Replacement Speed & Depth Instruments

[Doug Stuart]

I would be most grateful for some technical help in replacing my current speed & depth instruments (Signetmarine SL267A & SL172) with either the same or other recommendations. Considerations to bear in mind are the existing 5 inch circular holes in the cabin bulkhead (and perhaps how to cover them up) & the transducer through hull fittings. In the frozen North of Alberta Canada, precious little information is available.
Regards,
Doug #367

[Bob Kirsten]

Hi Doug,

I have made the switch to RayMarine, and added the relative wind. I chose to put them all on the cabin bulkheads, but that is a personal choice. I raced a friends 7.9 which had in instrument bar installed over the companionway hatch, which was terrific for viewing by all crew. I assume you want to mount on the existing bulkhead. I did have a problem right away, in that the cut-out for the Raymarine are not perfectly round and were actually smaller than the existing holes. I bought some heavy black Lexan, and made my own bezels to cover the holes on the outside. I made similar ones for the inside as well to help anchor the instruments. I used good 3M sealer on the bezels, and have had no leakage in 3 years. Obviously I had to remove the old send units up forward, which was not easy. Once the old ones were out, it was straight forward to install the new send units in the same area, following mfg directions. I hope this helps, or at least offers food for thought.
Bob Kirsten

[Tac Boston]

I would do tactic.