T&T: Furuno Depthsounders

[Larry N. Brown]

As I sit here and watch the wind blow and the river inch up and down, I
realized that I live in a world with more considerations than just the
weather. I have a dog and a failing depth sounder display both of which
present challenges.

Water's high enough I can no longer get to the dock so I have to ferry the
Cowboy from Cigano to dry land in my backyard. He just explained to me  the he
had a full bladder, if nothing else. Took him out in light showers and gusty
winds. Ever watching overhead for possibly falling limbs, I took the little
dog-man on a stroll. Took a long, loooong, #1 and ran back to the dink. I'll
have to remedy #2 as the day wears on.

But then.

I have two Furuno depth sounders, FCV600L's, identical units on the flybridge
and the lower helm. Bout 5 years old although the sat in their boxes for 2 of
the 5 years. Upper unit display has begun to dim. Data and presentation is
correct but the display is increasingly difficult to read. Called the local
Furuno shop where I bought the equipment. They say it need a new LCD display--
$369-- and 2 hours of labor--$180-- say $500+ to repair the unit, long out of
warranty.

Another consideration is that I have it in a beautifully constructed panel on
the fly bridge. New 620 has a different footprint and might need a different
transducer. Think haulout.

Coupla questions. Anyone have a line on a replacement LCD at a lower price?
Anyone have a line on the same unit for around $500 or less. Hate to butcher
my woodwork but I hate to haul the boat to replace the transducer more.

This morning reminded me of a Fleetwood Mac lyric line. Listen to the wind
blow, watch the sun rise. In darkness, I poured my first cup of coffee and
started to read my computer paper as I listened to the wind blow. Then, the
sun began to rise. As I poured my second cup, and looked out the portlight, I
saw my wheelbarrow floating in the middle of the river. First job of the day
was to rescue it. It's 64 Cypress Road's dock cart.

Wind seems calmer now. But then I thought the same just before Gustav began to
bellow.

Regards,

Larry and Teri
M/V Cigano, 47' Prairie Sundeck Cruiser
Lying: 64 Cypress Road
          Covington, LA