Depth finder

[007]

I just want to find a cheap depth finder. No frills, no GPS, it doesn't even have to tell the water temp. Any ideas?

cheap

[boom]

I think I have one that is calibrated that is rated up to 36" that I can let go pretty cheap. Then I have a retractable one that goes to 25ft that would be a little more.

[Unclehandy]

Eagle makes some pretty cheap ones. I have had one for years, but I never use it. I would sell it to you, but I dont know if it even works anymore. I think water temp comes standard on all of them that I know of. Check these out.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SportingGoods?RequestAction=advisor&RequestData=CA_AttributeSelected&UseSheet=&ResultsPerPage=25&CatPath=All%2BProducts%252F%252F%252F%252FElectron ics%252F%252F%252F%252FMarine%2BElectronics%252F%2 52F%252F%252FFish%2BFinders%2B%2526%2BNavigation&OrigCatPath=All%2BProducts%252F%252F%252F%252FElec tronics%252F%252F%252F%252FMarine%2BElectronics%25 2F%252F%252F%252FFish%2BFinders%2B%2526%2BNavigati on&AttribSel=Price+Range+%3D+%27%252475%2520to%2520%2 524100%27&submitted=yes&cmSType=N&viewastext=false&eaport=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.basspro.com%2Fwebapp%2Fwcs %2Fstores%2Fservlet%2F&storeId=10151&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&categoryId=250003001&deptId=250000000&subdeptId=250003000&ea_sortDirection=&ea_sortColumnName=&currentpage=1

[WestEndAngler]

Yah I was looking at one for my boat just so I could tell when I was getting shallow when drifiting shell reefs... They don't sound good on an aluminum hull :D

Although I wouldn't want to drill into mine I was looking at the suction cup models... Not sure how they'd hold on when I get to moving etc.

[WestEndAngler]

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/content/Pod/06/58/45/p065845sq01.jpg

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/pod/standard-pod-wrapped.jsp?id=0065845&navCount=1&parentId=cat601356&masterpathid=&navAction=push&cmCat=MainCatcat21276-cat601356_TGP&parentType=index&indexId=cat601356&rid=


Here's the one I was considering...


http://images.cabelas.com/is/image/cabelas/s7_020646_imageset_01?$main-Large$

Its 129.00 so a bit more than what you might want to spend... Anyone ever use the suction cup model? I wonder if it will adhear to aluminum

[Unclehandy]

Yah I was looking at one for my boat just so I could tell when I was getting shallow when drifiting shell reefs... They don't sound good on an aluminum hull :D

Although I wouldn't want to drill into mine I was looking at the suction cup models... Not sure how they'd hold on when I get to moving etc.

Look at the one that attaches to your rod!

[WestEndAngler]

I will take another look didn't see how it would sit in the water while your moving though...

[WestEndAngler]

http://images.cabelas.com/is/image/cabelas/s7_010095_200_01?$main-Large$

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?type=product&cmCat=Related_IPL_020646&id=0000844010095a

I might mount this on my rear hunt deck next to the engine... Perhaps it will clear... What do yall think about the suction cup model on painted aluminum?

[boom]

Yah I was looking at one for my boat just so I could tell when I was getting shallow when drifiting shell reefs... They don't sound good on an aluminum hull :D

Although I wouldn't want to drill into mine I was looking at the suction cup models... Not sure how they'd hold on when I get to moving etc.

You can epoxy the transducer to the floor of the boat (inside) and if done right it will actually read better than if screwed to the transome.

[007]

Eagle makes some pretty cheap ones. I have had one for years, but I never use it. I would sell it to you, but I dont know if it even works anymore. I think water temp comes standard on all of them that I know of. Check these out.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SportingGoods?RequestAction=advisor&RequestData=CA_AttributeSelected&UseSheet=&ResultsPerPage=25&CatPath=All%2BProducts%252F%252F%252F%252FElectron ics%252F%252F%252F%252FMarine%2BElectronics%252F%2 52F%252F%252FFish%2BFinders%2B%2526%2BNavigation&OrigCatPath=All%2BProducts%252F%252F%252F%252FElec tronics%252F%252F%252F%252FMarine%2BElectronics%25 2F%252F%252F%252FFish%2BFinders%2B%2526%2BNavigati on&AttribSel=Price+Range+%3D+%27%252475%2520to%2520%2 524100%27&submitted=yes&cmSType=N&viewastext=false&eaport=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.basspro.com%2Fwebapp%2Fwcs %2Fstores%2Fservlet%2F&storeId=10151&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&categoryId=250003001&deptId=250000000&subdeptId=250003000&ea_sortDirection=&ea_sortColumnName=&currentpage=1

Some of those look pretty good for the price.

