Installing a depth finder on your boat can be tricky. There are many factors to consider and a lot of varied opinions – some people love them and some people hate them. Knowing how to install a depth finder can help you make the right decision and ensure you enjoy your time on the water.
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Know The Limits Of Your Boat
Before you begin any project, it’s important to consider the limits of your boat. Understanding these limits can help you properly scope out the project and avoid any unpleasant surprises – such as flooding or sinking. Here are some of the most common limits and restrictions that you must consider:
- Maximum weight capacity
- Propeller size
- Fuel limit
- Water capacity
- Bow and stern drive limits
- Overall height
- Seating capacity
- Dimension limitations (length and width)
Make Sure Everything Is Level
If you’re building the boat yourself, it’s important to make sure everything is level before you start welding. You can certainly use tools to level most surfaces (even vertical ones), but it’s preferable to do it by hand so you can feel confident the entire boat will behave in an even manner – when pushed from behind or pulled from in front.
Boat builders often level their boats prior to welding – using blocks of wood, or steel plates – so make sure you do the same, even if you’re using industrial tools. If you’re renting a boat, make sure the boatyard knows you’re a handyperson and will need to level your boat before you get it back (just in case they haven’t already taken care of it). Leveling your boat will make it much easier to weld – in some cases it’s not possible to weld in an uneven position. So it’s far better to level it beforehand – especially if you’re using an overhead bin (storage compartment) as a work surface during the process.
Gauge The Depth Of Water
One of the most important things to consider when installing a depth finder is how deep the water is likely to be. You must measure the depth of the water in your area so you can correctly determine the weight and horsepower of your boat needed to safely dive it. Your boat’s manufacturer, or a qualified service technician, can help you find out the proper weight and engine configurations for your boat based on its size and type – as well as the type of water you’ll be using it in.
Decide Whether You’ll Use An External Unit Or An Internal Unit
One of the first decisions you need to make when installing a depth finder is whether you’ll use an external unit or an internal one. External units are usually smaller in size and have fewer functions than internal ones – but they’re more mobile and can be used on different types of boats (most yacht manufacturers prefer external units because they can be used on a wider variety of watercrafts). Internal units are typically larger in size and have more functions than external ones – but they require more technical know-how to properly install and use them (and you must remove them when you’re not using your boat).
If you’re new to boating and aren’t familiar with the equipment and gadgets on board (such as watertight compartments, life vests, carbon dioxide detectors, depth gauges, etc.), an internal unit might be the better choice – as you’ll have to take the time to study the instructions and figure out how to properly connect the various wires and plug it in. However, if you’re an experienced boater who is seeking a more simplistic approach, an external unit might be the better choice – as you won’t have to worry about any of its internal wiring or plumbing.
Consider The Route You’ll Be Taking To The Water
When you’re deciding where you’ll install your boat’s depth finder, it’s important to consider the route you’ll take to get there. In some cases, the best place to install a depth finder is on the bow (front part) – so you can easily monitor the water’s depth while you’re traveling. In other cases, it might be better to install one on the stern (rear part) – so you can monitor the water behind you while you’re driving forward (this is typically preferred by yachtsmen and deep-sea fishermen).
Where Will You Be Diving?
When you’re deciding where you’ll install your boat’s depth finder, it’s important to consider where you’ll be diving. Some boats are better suited for shallow waters while others are designed for deeper dives. If you’re not sure where you’ll be diving, it might be best to choose an area that’s close to shore – so you can easily surface if something happens.
If you’re a professional diver or a person who takes his/her hobby very seriously, you might want to consider installing a depth finder on the bow – to have easy access to the water while you’re underwater (if you’re planning on using scuba gear, it’s best to have devices of this nature near the entrance to your boat so it’s easy to get to when you need it).
If you’re a recreational diver who just wants to have some fun in the water, you might want to put your faith in one of the many sleek and sophisticated electric boats – instead of trying to install a homemade depth finder (even though that might be more fun).
If you’re an experienced boater who is seeking a more technical solution, you might want to consider an internal unit – as it’ll require slightly more work to install one (mostly having to do with the numerous plugs and wiring) but it’ll give you better monitoring and control over the entire water depth while you’re on the water.
Other Considerations
There are several other considerations you need to make when choosing where to install your boat’s depth finder. For instance, the position of the boat’s toilet (if it has one) and how you’ll access it in case of an emergency. Your boat’s owner’s manual will guide you in deciding where to locate most of the onboard appliances and gadgets, so be sure to consult it – so you don’t end up choosing a location that’s not suited for the installation of said appliances.
Also, while installing a depth finder, you must avoid any power sources that could possibly malfunction and cause damage to your boat (such as power lines, electrical boxes, or any exposed wiring). It’s also important to protect your boat from any potential leaks or damages (such as those caused by poor welding or rough handling while it was being transported to your boat).
Depending on how advanced your project is, you might also want to consider what type of enclosure (or cover) you’ll use for the installation. It’s important to choose the right one that will protect your boat from the water and all the outside elements (such as debris, sun, rain, etc.), but won’t alter the overall look and feel of your boat.
If you live in a area where winter temperatures are an issue, you might want to enclose your boat in a shelter (such as a snow shed or garage), remove all the contents (including the skis and ski boat), and store it somewhere warm (such as a garage or an outdoor shed). This will prevent any serious damage that could be caused by extreme weather conditions (such as heavy snowfall or high winds).
There are many factors to consider when deciding where to install your boat’s depth finder – from the type of boat you have to the type of boat you’ll be using in the area where you live. Knowing how to install a depth finder can help you make the right decision and ensure you enjoy your time on the water.