SAILING AROUND THE WORLD WITH SPIRIT OF ARGO

Review of Southern Cuba Part 2 -including the pictures you missed

Welcome to Part 2 of our travels along the south coast of Cuba.  We posted details of our trip previously, but could only send you text using the SSB radio.  Hear are the photos with some ‘hopefully’ helpful tips at the end for any other cruisers.

We left off in the rain on the Jardines del la Reina.  We had a brisk and bumpy sail south west towards our next cay.  But at least the rain had cleared!

Roughest sail in Cuba

Cayo Zara de Fuera (Uninhabited)

Another mangrove cay anchorage.
Another mangrove cay anchorage.
At least this one has some small beaches in the south end.
At least this one has some small beaches in the south end.
If you like wild life there is lots here. Cormorant
If you like wild life there is lots here. Cormorant
Grey Heron
Grey Heron
Great Egret
Great Egret
There are lots of coves in the mangroves here to explore
There are lots of coves in the mangroves here to explore

 

Cayo Machos de Fuera (A friendly care taker)

Finally back to white sandy beaches
Finally back to white sandy beaches
If you have a draft similar to ours (2m) I would wait for high tide to get in the north west channel and into the protected lagoon.
If you have a draft similar to ours (2m) I would wait for high tide to get in the north west channel and into the protected lagoon.
You are welcome to enjoy the facilities when they are not entertaining day trippers from the mainland.
You are welcome to enjoy the facilities when they are not entertaining day trippers from the mainland.
They have lots of semi-tame iguanas about for the tourists
They have lots of semi-tame iguanas about for the tourists
I love torturing these critters so I got stuck on the long lead.
I love torturing these critters so I got stuck on the long lead.
The warden has cleared a short trail around the cay.
The warden has cleared a short trail around the cay.

 

A fun place to stop. The humans also had some good fishing luck on the many reef in and around the lagoon.
A fun place to stop. The humans also had some good fishing luck on the many reef in and around the lagoon.

Cienfuegos (Mainland Cuba with a Marina and Guarda Frontera)

It is nice to be able to sail east to west with the trade winds
It is nice to be able to sail east to west with the trade winds
The entrance into the Bahia de Cienfuegos is long, but well buoyed with transit markers. There is a big Guarda Frontera station at the entrance, but you do not need to stop here. Carry on to the Marina which has its own officials on hand 24hours a day.
The entrance into the Bahia de Cienfuegos is long, but well buoyed with transit markers. There is a big Guarda Frontera station at the entrance, but you do not need to stop here. Carry on to the Marina which has its own officials on hand 24hours a day.
The Castillo de Jagua (fort) protecting the entrance.
The Castillo de Jagua (fort) protecting the entrance.
Despite the fact this is a major shipping channel you still need to be careful to avoid locals fishing
Despite the fact this is a major shipping channel you still need to be careful to avoid locals fishing
The closer you get to town the more 'desperate' their floating craft
The closer you get to town the more ‘desperate’ their floating craft

Things we liked about Cienfuegos

-Easy walking distance into town.  We used our bikes to make quick runs, but a cycle taxi is only 1 CUC/person

-Nice marina bar.

-Officials come out to your boat and are very prompt and pleasant.

-The city has a nice central square with a real artistic flare.

-Safe location to leave your boat and explore inland in Cuba.

-Good availability of food stocks.  CUC and peso food stores and the central open market.

 

Things we did not like about Cienfuegos

-Noise every night from the variety of night clubs that line the Punta Gorda here by the Marina.

-Waters are very polluted.

-Marina toilets and showers both poorly maintained and dirty.

The walk from the Marina and anchorage to the city
The walk from the Marina and anchorage to the city
Too lazy to walk you can always take a bicycle taxi or talk one of the 'locals' horse drawn taxis to take you
Too lazy to walk you can always take a bicycle taxi or talk one of the ‘locals’ horse drawn taxis to take you
Walking is nice, as it gives you time to look around and appreciate the architecture of the city
Walking is nice, as it gives you time to look around and appreciate the architecture of the city

 

The main square and some of the main streets running up to it are beautifully resorted.
The main square and some of the main streets running up to it are beautifully resorted.