[Unclehandy]

Some of those look pretty good for the price.

I had the $79 on my last boat for like 5 yrs. Sold it working with the boat. They work fine for the basic stuff.

[007]

I had the $79 on my last boat for like 5 yrs. Sold it working with the boat. They work fine for the basic stuff.

I just want it to target drop offs.

[WestEndAngler]

Really good Mike. It would be a snap to re run the wires considering you already have them run etc... I was looking at your setup the other day...

[Unclehandy]

I just want it to target drop offs.

It'll work fine. I used it to find the deep holes out at the north jetty, with no problems.

[WestEndAngler]

You can epoxy the transducer to the floor of the boat (inside) and if done right it will actually read better than if screwed to the transome.

Not following you here Boom... explain are you talking a thru hull transducer?

[007]

Really good Mike. It would be a snap to re run the wires considering you already have them run etc... I was looking at your setup the other day...

When I replaced my steering, I pulled 6 strings when I pulled the cable back thru.

[boom]

No. You buy a different transducer that is just a "puck" with the wires coming out. You then hook everthing up and set it in the bottom of the boat with sand bags to secure it and find where it reads the best. Then you mix epoxy and set it to the bottom of the boat. You have to make sure there are no air bubbles in the mixture and it will read better than the screw on transducers.
A transducer is nothing more than a microphone/speaker that transmits a ping and then listens for the return of the ping. When you tie the transducer into the whole bottom of the boat it essentually makes the system a ghetto blaster.

[boom]

<< Shoot-Thru-Hull Mount
In this installation, the transducer is bonded to the inside of the hull with epoxy. Ideally, the transducer is placed in the aft third of the hull close to the centerline. The signal "shoots through" the hull with some loss of signal strength. This installation must be made in an area of the hull that is made from solid fiberglass, with no air bubbles or separated layers. If the hull is of multi-layer or "sandwich" construction, you will have to remove the inner layer of fiberglass and the wood or foam core to expose the outer layer of the hull. This type of mount is recommended only with 192 or 200 kHz transducers.

http://www.lowrance.com/en/Support/Tips-and-Tutorials/Transducer-Guide/

[Unclehandy]

<< Shoot-Thru-Hull Mount
In this installation, the transducer is bonded to the inside of the hull with epoxy. Ideally, the transducer is placed in the aft third of the hull close to the centerline. The signal "shoots through" the hull with some loss of signal strength. This installation must be made in an area of the hull that is made from solid fiberglass, with no air bubbles or separated layers. If the hull is of multi-layer or "sandwich" construction, you will have to remove the inner layer of fiberglass and the wood or foam core to expose the outer layer of the hull. This type of mount is recommended only with 192 or 200 kHz transducers.

http://www.lowrance.com/en/Support/Tips-and-Tutorials/Transducer-Guide/

Its for his aluminum hull

[WestEndAngler]

Now I'm really lost Boom, I think I understand what your saying however I have a raised deck and a 3M product on the floor that reduces noise etc, The only way to mount it would be in the rear where the switches / battery and bilge pump are mounted... Not even sure if that would be the optimal position. How big is this "puck"

[WestEndAngler]

<< Shoot-Thru-Hull Mount
This installation must be made in an area of the hull that is made from solid fiberglass

Yah I'm running an aluminum boat :D

[Unclehandy]

Now I'm really lost Boom, I think I understand what your saying however I have a raised deck and a 3M product on the floor that reduces noise etc, The only way to mount it would be in the rear where the switches / battery and bilge pump are mounted... Not even sure if that would be the optimal position. How big is this "puck"

Or, you could just epoxy the regular transducer on the outside! Look at this product! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_4a4O7kXQo

[WestEndAngler]

The whole reason I dont want to drill into the rear hunt deck is b/c its filled with foam floatation and don't want to saturate it with water... I know I can use silicone but would rather not screw into it this early in her life...

