Ideas on electroincs ( depth finder, etc )

[SpcAlan1]

My 1979 Islander 30 has this 'podium' surrounding the wheel that can house electronics.

I am definitely wanting to add a depth finder. Must have, but this opening is probably 12" by 5" in size. shaped like a toaster.

What brand do you prefer for the depth finder?

I am not wanting to add one of those fancy 'wind direction' gauges ( unless i find one super cheap ) to fill the hole.

or should I go for a all in one - depth, speed, wind?

Suggestions?

[szigi]

If you need to fill the hole, I suggest you first install (with sealant and screws) a piece of teak plank (or whatever, but teak doesn't look cheap) over the hole, then install the instrument. This can look really nice and should take care of not letting water to the back of the instruments.

As on the brand, I don't think that there are lot of differences for depth sounders with the popular brands. I depends, I you would later want integrated instrument. If yes, then choose the brand accordingly, sometimes it is a pain to integrate different brands (but then again, a depth instrument is very simple in this respect.)

[Faster]

Originally Posted by SpcAlan1

My 1979 Islander 30 has this 'podium' surrounding the wheel that can house electronics.

Can you post a picture here in the thread that we can take a look at?

[SpcAlan1]

Thanks for the response.

Yes, i agree I need to fill in the hole first.

I just dont want a 'fishing type depth finder ' on my sailboat. just a gauge that says 40ft.

[SpcAlan1]

I just added a photo to my galley here.
http://www.sailnet.com/photogallery/.../ppuser/166433

Hopefully the link works, if no just go to the galleries and should be the first photo.

[Faster]

Here's the pic:



But I think we need to see what's under the towel/cover... (and from the other side..)

Also... please scour Craigslist for a larger wheel lest someone thinks it's a MacGregor

[tomperanteau]

Originally Posted by Faster

lest someone thinks it's a MacGregor

LOL! Okay now. MacGregors are really well engineered for what they do. Most ALL of us would not have one, but they do serve a niche.