My depth sounder is set to display the depth of the water. Over here in the UK, it seems most are set to depth under the keel. Both seem to have some logic to them - but I can't see how depth under the keel is helpful except when in very shallow water... in which case, I just have to subtract 2M from whatever it displays.

When anchoring, I want to know depth - not depth under the keel. When following a contour line, I want to know what depth it is - and even then I have to work out tide heights, etc....

Why the prominence of depth under the keel over here??

Bill Balme

+x

 

Simon Currin - 6/2/2019

BillI hadn’t realised that there was a trans Atlantic divide on this and so it is good to be forewarned in case we ever ship North American crew. We are firmly in the ‘depth under the keel’ camp.Simon

Hi Simon,
Is this a preference: 6 of one 1/2 dozen of another; or does some argument sway you? And I am not sure there is that trans-Atlantic divide: I did under the keel for a while and I know others in the US who did/do so. Generally, though, I have little experience on OPBs, so I have little sense of what others do. However, it is an important piece of information for those that take on crew. Dick

Dick,
I’ve never really thought about it before but assumed that everyone measured depth below the keel. It is certainly the safer of the options if sailing with crew. In every other respect it is 6 of one as you say.
Simon

+x

 

Simon Currin - 6/2/2019

Dick,
I’ve never really thought about it before but assumed that everyone measured depth below the keel. It is certainly the safer of the options if sailing with crew. In every other respect it is 6 of one as you say.
Simon

Hi Simon,
This is almost a real time conversation: cool.
Yes, I can see why you say it is the safer option. Interesting. I would be interested in the % of boaters choosing one over the other (and also territorial proclivities). Hard to get that kind of data. Dick