City Centre-theatre archeteture

With few imports in Cuba the souvenirs are almost all hand made and inexpensive.
With few imports in Cuba the souvenirs are almost all hand made and inexpensive.
Cienfuegos has a strong and thriving artistic culture
Cienfuegos has a strong and thriving artistic culture
There will be an artist in town who suits everyone's taste
There will be an artist in town who suits everyone’s taste
Outside of the centre the city is living and working hard
Outside of the centre the city is living and working hard
The central covered market.
The central covered market. It is here you can purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables.
This is also where the butchers is. Do not expect more than pork and pork products.
This is also where the butchers is. Do not expect more than pork and pork products.
Do not miss out on visiting the historically beautiful neighbouring city of Trinadad while in Cienfuegos. A car and driver for the day goes for 50 CUC. You can split this between up to 4 persons.
Do not miss out on visiting the historically beautiful neighboring city of Trinadad while in Cienfuegos. A car and driver for the day goes for 50 CUC. You can split this between up to 4 persons.
Trinadad is renown for its beautiful architecture and cobbled streets.
Trinadad is renown for its beautiful architecture and cobbled streets.
The influx of tourist dollars has lead to restoration of most of the cities centre.
The influx of tourist dollars has lead to restoration of most of the cities centre.
The whole town is geared towards attracted the tourists in providing music and sometimes even dancers.
The whole town is geared towards attracted the tourists in providing music and sometimes even dancers.
These artists earn their living on tourist tips
These artists earn their living on tourist tips
Most of the side streets off the city's centre are clogged with souvenirs.
Most of the side streets off the city’s centre are clogged with souvenirs.
Once you venture out of the city centre life continues as normal in Trinadad's cobbled streets.
Once you venture out of the city centre life continues as normal in Trinadad’s cobbled streets.
While wandering about we happened upon a school band heading off to join a 'band camp' competition at city hall.
While wandering about we happened upon a school band heading off to join a ‘band camp’ competition at city hall.
Families and schools obviously put a lot of effort into this 'sport'.
Families and schools obviously put a lot of effort into this ‘sport’.
Trinadad was a fun place to visit
Trinadad was a fun place to visit
We stopped off for a lovely hike through the National Botanical Gardens on the way to Trinadad
We stopped off for a lovely hike through the National Botanical Gardens on the way to Trinadad
We were starting to feel a little 'citied out' an opted to spend the money on a visit to the Sierra de Escambray Mountains rather than going to Havana.
We were starting to feel a little ‘citied out’ an opted to spend the money on a visit to the Sierra de Escambray Mountains rather than going to Havana.
The drive through the agricultural foot hills to the Sierra de Escambray brings you through Cuba's cowboy country
The drive through the agricultural foot hills to the Sierra de Escambray brings you through Cuba’s cowboy country

Sierra de Escambray MTNs-cowboys

Once up in the mountains there are hiking trail up to waterfalls and swimming pools.
Once up in the mountains there are hiking trail up to waterfalls and swimming pools.

SdeE-swimming pool

We stocked up the boat as little if anything is available along the rest of the south coast of Cuba once you leave Cienfuegos.
We stocked up the boat as little if anything is available along the rest of the south coast of Cuba once you leave Cienfuegos.

Cayo Sal of the Cayos de Dios (uninhabited)

Just remembering how to sail again. They always predict no wind and we always have lots to sail by.
Just remembering how to sail again. They always predict no wind and we always have lots to sail by.
This is when you know that the charts might be 'just a little' off. According to our Garman chart plotter we anchored the boat on top of the cay.
This is when you know that the charts might be ‘just a little’ off. According to our Garman chart plotter we anchored the boat on top of the cay.
As you can see we are still floating
As you can see we are still floating
We found a lot of ship wrecks along this stretch of the Cuban coast and would remind fellow cruisers not to trust anything but their own eyes and depth gauges (Even than may reefs rise up suddenly).
We found a lot of ship wrecks along this stretch of the Cuban coast and would remind fellow cruisers not to trust anything but their own eyes and depth gauges (Even than may reefs rise up suddenly).

Cayo Largo of the Archipielago los Canarreos(Marina and Guarda Frontera station, but you can anchor up off the beaches not far from both)

