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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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Depth finder update

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Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5318 Posts

Initially Posted - 08/04/2008 : 11:01:02

The depth finder mod worked great!

I pulled the electronic module out of the DataMarine S-200-DL, and cleaned off the glass with a razor blade.

After disconnecting all the wires and cleaning the metal housing with a moist 3M pad, what remained was a 4 inch diameter by 4 inch long weatherproof housing, complete with electrical screw terminals on the back.

The new module fit perfectly between the glass and the rear metal panel with the help of a mounting adjustment screw. I sealed the external part of the housing with aquarium silicone and the exterior seals [where the housing fits into the cockpit bulkhead] with polysulfide.

The power connections went right back into place. I removed the old transducer cable from the wire harness (coiled it and tied it off) and fished the new one up under the companionway ladder to join the bundle.

Then I took a sail yesterday around some rocky, ledgy areas nearby, over a six hour span from High tide (13:15) to Low tide (19:40) with one of the highest tidal ranges of the month (7.3 to -0.4) of the month.

I missed all the typical hazards on the chart with water to spare and the depth readings all seemed to be reasonable.

I set the depth alarm to 8 feet, to account for the plus and minus wave action. Assuming a 4 foot wave, when you bottom out, you could eat up the 2+ feet easily.

I noticed one issue however. The sensor is located on the starboard side of the hull just underneath the cockpit bulkhead. It must be in line with a portion of the keel because I noticed while on a starboard tack at a 15+ degree heel, the meter read two dashes, or "no reading".

I will look to move the sensor a little further aft and give it another try. Not a bad excuse for having to do some more sailing.

Bruce Ross
Passage ~ SR-FK ~ C25 #5032

Port Captain � Milford, CT

Edited by - on

Stardog
Captain

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USA
319 Posts

Response Posted - 08/06/2008 : 10:17:44

Congratulations, nicely done. Back in the olden days before I began using a depth sounder, I ran aground a few times. It's pretty annoying and can do damage to your keel as well. My depth sounder has saved my arse many times... and probably my pocketbook. Mine is mounted ahead of the keel, so if you continue to have problems on starboard tack, be aware that you have the option to move the transducer to the bow.

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Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5318 Posts

Response Posted - 08/06/2008 : 20:16:05

I checked the transducer today and found that the wax ring material had a few gaps in it. I removed the material and formed a new plug of wax using a short plastic tube as a form.

After I put the new wax down, then wedged the transducer down on the wax inside of the hull, it provided a solid, consistent reading.

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 08/07/2008 : 08:57:36

"It must be in line with a portion of the keel because I noticed while on a starboard tack at a 15+ degree heel, the meter read two dashes"

Unless your keel is moving around, the transducer beam relative to the keel is the same on all angles of heel. However, when you're heeling the beam is starting to shoot off to the side of the boat and won't get a 'direct' reflection. (boat on it's side, it will be shooting into the air).

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Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5318 Posts

Response Posted - 08/07/2008 : 22:06:25

So Bruce - are you saying that when I'm on a 15 degree heel, the transducer is shooting through a portion of the hull that is no longer in the water?

So, perhaps I'd be better off placing the transducer <i>closer</i> to the centerline?

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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 08/07/2008 : 22:38:42

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Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5318 Posts

Response Posted - 08/08/2008 : 09:21:37

Dave -- Perfect illustration!

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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 08/08/2008 : 11:00:24

...although if you rotate that to level the horizon, you'll see they're at a lot more than 15 degrees! Overpowered... The rail is definitely awash, and the guy by the mast definitely isn't helping!

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 08/08/2008 11:06:00

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.