a hull dilemma

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha Buddy,
Good decisions. When you get the electronic depth sounder and as you begin to use it, count how many times you use it and if you really rely on it. Then you'll really know if you want to sink big bucks into one that you'll install at haulout.
You do know that you can mount a transcucer without drilling a hole in your hull, right?
Kind Regards,
JohnL

[NoTies]

As most have said, you've got a boat now so go sailing. A depth sounder is just something to distract you when you should be looking around, ahead and down. I only use mine for finding good fish reefs & don't use it for navigation, by the time it shows minimum depth it's usually too late.

[Ex-Calif]

Buddy,

Good plan. Nothing wrong with getting a new toy for your "new girl." Sometimes they appreciate presents ;-)

We use our depth guage a bit but mostly because we are in a channel and when we are beating want to tack at the 2 meter mark - just kidding.

Our happiest piece of kit is the Otto. He drives our boat for us most of the time while we kick back and shoot the breeze.

For those that don't have one and at under a grand I highly recommend an autohelm 1000 for tiller boats under 30 feet.