Faria Instruments In-Dash Digital Depth Sounders

Faria Instruments In-Dash Digital Depth Sounders

When it comes to keeping a close eye on what lies beneath your hull, few instruments earn the trust of serious boaters quite like those from Faria Instruments. Part of the renowned Faria Beede family, Faria has spent over 75 years refining marine instrumentation, and their in-dash digital depth sounders represent some of the most thoughtfully engineered water-depth gauges available for recreational and light commercial boats alike.

The Chesapeake Series: Depth Sounding Redefined

Faria’s depth sounders are built around the popular Chesapeake Series platform, offered in both Black SS and White SS aesthetics. These units are distinguished by their perimeter-lighted dials, polished stainless steel bezels, contoured pointers, and domed glass lenses — making them as attractive as they are functional. The Chesapeake lineup includes models such as the F13850 (transom-mounted transducer), the F13851 (in-hull mounted transducer), and the F13852 dual-temperature variant that simultaneously displays both air and water temperatures alongside depth data.

Technology That Performs Under Pressure

What sets Faria’s in-dash depth sounders apart is the engineering packed behind the bezel. Proprietary microprocessor technology and software are designed to work with today’s high-performance transducers, giving these gauges a measurable edge in high-speed accuracy and the ability to read varied bottom conditions reliably. Key features across the lineup include:

• Depth range of 3–199 feet (1–61 meters), with readings available in feet, meters, or fathoms
• Automatic Gain Control (AGC) to maintain accurate readings regardless of changing water conditions
• Programmable keel offset, allowing you to calibrate the unit to read depth directly from your vessel’s keel for precise, real-world accuracy
• Audible and visual alarms for both shallow and deep water conditions, giving you an active safety net while underway
• Oversized backlit LCD display for clear readability in bright sunlight or low-light conditions at night
• Standard 2-1/16" gauge hole mounting, making it a direct drop-in replacement for most existing dash cutouts

The dual-temperature models (such as the F13852) go a step further, reading air and water temperatures from 32°F to 200°F on a two-line backlit display — giving captains even more situational awareness from a single compact instrument.

Transducer Options & Installation

Faria depth sounders are available with three transducer configurations to suit different hull types and installation preferences: transom-mounted, in-hull, and thru-hull. Each unit ships complete with a transducer and cable (typically 20–25 feet), so everything needed for a clean installation is included in the box. The standard gauge-hole format means most boaters can install a Faria depth sounder with minimal tools and no special modifications to their dash.

Built to Last, Backed by Faria

Faria Beede instruments are proudly manufactured in the USA and rigorously tested to perform in demanding on-water environments. The gauge front is designed to withstand direct water spray, and the domed glass lens resists fogging and scratching. A manufacturer’s warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship, reflecting the brand’s confidence in long-term reliability.

Whether you’re navigating shallow inland waterways, fishing over structure, or cruising coastal waters, a Faria in-dash digital depth sounder delivers the precise, at-a-glance bottom reading that keeps your vessel — and your crew — safe.