[C320-list] Depth Transducer Offset

[Rick]

The depth alarm offset issue is a matter of which measure would you rather count on to avoid problems. How much risk is one willing to accept? A more conservative off set estimate might not consider always encountering flat water when entering a channel or one may consider a more risky proposition where the crest of a wave could provide one depth and the trough of that wave provides less depth under the keel. I found that on my Hull # 277 that the transducer is about 18-20 inches below the waterline just ahead of the keel while the depth at the keel is around 4 foot 3 inches below the normal waterline. Given the risk involved I found that having the offset alarm set at 3.5 or even 4 feet (plus 18- 20 inch transducer depth) provided me with an ample level safe measure where I sail. If one encountered moving sand bars or a more dangerous channel entry, I would increase the offset measure to 4.5 or even 5 feet with a 4 foot plus keel depth to allow for a deviation of an extra 1.5 to 2 feet below the keel to avoid  problems. How  much time or $$$ does one need to risk changing directions when running out of depth? Considering the damage that could be done to the keel, rudder and hull, which offset depth suits the size of your wallet?
Rick Sulewski
1995 C320 hull # 277

-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of stepkap
Sent: Thursday, June 02, 2016 4:39 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Depth Transducer Offset

Hull 980 was set by the yard to -2.5 ft.
Steve
Saline

-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Daryl Hunt
Sent: Thursday, June 2, 2016 9:57 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Depth Transducer Offset


    
My offset is set to read depth below the keel, so it is specific to the hull #/year.
Fair Winds, DarylDaryl HuntC320 #660 BelievePultneyville, NY - Lake Ontario

-------- Original message --------
From: Chris Burti <clburti at gmail.com>
Date: 06/02/2016  12:08 PM  (GMT-05:00)
To: 320 <C320-List at catalina320.com>
Subject: [C320-list] Depth Transducer Offset 

Did anybody happen to record and save the depth transducer offset number for their C-320? All the hulls are the same, so it doesn't matter what year/hull #.
Thanks,
Chris Burti
Commitment, #867
Farmville, NC