Recommendations for SIMPLE depth & speed

[svfinlandia]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

Forget a paddle wheel speed unit. Get speed off your GPS. If you just want a simple inexpensive depth sounder get a fish finder type for powerboats. They work great.

Guys:
You are confusing SOG (Speed Over Ground - provided by GPS) with SOW (Speed Over Water - provided by paddle wheel or some other device).
SOG is your actual speed. SOW accounts for current.

Al, S/V Finlandia

[Stu Jackson]

Simple instruments: DMI Marine, Inc.

[sy_gilana]

Airmar DST800L N2K version.
Plug it into your laptop
No further questions.

[s/v Jedi]

Funny how people confuse simple with old and tired, obsolete tech.

Luckily many point the right way: get the Airmar DST800 transducer which is sold by every brand with their own sticker on it, put in an n2k cable, a power injector T and on back to the spot where you want the display. You can put any multi-function n2k display there. Cheap is the Garmin and I think best is the Simrad IS40 or B&G Triton (they are the same unit). Later you can add any sensor and it will work immediately. For example a GPS will immediately enhance the same display you already have. Wind/weather sensor is another good one: all work on the same display and connect to the same cable using the same power feed

[scareygary]

I put an inexpensive Uniden depth in my 30' Yankee (put lots of ocean miles on that boat) and it served me well for years. As others mentioned, the transducer can shoot through the hull, and did, in my application. I think Uniden has stopped making them, but the Hawkeye is nearly identical and costs only about a hundred bucks, including the transducer. Just purchased a Hawkeye one for my new (old) boat. It is only good to about 200', but when it's deeper than that, I don't need to be nervous about depth. For simple and inexpensive, but reliable, I think it's a good way to go. Only has a 2" display, but is quite readable and has an alarm......