Depth Gauge vs. Fishfinder

[larsfis]

I''m looking to replace a depth gauge and transducer. In looking for a new unit, it seems like depth gauges and fishfinders are comparable in price while fishfinders offer many more features. For example: fish location, bottom contour, and bottom hardness indications (not to mention water temp and speed). In comparison, most depth gauges only present you with a number. Is there any reason why most sailboats have a depth gauge rather than a fishfinder?

Thanks

[waltzingmatilda]

Larsfis,
I think it''s mainly just tradition -- ie., the way it''s always been. I have an inexpensive Garmin fishfinder on my Cape Dory 26, and it works fine. I agree totally with you, the fishfinder shows things like bottom status, etc., which can be useful to sailors. I asked the same question about a year ago, and decided to get a fishfinder, and have not regretted it. Good luck and fair winds.

[pirateofcapeann]

Fish finders present us sailors with way too much useless information and require far too much attention for our particular purpose on the water. I want to be presented with the depth, in fathoms or feet, pure and simple. I want to be able to see the numbers on the unit from 10 feet across the cockpit. If you want to give more information, I’d like the water temperature as well. I don’t want to have to adjust knobs and dials to get the best resolution, nor do I want to have to try to figure out which color means what. Just give me the damn depth. Fishing boats need that type of information, but I’ll tell you what, I tried fishing aboard my C22 a couple of times. Dealing with the blood, guts and fish guck all over my decks put an end to that practice.