Anchorage-Cain and Quinn on beach

Welcome to the most touristy island in all of Cuba. Totally designed to cater for all inclusive holidays. But who cares when you are surrounded by such great swimming beaches.
Welcome to the most touristy island in all of Cuba. Totally designed to cater for all inclusive holidays. But who cares when you are surrounded by such great swimming beaches.
We decided not to go into the Marina. The anchorage off the beach appealed to us more then being up the canal and into the mangroves.
We decided not to go into the Marina. The anchorage off the beach appealed to us more then being up the canal and into the mangroves.
Cayo Largo has one of the nicest marinas we have seen yet in Cuba. Nice floating pontoons and modern facilities.
Cayo Largo has one of the nicest marinas we have seen yet in Cuba. Nice floating pontoons and modern facilities.
Even if you anchor out at the beach you are welcome to use their facilities for free. They have a lovely bar/restaurant and tiny store that sells alcohol, beer and sometimes eggs.
Even if you anchor out at the beach you are welcome to use their facilities for free. They have a lovely bar/restaurant and tiny store that sells alcohol, beer and sometimes eggs.
For wild life lovers, there is a turtle rescue centre within the Marina grounds.
For wild life lovers, there is a turtle rescue centre within the Marina grounds.
For my Auntie Helen! Just up the lagoon from the anchorage is an activity centre that includes the opportunity to swim and have you picture taken with dolphins. I can hear Aunty Helen screaming from here!
For my Auntie Helen! Just up the lagoon from the anchorage is an activity centre that includes the opportunity to swim and have you picture taken with dolphins. I can hear Aunty Helen screaming from here!
Being a 'tourist island, the beaches are all beautifully manicured with free shades and loungers.
Being a ‘tourist island, the beaches are all beautifully manicured with free shades and loungers.
As you wander along this Cays sandy coastline you will find regular 'refreshment' stands
As you wander along this Cays sandy coastline you will find regular ‘refreshment’ stands
You can jump on one of the free trains from the beaches and indulge in a little luxury at the hotels.
You can jump on one of the free trains from the beaches and indulge in a little luxury at the hotels.

Cayo Rosario of the Archipielago los Canarreos (Unhabituated)

We had settled weather with east/south easterly winds so we decided to anchor just behind the reef on the south side of the cay.
We had settled weather with east/south easterly winds so we decided to anchor just behind the reef on the south side of the cay.
The reef offered the human's a great opportunity to do some fishing and lobstering, and luckily the anchorage has a great beach for me.
The reef offered the human’s a great opportunity to do some fishing and lobstering, and luckily the anchorage has a great beach for me.
I enjoy the simple pleasures in life
I enjoy the simple pleasures in life
Windward beaches are great for shell hunting
Windward beaches are great for shell hunting
Sundowner time. You can not beat Havana Club for taste and price.
Sundowner time. You can not beat Havana Club for taste and price.

Cayo Hicacos and Campus of the Archipielago los Canarreos (Cayo Hicacos is uninhabited but there are friendly wardens on Cayo Campus)

 

Do not know if we should keep it a secret, but the number and size of the lobster out here in the Archipielago los Canarreos is incredible. They are just running about on the sandy bottome between the coral heads.
Do not know if we should keep it a secret, but the number and size of the lobster out here in the Archipielago los Canarreos is incredible. They are just running about on the sandy bottome between the coral heads.

 

When we got sick of lobstering and fishing we hopped over to visit the cay just east of us. Cayo Campus is a designated wildlife reserve and has a colony of monkeys they are researching.
When we got sick of lobstering and fishing we hopped over to visit the cay just east of us. Cayo Campus is a designated wildlife reserve and has a colony of monkeys they are researching.
There are two wardens here that are happy to greet you upon arrival and fill you in on the park and research.
There are two wardens here that are happy to greet you upon arrival and fill you in on the park and research.
The monkeys hang around not far from the wardens that supplement their diet.
The monkeys hang around not far from the wardens that supplement their diet.
Obviously a healthy breeding colony they are very curious when visitors come.
Obviously a healthy breeding colony they are very curious when visitors come.
They just keep enough distance to make a quick escape if needed, but are not bothered about posing for photos.
They just keep enough distance to make a quick escape if needed, but are not bothered about posing for photos.

Cayo Matias of the Archipielago los Canarreos ((Uninhabited)

Another reef protected lagoon, but we ran aground trying to get closer to the beach. We opted instead to back track a bit and anchor off the reef where it was a bit deeper (3m - wow!)
Another reef protected lagoon, but we ran aground trying to get closer to the beach at the east end. We opted instead to back track a bit and anchor off the reef where it was a bit deeper (3m – wow!)

 

Our last chance to stock up on lobster as our next stop is an 'over nighter' and the next is a protected marine park.
Our last chance to stock up on lobster as our next stop is an ‘over nighter’ and the next is a protected marine park.
Mutton Snapper. We may be out of any fresh fruit and vegetables, but you can not starve out here.
Mutton Snapper. We may be out of any fresh fruit and vegetables, but you can not starve out here.

