Course Plotter and Depth Transducer

Entry # 14

Garmin Transducer and Installation: Last summer while under sail, my electronic depth transducer frequently failed. It probably was installed shortly after Never Too Late was launched in 1979 as a new boat. Fortunately, last summer I only sailed her in well marked and familiar waters on Lake St. Clair. Not knowing the depth of the water around you or whether or not there are hidden obstructions lends to high anxiety! Over the winter I ordered a Garmin transducer. It was quite the exercise removing the old transducer. In addition, its through hull location on the starboard side significantly limits the potential size of my planned holding tank. I would have much preferred a location on the port tack side of the hull when under sail as well. But I didn’t want to go through the trouble (time & money) putting another hole in the hull so the new transducer was installed in the same location.

Garmin 942 GPS Chart Plotter: As mentioned, it is always good to know what lies beneath or just ahead of your boat when sailing. And it is particularly critical when sailing in ‘discovery’ waters, near shoals, when skies are overcast or at night. Knowing your depth can also assist in confirming your location and setting a proper course. When I was considering which chart plotter brand and model to purchase several criteria factored into my choice – time, budget, the size of my boat, ease of use and data requirements. The Garmin 942 GPS chart plotter met all my criteria. Installation was also completed last weekend.

Installation: For its size, the PS Flicka is often referred to as an extremely efficient design and a ‘compact’ cruiser with big boat seaworthiness. The cabin interior has a surprising amount of room and sailors have been known to live in their Flicka home!

There is only so much room in the cockpit. I had several criteria for the placement of my chart plotter. Firstly, I wanted to easily see the screen and program courses while holding the tiller under sail. Secondly, I wanted to minimize exposure and protect my Garmin from the elements. And lastly, I wanted easy ingress/egress from the cockpit to and from the cabin when sailing with the auto pilot on. With these three criteria, I eventually came up with a solution for all three by locating my Garmin in the cabin entrance and building an articulating platform that can be locked in position. One potential drawback with locating my chart plotter is the inability to ‘fully’ enclose the cabin when in use and underway. (Pictures below)