Solar Panels

[Peter Taylor]

As a would be creek crawler  - I've read that sounders tend to inaccuracy at creek crawling depths on boats that float in a puddle - views?

Sounders used to struggle in shallow water because of the time needed for the transducer to start listening after it had transmitted. However I've been impressed with my Garmin Echomap 50S's depth performance - I've motored with Seatern in 12cm indicated below hull (the transducer is fairly central in the boat near the centreboard) at which point the prop was leaving a very muddy looking wake so I turned around. Like Andy I was in "fish finder" mode since it indicates whether its getting deeper or shallower. I don't use the depth alarm on the sounder... just use the centreboard for that!

One problem I have is that mud tends to stick to the transducer when Seatern is on the mud so it doesn't give a reading until the mud washes off - usually only takes a few minutes.
Peter

[IanEagland]

Inspired by Matthew P's question I decided to look at fitting solar panels to see if they would keep my Torqeedo charged up as I intend mainly to use it for about 500 metres each time I leave and return to harbour.
I purchased 2 of the cheapest semi flexible 30 watt panels I could find on ebay for less than £100. With 2 of the corners rounded and the area around the terminal box cut away I have managed to fit them on the stern deck. I used 3M industrial double sided tape to secure them. Now to see how they stand up to the weather and the inevitable wear and tear of the harbour and sailing.