Sorry about the link. Apparently you have to cut and paste it into address bar of Explorer. Not sure why I could not upload pictures duirectly. Possibly fiewall issue.
Thanks for the point about chopped glass vs micro balloons - I would have missed that.
The ST40 unit is great if you do not need to have it tied into a series of repeater displays, etc... In our cockpit even the smaller numbers are clearly visible from aft end of cockpit. (you can toggle between large depth, small speed and large speed, small depth). The unit is reliable and at $349 cdn a very affordable device. Remember if using
GPS that
GPS is speed over ground vs speed over water - can be important if currents, etc... at play and esp if doing any racing. I have heard of display issues with Navman (LCD dies) but not of any with
Raymarine ST40. I have had no problems with the display units and they are easily removed for winter storage...
Location. Now they are about 1.5 feet either side of keel and behind and to the side of head thru hulls. Also beside keel rather than in front of keel. No problems with depth interpretation here - just not so sure if behind the thru hulls for head (2 feet) if this will be a bit bad or a lot bad.
As for how do I like them (more or less answered above)... My boat is for sale. The very first thing I would buy on a cheaper replacement boat is this same instrument. In marine terms is an outstanding value. The only one I would consider in its place would be the more expensive ST60 or Tac Tic but then again we are talking of value. Note that I have also the ST40 wind and without the seatalk cable you can just connect the two yellow wires and get the same thing... ST40 wind is OK but not as good in relation to other products as is the bidata.
Mike