Ensenada Puerto Frances on the south coast of the Isla de la Juventud (inhabited and you are expected to check into the local Guarda Frontera station before coming ashore)

We anchored in the bay just between the beach and granite boulders
We anchored in the bay just between the beach and granite boulders
The waters here are famous for their clarity and multitude of reefs. Do check your anchor as the sand depth varies. If we had not signed out at Cayo Largo we would have loved to spend more time here.
The waters here are famous for their clarity and multitude of reefs. Do check your anchor as the sand depth varies. If we had not signed out at Cayo Largo we would have loved to spend more time here.
The beaches here are lovely but protected by a shallow reef just off shore, so not the best for swimming. Don't go telling anyone we went ashore.
The beaches here are lovely but protected by a shallow reef just off shore, so not the best for swimming. Don’t go telling anyone we went ashore.
We saw the locals using the little beaches between the boulders to go for a swim, so we followed suit.
We saw the locals using the little beaches between the boulders to go for a swim, so we followed suit.
Spirit of Argo anchored in the back ground.
Spirit of Argo anchored in the back ground.

Cayo Juan Garcia of the Cayos de San Felipe (Uninhabited but there are friendly wardens) Our last stop on Cuba’s south coast

We had a very brisk sail despite the forecast, as usual, of light winds.
We had a very brisk sail despite the forecast, as usual, of light winds.
We anchored just east of the wardens cabin as we read they keep semi-tame iguanas for the cruisers to see. I wanted a bit of the beach where I was allowed to run free.
We anchored just east of the wardens cabin as we read they keep semi-tame iguanas for the cruisers to see. I wanted a bit of the beach where I was allowed to run free.
The wardens here are very friendly and will invite you to visit their solar powered cabin for a fresh coconut.
The wardens here are very friendly and will invite you to visit their solar powered cabin for a fresh coconut.
They love visitors and will clear you a chair on the porch for a chat. It is times like this that Spanish would be so handy!
They love visitors and will clear you a chair on the porch for a chat. It is times like this that Spanish would be so handy!
I had fun keeping the iguanas off the porch
I had fun keeping the iguanas off the porch
Squalls and repairs keep us here an extra day. Toilet blew up.
Squalls and repairs keep us here an extra day. Toilet blew up.

And that was the last of our travels along Cuba’s south coast.  From here we sailed across the Yucatan Channel to Mexico, and yes they did wonder why it took us over two weeks to get there after checking out at Cayo Largo.  We just told them ‘engine troubles’ and they were happy.  But more on that in the next blog.

 

I promised to add a few pointers for other cruisers at the end of the review, so family and friends you can ‘tune out’ of the rest of this bog if you want.


 

Things we were told and things we learned from our visit to Cuba’s south coast.

Cultural differences

-Cubans have a strong Spanish like culture. Take a little time to be courteous and friendly as Cuban’s put pleasantries before efficiency.

-Family will always come first and many Cubans prefer to keep evenings and weekends free to spend with their children.

-Cubans do not queue. Ask who is the last person and wait until they are served.

-Learn Spanish. Cuban are both friendly and inquisitive and are disappointed when they can not converse freely with you.

-Barter. Very rarely is the price what you are quoted. The actual price is some where between what they think you can afford and what you can actually afford.   Another reason to learn Spanish.

 

Money

-It is much easier to exchange cash for the local currency. The best exchange rates are for Canadian or Euros. Cadeca, cash exchange outlets, are scattered everywhere, just ask someone for your closest one. Banks will be found in the centre of town.

-Pay marina bills with your credit card. Most providers give you a good exchange rate.

-$1 US = 1 CUC = 24 pesos. You need CUCs to visit tourist locations, restaurants, pay for services and most boat supplies. You need pesos to purchase locally grown fruits and veg. and ‘street’ food. We found having two wallets helped, especially to separate the change.

Bureaucracy

-There is a lot of bureaucracy and paperwork while cruising along mainland Cuba, but none of it you have to fill out yourselves. There are no officials or paperwork to visit the uninhabited cays.

-Officials have a lot of paperwork to fill out, on your behalf, upon entry and exit of any mainland ports (and Cayo Largo and Isla Juventud) so be courteous, offer them a cold drink and perhaps a small gratuity for their time and effort. We brought some USB memory sticks, large fishing hooks and cans of beer. We would give each official one gift when they left and they really appreciated it. It seemed to make the check out process, with the same officials, fast and easier. Electronics are very very expensive here in Cuba. So is any fishing gear or line. Some of the officials in ‘out lying’ areas asked if we had any old mobile phones, MP3 players or used fishing gear we could part with for trade. Locals will also trade these, liquid soap and clothes for services such as laundry, propane fills and food.

