Conference unifix::sailing

I have a Standard depthsounder. I don't remember the model number, but it's the
4" approx round unit with a thru-hull transducer. (I believe the current
model is a bit different than the one I have.) I bought that unit because it
fit into the hole.

The unit has worked flawlessly for me. I think Standard is one of the larger
boat electronics companies. They sell a lot of medium-priced VHF radios,
among other things. I suspect they'll be around for a while.

I don't know how long they've been in business, but I'd guess they've been
around for a decade or more. (Your local library may have some reference books
with company information, i.e. year founded, annual sales, etc.)

--RS

re .0:

>>> ..... but can I rely on Standard Communications staying in business? 

These days, can you rely on ANYONE staying in business (not said with a
smile, but more with a grimace)? 

I would assume that Standard is or ought to be financially fairly strong 
given their share of the VHF market. And they do seem to build quality 
equipment -- our 1978 Standard VHF is still working and has never needed 
repairs in spite of once being nearly drowned in salt water. Their flat 
rate lifetime repair policy is attractive.

    Can anyone provide an update how the SL50 knotmeter is doing? 
    
    I am considering putting a model 50 knotmeter in my boat. The Standard 
    depth sounder has worked very well.
    
    I also see a non electronic knotmeter (0-12 knts) for appx $129.  Do
    not remember if this was a Standard or a SR Marine in the next West
    Marine Catalog. The SL50's 0-50 knt range is a bit overkill with my
    max speed of 6 knots being towed by the large CG cutter with a
    following sea and a favorible current. ;>)
    
    How do these non electronic versions work? like a car speedometer? What
    is the difference in reliablilty? The price difference is $129 verus
    259 for the SL50.
    
       Regards
    
        john

    Going through the new west and boat us catalog (only thing worth 
    looking forward to in the winter...), I find
    
    The Horizon DS45 is $259 and include log meter and temp guage.
    The Horizon AS45 is a new analog version with only a speedo. $129
    The SR Mariner Analog version is $109. Same as above
    
    I am going to check these all out at the boat show. Any things I 
    should look out for not mentioned in some of these notes?
    
    john
    

I've had knotmeters on both my boats, and I rarely put the sender in the water.
The sender can get fouled while sitting at anchor. You can pull it out and replace
it with a plug, but you get a geyser of water while you switch 'em, so it's not
much fun.

For navigation, over-the-bottom speed is more useful, and your LORAN or GPS can
give you that.

If you want to race, I guess you gotta have through-the-water speed.

There are knotmeters that you hang over the rail, e.g. Walker Log. I'd be tempted
to get one of those if I really cared about my through-the-water speed.

--RS

    On lots of these units you can get a tranducer that is either a 
    through hull or a transom mount. Can a sailboat get away with a
    transom mount? It sure would save cutting another hole in the
    hull.
    
    I figure if I got it near the centerline, it would always be in the
    water.
    
    Anyone disagree?
    

RE .6

John, I tried a transom mount last summer on my trip 
to the cape and was not satisfied with it (returned
it). On my Catalina the only place for it to go was 
centerline on the transom, where it was of little 
help while heeling with a small chop (fast, slow, 
fast, slow -- you get the idea). I even went so far 
as to temporarily rig it on the shaft of the outboard --
totally submerging it. It worked but on a long cruse I 
pull the OB up... In any case, mounted close to the prop
like it is, any time I started the OB  -- ZZzzingggg
I'd be doing 20+ knots! Stay away from transom mounts 
on sailboats (my opinion only)

On the upside, the water temp was a nice feature.