Is depth important?

[Jim Cate]

Is depth important?

Nahh, not important... until there isn't enough of it!

Seriously, I too feel that it is an important tool for the navigator, especially when in unfamilir waters. The lead line is all very well, but unless you have a crewperson skilled in its use standing on the foredeck ready to cast at all times, situations can sneak up on you, whereas the depth sounder is on duty all the time... even when you don't think you need it but really do!

Jim

[valhalla360]

A lead line is a nice emergency backup and can be useful creeping ever so slowly into an anchorage...it is no where near as good as a sounder.

As a couple of others have said: No you don't need it until you run out of depth.