-Your first port of call in Cuba needs to be at a Marina. You can tie up or anchor off. The Marina calls up all the officials, some travel in from outlying areas, and the Marina pays all their bills. You then settle this bill with the Marina when you depart. This is great, as you have plenty of time to get your money exchanged, and less chance of being bribed. At Santiago de Cuba you have to pick up officials in your own dingy, officials in Cienfuegos have their own dingy, and Cayo Largo you have to come in and tie up to the Marina, at least upon departure.

– If you can print off a ‘cheat sheet’ for officials with all your details translated into Spanish, that will really help officials who often have limited English. Besides all your passport information, vessel registration, they have to list almost everything you have aboard your boat. Details of boat, main engine, dingy make, outboard engine, radio makes, GPS makes ect.

-Despite all the warnings we got about restricted foods, the health inspector took none of our food. Ok, he did ask if he could have a can of tuna (very expensive in Cuba). He did check all our cupboards to see the food was stored properly and was free of ‘bugs’. He even inspected our fridge. We would have stocked up with more food before coming had we known this.

-You have to have health insurance! As soon as they see some printed proof that you have health insurance they are happy.  They were happy with my pet passport, with proof of rabies vaccination, and my health certificate from our departure from the US. They like dogs in Cuba.

Moving from port to port

-Once you check in to Cuba you are issued a ‘despacho’. Think of it like a cruising permit. Everyone is going to want to check it. Eventually it will have all the ports you visit, dates you arrived and dates you left any mainland ports including Cayo Largo and Isla Juventud.

-They like to keep an eye on you when you visit the mainland. They say it is for your safety, and in some ways it is. You have to moor or anchor up within view of the Marina or Guarda Frontera station. You than need to bring your despacho, passports and boat paperwork either to them or they will come and visit you. They fill out a load of paperwork and then hold onto your despacho until you leave. They usually ask that you give them 24 hours advance notice that you are leaving. They will come and check the boat (for any smuggled Cubans) and give you back your signed despacho.

-They ask that you only land your dingy in front of the Guarda Frontera station or Marina and then you are free to travel where every you like on land.

-They ask you do not take any Cubans onto your boat. The locals and fisherman know this. You can get special written permission if arranged well in advance.

-You do not have to do any of this in the Cays as they are uninhabited. But we were called up on the radio once while anchored up at Cayo Rahihorcado. They just wanted to check we were not having any engine problems and were OK. It is not that bad having ‘Big Brother’ checking up on you if you did have problems.

Fuel, water and propane

-Diesel fuel is usually available at Marinas while you have to pick up petrol from a local garage. Both are best filtered.

-Water is available at Marinas. Santiago de Cuba was free while Cienfuegos asked for 5 CUC/1000L.  We did not take any water at Cayo Largo because other cruisers warned us it had a foul smell and taste. We were warned by the health inspector that the water pipes were not the best in Cuba and contamination can occur. Some cruisers drank the water direct while we added a little bleach. I would not recommend running a water maker in any of the mainland ports. Stock up before coming in. Bottled water is readily available at Marinas and in the cities.

-Propane is a problem. You have to have a monthly ration card to get propane they can not sell it. You have to find a local, or mediator, who is willing to sell you some of their monthly supply. They siphon propane from their bottles into yours. The marina staff will know someone locally that you can talk to. You are best to try and fill up before arriving.

Toilets, showers, toiletries and paper products.

-You have to travel everywhere with your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Hotel toilets are the best, but soap and toilet paper is expensive, so they do not provide these things.

-There is rarely a toilet seat, paper can not be flushed and must go in a rubbish bin and there is not always any running water.

-Water pressure in Cuba is highly variable and bathroom fittings are very expensive to replace. Showers are often poorly maintained.

-We found we could purchase toilet paper in Cuba, despite being told we could not. It was not cheap but the quality was. We could not find any other paper products like kitchen towel.

-The availability of soaps and shampoos is limited and a bit expensive. Bring a supply of all toiletries you regularly use plus a few extra for tips and trades. We were constantly asked for liquid soap.

Communication

-We did not have much luck here.

-If you really need internet you will have to go to an international hotel and pay by the hour for the service. I will warn you it is incredibly slow. You may be able to send and receive text, but struggle to download any pictures or weather forecasts.

