stevenh

Hi Caine, You might find that you will need a 10-pin plug. The most basic 600W model is 525STID-PWD: here is a link to the Furuno USA site... Regards Steve

Oldsalty, Personally I would steer clear of a thru hull tranny on a trailerboat.... just asking for trouble I reckon. These two look like the most suitable: 525T-PWD Plastic Transom Mount Multisensor, 600W (10-Pin) 525STID-PWD Plastic Transom Mount Multisensor, 600W (10-Pin) and you should be able to get the 525T-PWD for about $150 odd. cheers steve

Hi oldsalty, I agree totally with what Anthony has to say.... a matter of matching the transducer to your type of fishing. There is no doubt the 600W models are great and if you are fishing mainly in shallower water, say < 70 fathoms or so, ideal. I have the transom mounted 1kW model which gives teriffic detail, especially close to the bottom on the deeper reefs to 150 fathoms, and can read bottom at browns on the troll without a drama. One of the main reasons I opted for this one is that my boat is now on a mooring and it can be lifted out of the water entirely. Dont get me wrong... it is only a little tub (19ft centre console!) One thing to watch out for is the cone angle on the 1kW model is much narrower, especially on 50kHz, than the standard 600W model (though I think there a couple of different 600W models) which will reduce field of view. That said, I can track a dowrigger weight at about 20ft. As far as buying offshore goes you might find that the freight/duty etc is built into Dave at Bonzers price, he offers a great service though. PM me if and I can point you in a different direction to get everything in under the limits if you like. Cheers Steve

Andy, You can only display basic data on the FCV-585 screen, speed/distance/bearing, waypoint data, tracking error etc, no plotting as such I believe. Provided you interface it with your GPS also. You are right about room, it is a BIG unit. I have a (smallish) CC as well, it takes up a lot of space. cheers

Hi Andrew, I am just about to install the Airmar 1kW transom mount (just waiting for a dry weekend to do the work!) to replace my old 600W model. It is matched to the FCV-585, an awesome sounder fyg. It has a stainless bracket mounted to the transom with a height adjustable and removable leg. I have heard good things about it... and maybe it is the same setup that Steve referred to. The Furuno and Airmar websites both have details on the setup. There is a company in NZ and maybe one here in Oz that are making brackets to install this permanently to the transom if that suits better. Also I think you mentioned in another thread you will have the boat on a trailer at some stage?... Not sure about the difficulties with a though hull install on a trailer boat, but it may be something to consider. Just my 2c worth.... hope it helps Steve

Davo, The 580 has a good deal more room in front of the console, and more storage capacity than the 520. But I guess you are always limited with storage on a centre console boat. I run a 60HP 4 stroke on my 580, with a (smaller than factory) stainless prop (cant remember the exact specs, but will check if you need). 3 up, full of fuel (115L) and gear, it will rev to 5700 rpm. Cruising at 4000-4500 revs it delivers fuel economy you wouldnt believe. My friend has a 90 HP 2 stroke on the back of his 520 and the fuel figures along with the noise levels are like chalk and cheese. We both bought second hand though, so he didn't really have the choice of power at the time. I couldnt recommend a 4stroke highly enough for your application, though having run these mid sized yammies on my last 2 boats I cant really give you a real opinion on a 2 stroke, I'm sure someone here can though. In my view 70HP would be PLENTY, but I reckon a 50-60HP 4 stroke would be ideal (as long as it is propped correctly). The question of how far out is comfortable is a difficult one to answer. That depends largely on your experience at sea, and in the the vessel concerned. I am happy at Browns Mtn which is over 20NM from Sydney Heads in my 580, provided the weather/ sea conditions are favourable and I am always logged with Coastal Patrol. My vessel is in Survey so has a little extra floatation, but the biggest asset of the UB series is the self draining deck. If you take a green one over the side it will empty soon enough PROVIDED YOU HAVE THE SPEED TO MANOUVRE FORWARD. Anything over 15knt and the sea starts to get a bit choppy, anything over 15knt and you WILL get WET in a UB.... nothing a raincoat wont stop though! As far as versatility goes, you are right..... they draw only a tiny amy of water, about 8" in the case of the 580, so are as comfy well upstream as they are offshore. Thats my (biased) view, PM me if you want some more info, happy to share. Cheers, Steve

Davo, I have the 520's bigger brother, a 580. Also have a friend who has the 520, what do you need to know? Steve

BJBoating, Have just seen this post. These things are all the same at the end of the day... Save yourself the cash and use the winch, as CFD said you may need some sort of arm to keep the weight clear of the boat. I have for a long time now used an alvey snapper reel mounted to a section of (bent) stainless muffler pipe with a single rigging block at the end. Load your winch up with 200lb braid, buy yourself a bomb and away you go. No need for a release clip... you can use a rubber band as you would an outrigger. As long as your weight is heavy enough you should be able to see it on your sounder (at 50kHz, when the beam is wider), so no need for a line counter. Cheers Steve

Hi guys, just recently discovered this site. Looks great. As for the photo above, there are some very similar old black and white shots like that down in the golf club and one of the pubs there. The bar can be a tricky place, worst combo being sth swell, run out tide and a typical 20kn n/e sea breeze on a summers afternoon as the best place to exit/ enter the bar is the southern side. I have seen many a boat come out of the water like that and sadly have seen a couple go over. The speed at which waves come through there is frightening sometimes. Best idea on days like that is to stay put, and if the kings are hot, hope the pros dont take them all before you get to the island in a day or two... Cheers Steve