My #1 priority is the chart plotter in that kind of serious water.

Happy 4th to all.  Happy birthday, America.

Dave B.


On 7/3/07, KUHN, LELAND <LKUHN at cnmc.org> wrote:
>
> Dave,
>
> I agree with Mike that a depth finder is not required, but I'll never be
> without one.  In addition to using it for anchoring, I occasionally like
> to sail close to the shore, and many shorelines go from deep to shallow
> water in no time at all.
>
> As for GPS, I've a handheld with a relatively big display.  If I prop it
> up next to the sink, I can read it from just about anywhere in the
> cockpit (sitting starboard requires a little leaning).  If no one is
> sitting against the leeward side of the cabin, I prop it up on the seat.
> Both positions require something (genoa line, sailing glove, towel,
> etc.) to secure it during heavy wind tacks.
>
> Lee
> 1986 Rhodes22  At Ease
> Crab Alley (Kent Island, MD)
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Michael D. Weisner [mailto:mweisner at ebsmed.com]
> Sent: Monday, July 02, 2007 4:03 PM
> To: The Rhodes 22 mail list
> Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] GPS/Depth Sounder Questions
>
> David,
>
> I mounted my GPS (old Garmin unit) on the tiller handle, just behind the
>
> clip for the hiking stick.  It is out of the way but still close enough
> to
> read easily.  Prior to mounting it, I used to keep it in a mesh sack
> hanging
> from the stern rail, but this proved too hard to access when needed
> (time to
> power up and acquire).  My only problem nowadays is that I need more
> light
> to read these devices in darkness than the small light puts out.
>
> As far as depth meters, I too do not like to make holes in perfectly
> sound
> hulls.  I have discussed this before on the list (Nov 21, 2006) as
> follows:
>
> "The R22 drafts so little that a depth finder is not required - mine was
>
> acquired as a gift.  It sat for 3 years waiting for me to make a hole in
> the
> boat for it, something that I do not like to do.  Finally, I tried
> "shooting
> through the hull" (no hole) in the front of the Lazarette and found that
> it
> was reasonably accurate.  Great toy for people to watch but virtually
> useless on a craft that drafts 2 feet with a kick up rudder and
> centerboard."
>
> If you really feel the need for a depth meter, the location that I chose
> to
> place the transducer was on the floor of the Laz (bottom of boat),  just
>
> behind the cockpit drain fitting.  You can test it in the water by just
> placing the transducer at this point and placing a fender or suitable
> "wedge" to put downwards pressure on the transducer and power up the
> unit.
> You may need to move it around to get the best placement.  Once epoxied
> in
> place, check the calibration by measuring actual depth and compare.
> Mine
> was about 3 inches off at anchor and very consistent while underway,
> except
> when heeled.
>
> Mike
> s/v Shanghai'd Summer ('81)
> Nissequogue River, NY
>
> From: "David Bradley" <dwbrad at gmail.com> Monday, July 02, 2007 3:03 PM
> > We're getting ready for a San Juan Islands trip in August and need to
> get
> > set up with GPS and depth sounder.  I have two questions for the list:
> >
> > 1.  Has anyone had success mounting a GPS unit on a swivel arm, either
> on
> > the stern rail or on the transom?  I'm considering a swivel arm that
> would
> > stay on the stern rail and the unit could be turned to face either
> > Captain's
> > chair.  The unit would have to be removable with wing nuts or
> something
> > like
> > that.  I've got 12V power in the cockpit through the laz, so that part
>
> > would
> > be easy.
> >
> > 2.  Has anyone had any recent experience with the in-hull (puck-shape)
>
> > style
> > of depth sounder transducer?  I have this aversion to drilling holes
> in my
> > boat (hence the jury rig above), and don't want to have to pull the
> boat
> > out
> > of the water if that can be avoided.  I'm wondering about the
> possibility
> > of
> > an in-hull transducer in the lazerette just to the side of the keel
> area.
> > They were skeptical at West Marine, but they don't understand the
> flatter
> > hull design of our boat.
> >
> > I have a hand-held depth sounder which I could still use if needed -
> have
> > never had the need and have been lucky enough not to find a bottom...
> but
> > that won't last.  Could also use a hand-held GPS but the display on
> the
> > fixed mount GPS units is sooooo much better and there is much more
> data
> > available.  Am thinking that I really should have a chart plotter when
> > venturing into Puget Sound and the San Juans.
> >
> > Any recent experiences and perspectives will be appreciated, as
> always.
> >
> > Dave B
> > __________________________________________________
> > Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list
> >
> >
>
>
>
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-- 
David Bradley
+1.206.225.7793
dwbrad at gmail.com