-SSB really comes in handy here. Chris Barker broadcastes a regular weather forecast at 9 am for Cuba’s south coast. If you add a Pactor modem you will be able to download weather and send text emails.

-You will be able to connect with other cruisers in Santiago de Cuba, Cienfuegos and Cayo Largo. Here you can exchange information, get forecasts off each other and someone will be able to get some messages off for you if you need it.

Navigation and Buoyage

-We found all the major channels to be well buoyed. They may not be exactly where they are charted, but then many sand bars have moved over the years with storms and hurricanes.

-Charts and navigational programs are very out dated for Cuba. You really need a recent edition of a cruising guide, but then still expect some shallowing. Our Garmin chart plotter was useless, but the Navionics program for tablets was more helpful, but still had may inaccuracies.

-We would highly recommend that you rely heavily on eyeball navigation. This means travelling during the day and reaching anchorages when you still have good overhead light, even better on a rising tide. We ran into trouble trying to make an anchorage in the dark despite having waypoints from the cruising guide and being told the entry was straight forward. We met another boat that hit an uncharted reef during a night pasaage.

Travelling about inland

-We found that hiring a car and driver was much cheaper than renting a car. It was nice to have a chauffer/tour guide at hand. The maximum a driver will charge is 50 CUC/day. This is 5x the national monthly income and 2x what a good doctor makes a month. So this covers petrol, your drivers food and he will find himself a cheap local place to stay if you want him to tour you around the island for several days.

-Shorter trips and half days are much cheaper. We paid 15 CUC for the driver for the day to run us all around Santiago de Cuba and back to the Marina for the day. We split this fair with another couple. 50 CUC/day for the Botanical Gardens and Trinadad from Cienfuegos. Again we split this with another couple. 40 CUC for the day up into the Sierra del Escambray Mountains.

-Bicycle taxis from Cienfuegos town centre to the Marina are 1 CUC per person. Horse carts usually charge double to the tourists.

What to stock up on?

-The answer is everything you are likely to need for the duration of your stay, especially any spares. You really need to be self sufficient.

-There is no pet food available.

-There are big distances between the cities where you can purchase any food products. For this reason stock up on any long life, canned or jarred products before you come. Frozen goods if you have a freezer.   The selection of these products is limited and expensive in Cuba. The only places you can get any food on the south coast of Cuba is Santiago de Cuba, Cienfuegos and Nueva Gerona. So little is available in Cayo Largo that I would not consider it worth mentioning.

-Thankfully produce in Cuba is locally grown and not refrigerated so it lasts much longer than the produce you are used to buying in supermarkets. Buy lots and lots when you can. Excess can be traded with local fisherman.

-It is easier to tell you what we found available, rather than tell you what you can’t find. We found we could usually purchase baked bread, flour, rice, spaghetti pasta, soft drinks, beer, rum, bottled water, pickles, olives, dried beans and lentils. Eggs, cheese (young salty mozzarella like), butter (unsalted), tomato sauce, crisps, soda crackers, pork and pork products. Seasonal vegetables and fruit.

We just stocked up on anything that went with lobster!

If we missed out on anything just send your question in comments.

We also promised to add a few pictures of our temporary placement of our depth gauge transducer.

First you need a piece of plastic drain pipe with an internal diameter wide enough to fit the transducer inside. Cut the bottom to match the slope of your hull so the transducer will sit upright.
First you need a piece of plastic drain pipe with an internal diameter wide enough to fit the transducer inside. Cut the bottom to match the slope of your hull so the transducer will sit upright.
Glue the pipe against in an unobstructed area in the bilge. We put ours directly opposite the 'non-functioning' transducer and beside the log.
Glue the pipe against in an unobstructed area in the bilge. We put ours directly opposite the ‘non-functioning’ transducer and beside the log.
Pour in some mineral oil (water will work in a pint) and drop in the transducer. Test to make sure it works. If it does now you have the hardest part....running all the wires back to the binnacle.
Pour in some mineral oil (water will work in a pinch, but will evaporate faster) and drop in the transducer. Test to make sure it works. If it does now you have the hardest part….running all the wires back to the binnacle.
You do not want to loose all your mineral oil when heeled over or hitting rough seas. Duct tape fixes everything.
You do not want to loose all your mineral oil when heeled over or hitting rough seas. Duct tape fixes everything.

Now you have fitted a new transducer with out having to have the boat lifted out of the water.  Hope you never need it!

Happy cruising everyone!

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