Depth Sounder

H

HPLou

Member
Joined
Apr 8, 2007
RO Number
25802
Messages
23
My recently purchased boat does not have a depth sounder and I was strongly advise to install one or have it install. I visited the marina near my house and they offer a UNIDEN QT206 for $177,95CDN (aprox $150 US). The total cost with instalation is $400 CDN ($340 US). I find it expensive ( don't need fishsounder).
Is the UNIDEN QT206 a good sounder ?
How easy is it for me to install it ?
Any other sounder sugestions ?

Thank you.
HPLou
 
HPLou

It amazes me when people don't have one. In our lake, you can be running in 50' of water and go to 3' in a couple of seconds...sound decision to add one...are you sure you don't want to use it to spot fish also? They are about the same price with both features, and yes those prices are high and yes you can install it yourself…easier than the stereo.

Stan
 
Probably the best method is get a god huminbird fish finder and it has the alarm and everthing for shalow water also water temp if you like to swim check E bay for some deals but be carfull not old out of date stock buy a decent unit it is worht the extra few dollars Boat fix has some god deals on current new stock easy to install a couple of hours and your home free
 
Thank you again for the replies (well appreciate). I am happy to see that I can get GOOD information on this forum. I do not have lots of knowledge because it's my 1st boat, but i'll be there eventually!
I bought a 18feet Grew V Hull with a V8 GM 305 Stern Drive engine. The boat (as per the last owner) top speed should be close to 50mph (honestly, I am not looking for speed). I read that I most make sure that the sounder installed on my boat will be able to give an accurate read at fast speed (Powerboat Reports July 2003).
Today, do all Sounder are capable to give an accurate read at high speed (if 50mph is considered high speed) ?
I checked the links suggested above (thank you) and the prices are interesting. I can read there are different technologies (installations) available. It would be very important for me to know the differences beetween;
Transom Mount Transducer
Puck Transducer
Surface Mount
Thru-hull Transducer

And with one is easy to install and the best installation for my needs ?

thank you again

HPLou
 
Defintely a do-it-yourself project. Most sounders will be fairly accurate at 50mph, but the problem is, when you're going that fast and the shallow water alarm goes off, you probably won't be stopping in time anyway. I installed one myself, and the transom mounted transducer was pretty easy, once I got over the anxiety of drilling a hole completely through the transom. Here's so pictures of my install:

 
quote:
Originally posted by blouderback

Defintely a do-it-yourself project. Most sounders will be fairly accurate at 50mph, but the problem is, when you're going that fast and the shallow water alarm goes off, you probably won't be stopping in time anyway.
Click to expand...


But you will stop pretty quickly! [:-eyebrows]

I installed an Airmar depth sounder in my boat that uses a transducer that's mounted in an oil filled cup that's glued to the inside of the hull in the bilge area. No drilling or wires running down the transom. The same transducer is used on some other manufacturer's depth sounders.

Anothe advantage to the Airmar is that alarm settings are retained in memory when the sounder is turned off. With the original sounder, the alarms had to be reprogrammed each time the sounder was turned on. A real PITA so it was never done and in effect, there was no alarm feature.
 
Blouderback, Nice boat ..
Thanks for the pictures and your reply.
What Sounder Brand did you buy ?
I see that you have installed it on the left side of the prop, pretty much in the center of the ''V'' on the transom. I am right for the place to install it ?
Drilling a hole through the hull ..... This is ''Scarry'' like you said.
Does all Sounder Brand comes with the transom bracket ?
What about the wire that connects to the sounder, it needs to reach the front dash, were do you
located it so it does not get damage ?
Sorry for my ignorance.
Thank again.
HPLou
 
HPLou

Your looking for a depth (maybe fish) finder with speed sensor. (which is a paddle wheel sensor), is that correct?….the only hole that goes completely through the transom is ABOVE the water line and is where the wire will enter the boat from the sensor. The screws that hold the sensor to the boat as Bob has shown do not go through the entire transom. Actually the screws are very short.

There are so many units that will accept the speed sensor. I have tried to find the least expensive unit that has both capabilities (depth and speed) and give up….most do, some don’t. Call Boatfix and let those fine people help you with the selection. Installation instructions for the sounder/paddle wheel sensors will come with the unit. The paddle wheel speed sensor is a much better speed gauge than the water pickup gauge that is standard in the dash of most boats.

Keep in mind that a GPS will give you true speed in relationship to the world and a paddle wheel will give you true speed through the water. Not always the same thing…

The depth finder has many uses other than not running aground. It is nice to know how far down the bottom is when you anchor. It is a must when you spend time on the hook. Don’t scrimp on this….unlike the stereo, there is safety involved…Stan
 
I bought a Faria depth plus water & air temp gauge so that it matched my existing gauges.

74431M.jpg


As far as where on the transom, the installation manual will help to make sure you have it in a good spot. You don't want to put it in a place that will get turbulance from the hull, like behind a strake or in a place that might get out of the water at high speeds. I got lucky, and it seems to be pretty accurate at all speeds. I split the difference between two strakes, and that seems to work good.

I think most sounders come with the transom bracket by default, but you can usually order a "shoot-through-hull" or "in-hull" transducer for a few extra bucks. The in-hull installations scare me even more, because you have to drill a pretty good size hole (like 3") in the bottom of the boat. The "shoot-through-hull" is probably the least invasive, as there is no drilling through the hull.

I ran my wires under the gunwales. I was able to remove a speaker and cup holders to help with the run.
 
HPLou,

I have installed a transom mount transducer as well and it is an easy project. I carry 2 depth finders (a regular thru hull unit and a wireless Norcross with transom mount as a backup). You definately need one! A couple of thought on what type of transducer:

1. I do not know your boat specifically, but an "in hull" glue in model will NOT work if the hull is cored.
2. If there is any chance the transom mounted transducer could be damaged (e.g., swimmers entering the boat), either relocate it to a safer location or choose a different type. The plastic brackets simply will not take any unusual abuse.

I strongly recommend buying from Boatfix (our sponsor here) for the best price and service. The installation using a transom mount will take you less than two hours (total) and a few dollars for the wiring supplies and a new holesaw to cut the dash for the gauge (using a sharp,new one will contribute to less chipping of surrounding area). Try taping the cutoutlocation with masking tape for a nice smooth cutout. This is definately a DIY job and a way to get some experience with your boat systems. Just follow the instructions and you'll do great!.

Delaware Jim
 
Thank again, this is very constructive information that I receive from you guys. This is great.
For sure, I will contact Boatfix for a quote as soon as I have the boat in my hand in case there is information required about sizes beam or what ever. The boat that I bought was swrink wraped and covered of snow. I was able to dig in the boat (we made a hole in the swink wrap) with the seller, next day my wife and I went back and we made the deal under the swink wrap at -20C.
I contacted the seller and he will bring the boat next monday for the tune up. Then, we will put the boat in the water for a ride and I will pay him the balance at that time (just in case there is something wrong with the engine). I think it's the way to do it, and he agreed.
If the temperature keeps raising, in 2 weekends I will be on the water WITH MY BOAT FINALLY.
I can't wait for that moment (just like a little baby)
For sure I will be back on the forum with my 1st feeling as a Boat Captain ( small boat captain !! )
HPLou
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top