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E64: Calibrating my Depth Sounder Underwater and Goodbye Makemo!

May 3, 2021 · 14 min · 39K views · Makemo

What this video covers

To calibrate a depth sounder, the owner of a 27-foot sailboat uses a weighted lead line to measure the actual water depth while moored at a pier in Makemo, French Polynesia.0:24 By comparing the lead line measurement to the depth sounder reading, the sailor determines the vessel's current draft, which has increased since the boat was loaded for cruising.3:43 The calibration reveals a one-foot discrepancy in the sounder's previous settings.4:00 The sailor decides to configure the instrument to display total water column depth rather than depth under the keel, preferring to perform mental subtractions during navigation.3:33 The process also involves assessing the impact of local storm surges on the village infrastructure, including a protective seawall and houses built on stilts.8:44 Future plans include installing two 50-watt solar panels on custom stainless steel stanchions to replace a temporary deck-mounted setup.13:26

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