[net.rec.boat] Sailboat Instruments

dougu@daemon.UUCP (Doug Urner) (04/09/85)

I'm starting to look for instruments (depth sounder, log, awi) for my
cruising sailboat.  I'd like to hear about other people's experiances
with various manufacturers.  I was leaning towards Brookes and Gatehouse
but have to run into some folks who have awful things to say about them.

Any input would be appreciated.
-- 

				Doug Urner
				Small Systems Support Group, Tektronix, Inc

				(503)627-5037

				..!{decvax,ucbvax}!tektronix!dougu

couture@jaws.DEC (04/10/85)

I have Kenyon instruments (depthsounder and knotmeter) on my
sailboat.  They have been installed for four years and both
have been returned to the factory once.  The depthsounder
required an Engineering Change Order to correct a gain problem
and the knotmeter needed calibration.

The depthsounder still gives me an occasional echo every so
often no matter how I adjust it, so when I'm in 12 ft. of
water it may quickly jump to 6 ft. and right back again.
It's annoying and sometimes heart-stopping.

The one really good thing about Kenyon is that their transducers
and thru-hulls are camphered for a good seal and minimum of drag.
They will even loan you a tool which cuts the hole to the proper
size and cuts the campher to the proper angle all in one step.
Aside from that, I don't have any great love for these instruments
and probably wouldn't buy them again.