Bow Depth Sounder

[ALICE J]

How would I install a depth sounder in the bow of my R27 2011, with an installed AC unit under the berth and above the thruster. I travel in thin water and the presently installed Garmin sounder is slightly aft of the lowest keel member. So I am always aground before the sounder warns me of shallow water.

 

[Cutwater28GG]

Forward looking sounder? There's some pretty amazing chirp technology now that wouldn't need a transducer in a forward location
Check out the Garmin website

 

[Captain Nice]

Evening Alice J,

Could adjusting the keel offset value (water depth below the keel instead of water depth below the transducer) help with this problem?

CN

 

[ALICE J]

I appreciate the responses, but I think my real question is; Has any actually located an ordinary sounder in the bow section next to the thruster inside the hull, given the extreme angle of the bow?

 

[walldog]

I appreciate the responses, but I think my real question is; Has any actually located an ordinary sounder in the bow section next to the thruster inside the hull, given the extreme angle of the bow?

Interesting thoughts. I have wished for something similar myself. The transducer is designed to be mounted inside the hull and angled such that it is parallel with the surface of the water. I do not believe that the bracket would give you enough angle to overcome the deadrise of the hull in that area. However I am sure that one could be fabricated to accomplish this angle necessary. The mounting bracket is designed to be liquid filled to eliminate air spaces between the surface of the transducer and the water outside the hull. The mounting companies say NOT to mount the transducer with a mastic or sealer directly to the inside of the hull, although Ranger Tug does this with good results. I do not see why you could not mount an additional transducer in the bow thruster area from inside the boat and make an arrangement to switch to it when needed. I do not think it would work very well at speeds above 3 to 5 knots due to bow rising and turbulance as speeds increase.

Good luck and keep us posted if you decide to do this project.

 

[Irish Mist]

Just a thought What about a portable unit on some kind of a pole you could mont to the rail when you get close to these areas you are exploring ?