modification to mastendr system and depth finder

[VanCura]

I have a 1983 Compac 16 and have questions on two modifications.  First, is there a way to retrofit the new mastendr system in a cost effective manner and second, does anyone have any suggestions for a depth finder and where to mount the transducer.  I live in Wrightsville Beach, NC and it seems to be shallow everywhere I go.  THANKS.  MARK

[Tim Gardner]

I have a 1983 Compac 16 and have questions on two modifications.  First, is there a way to retrofit the new mastendr system in a cost effective manner and second, does anyone have any suggestions for a depth finder and where to mount the transducer.  I live in Wrightsville Beach, NC and it seems to be shallow everywhere I go.  THANKS.  MARK

Go to http://www.ipass.net/sailboat/.  They aren't far from you and have done just this retrofit.  TG

[mikew]

Mark, I can't help with the masttender system- ( yes try the North Carolina dealer mentioned. ) I have a 1983 CP-16 and installed a depth finder.
I bought a model made by Eagle for about $80. The transducer was made for an external transom bracket but I glued the unit inside the hull ( to shoot through the hull) with good results. I am not as concerned with fish finding but the LCD does show a nice trend up or down in depth keeping me out of trouble. The location for the transducer is inside the boat in the rear locker where the hull is flattest. The unit is glued on one side just aft of the plywood at the foot of the bunk near an PVC drain pipe. My display is mounted on a homemade hinge bracket just inside of the companionway hatch that swings out for use but inwards for storage. The unit only draws 1/10 of an amp so I can leave it on all day. I just saw a similar unit for about $80 at my local Walmart, sporting section.

Mike    

[kickingbug1]

    the one thing you must do when "gluing" a transducer inside the hull is to make sure there are no bubbles in the "glue" as this will distort the signal.

[Greene]

Kick is right.  The mfr's recommend using a Slow Set Epoxy to give the bubbles a chance to disappear.

Mike

[DaveE]

If you don't want to permanently glue the transducer you can glue a short piece of 3" pvc in the same location mentioned above.  You then fill the cup like space with water and drop the transducer in. A hockey puck style transducer works best.

By the way, has anyone found a place to mount a transducer nearer the bow?  I always get the feeling after I hit something that the rear mount provides too little information too late.

DaveE