[WestEndAngler]

Or, you could just epoxy the regular transducer on the outside! Look at this product! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_4a4O7kXQo

Can't view YouTube at work...

[boom]

http://www.lowrance.com/en/Support/Tips-and-Tutorials/Sonar-Tutorial/

Here is a good read about sonar in general from my buddies at Lowrance. I was just talking about this with oo7 last week. Reading and understanding sonar is a continuing process. (same with radar) For bay applications we use it mostly to find drops, channels, and read bottom types. Generally bays are too shallow to mark actual fish and most fish will have long before been spooked by the boat before the sonar reads the area. But when using sonar in deep water, a strong unit will tell you a lot more than just fish are under the boat. A good reader can tell you what type of fish and which side of the boat they are on.
Will kirkpatrick up on Lake Sam Rayburn puts on an awsome maps and electronics course that last 3 days several times a year. I take a refresher course every couple of years just to retain the little that I know about it.

[Unclehandy]

Can't view YouTube at work...

I was just saying that you can just use epoxy to mount it, instead of screws. Although if the puck will work through the aluminum it would be better.

[boom]

I think a sth (shoot through hull) will work in an aluminum boat, I will check with my buds @ lowrance if you would like me to. The puck is maybe 2" diameter. You would have to have the mount area clean of foam, but after the installation is complete you could refoam. There is also a trolling motor mounted transducer if you run one, but obviously it would be worthless when you are running on the main motor.

[small bites]

We are looking at a HDS7. Anybody have any expierence with that one? Would appreciate any pros and cons.

sb:>

[boom]

All lowrance products are good and work the same. I get 10% off their prices if that helps.

[FlatoutFishin]

I just want to find a cheap depth finder. No frills, no GPS, it doesn't even have to tell the water temp. Any ideas?

cheap


Here you go you cheap fugger!

Even comes in a grey and tan color. :thumbup:

[007]

Here you go you cheap fugger!

Even comes in a grey and tan color. :thumbup:

You KNOW what you can do with that "depth finder" don't you?

[FlatoutFishin]

You KNOW what you can do with that "depth finder" don't you?

Shove it up your.......:eek:

[Robalo]

Coe:

I did thru hull before-if you even have a small bubble in the epoxy, it messes it up. I would not recommend thru hull transducer, especially in an aluminium boat. Just get some of the white marine adhesive (#3)? -I forgot the brand name but any marine dealer will know it and glue the transducer mounting bracket to your stern. I like Lowrance/Eagle/Seaview depthfinders-on the 23 Robalo I get readings in 2-3' waves while running. I had a Hummingbird about 20 years ago and gave it away-dang thing only gave readings at hull speed - putting. On my "missing" boat, I had an Eagle Magna III that was about 15 years old-heck the cable connects rotted at the unit and I used simple brass pin connectors because new cables cost more than the thing was worth-it worked until Ike put it somewhere.:(

[Unclehandy]

Screw you IKE! You son of a ......!

[Robalo]

Unclehandy:

I need your avatar at me and all my brothers bay houses due to all the freaking low-life thieves!! I mentioned before that 2 of my bros have caught theives -1 got 6 mos probation for about $5k worth of stuff he was caught stealing:mad:. My other brother caught 2 and we don't know what Galveston DA did to them-likely slapped them on the wrist and said bad boys and let 'em go:(.

[Unclehandy]

Unclehandy:

I need your avatar at me and all my brothers bay houses due to all the freaking low-life thieves!! I mentioned before that 2 of my bros have caught theives -1 got 6 mos probation for about $5k worth of stuff he was caught stealing:mad:. My other brother caught 2 and we don't know what Galveston DA did to them-likely slapped them on the wrist and said bad boys and let 'em go:(.

I know its ridiculous! You can actually have that sign made a sign shop. They can make it look just like that on plastic or aluminum. Usually runs about 20-40 bucks depending on where you go.

[Robalo]

Need to add to the sign:

"Joe Horn, Proprietor". He is a hero in my book. My neighbor always was checking my contractors and had them so scared, the contractors would call me each time before they showed and asked if I would advise my neighbor they were coming down so he don't shoot them. Everyone should have a neighbor like I do.