The Advantage of Forward and Aft Depth Finders

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We have lusted years for a depth finder aft to compliment the transducer forward. But we were not willing to take the risks associated with this hole in the engine room hull bottom. With the swim step extension added as a separate compartment, there was an option to fit the aft transducer in a sealed compartment. Now that we have used it for a few days it is hard to imagine how we survived all of these years without.

The shallow bow, deeper stern depths shown above was a few days ago, anchored near Beaufort, NC.

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The photo above shows how close we were to the shore, within 20 feet/six meters. It being very tight hereabouts there is no other option for us. However, being able to see the depth at both ends allows assessment of the bottom shape and the flexibility to work our way into smaller places.

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And the next day, an even bigger differential in the bight near Cape Lookout. The forward transducer is about 13 feet/4 meters aft of the bow. The distance between the transducers is roughly 68 feet/21 meters. This has worked out so well that we are talking to the owner of FPB 97-1 about adding transducers in the coffer dam near each stabilizer.


Posted by Steve Dashew  (June 29, 2012)




4 Responses to “The Advantage of Forward and Aft Depth Finders”

  1. Alex Penninckx Says:

    I wonder why you did not choose for a forward looking depth finder?


  2. Steve Dashew Says:

    We have a Furuno CH 270 searchlight sonar, as do most of the FPBs as well.


  3. Alain Says:

    Nice!!! You do some update on the main panel on nav station too if I see good!!! ???


  4. Steve Dashew Says:

    Update perhaps this week.