Hawkeye DepthTrax 2B Boat Mount in Dash Digital Depth Finder
Quick take
The Hawkeye DepthTrax 2B is an in-dash digital depth sounder built for consistent depth readings while you are running at speed, with a shallow and deep water warning system that helps you avoid surprises. It ranges from 2.5 to 600 feet and uses a polarized LCD icon display designed to be readable in bright conditions. The biggest buying caveat is installation: the included transducer approach can be transom mounted, or glue-in installed only for certain non-cored fiberglass or thin aluminum hull situations.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Depth readings from 2.5 to 600 feet, intended for use at speed (up to about 63 mph).
- Dual depth alarms with multiple warning methods (audible alarm, red LED warning, and LCD alarm indicators).
- Glare-resistant, polarized LCD icon display with a sun cover, plus soft backlighting for daytime readability.
- Includes a dual mount transducer option, transom mount or glue-in (for compatible hull types).
Cons
- Glue-in installation is not universal, it is only suitable for non-cored fiberglass or aluminum thinner than 1/8 inch.
- Some buyers report occasional temporary “---” readings and limited behavior at very deep ranges.
- The gauge may not be a flush-mount fit for every dash style, it can protrude slightly.
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence points to the DepthTrax 2B being straightforward to use once installed, with particular praise for clear installation guidance and easy everyday operation. Several reviews highlight that the display is easy to read in direct sunlight and that the unit can produce accurate depth results in real-world boating. Where feedback varies, it tends to relate to installation method compatibility (for example, glue-in versus transom mounting depending on the vessel), and occasional brief periods where the display shows “---” rather than a normal depth reading. Overall, the pattern suggests this depth finder works well for many boat owners, but you should plan your mounting approach around your specific hull and depth needs.
Key features that matter on the water
Depth range and on-plane use
For a boat-mounted depth finder, the headline spec is the ability to show depth from 2.5 feet up to 600 feet. The unit is also designed for use while running, with readings intended up to around 60 to 63 mph, which is the type of scenario where many simpler depth solutions can become less reliable.
Built-in shallow and deep water alarms
The DepthTrax 2B includes a three-stage advanced warning system. When conditions hit your selected limits, it can alert you via an audible alarm, an ultra-bright red LED warning light, and LCD alarm indicators. If you navigate shallow areas or want a “too deep” boundary for a specific location, this is one of the most practical features because it reduces the need to constantly watch the screen.
Display visibility in bright light
The LCD uses polarized icon-style readouts, plus softglow backlighting. A storage sun cover is included to help keep the display viewable even in harsh daylight and glare, including situations where you are wearing sunglasses.
Adjusting for vessel draft with keel offset
Keel offset is meant to automatically account for vessel draft needs, so the displayed depth can be aligned with how your boat actually sits in the water. This can matter when your hull rides differently than the transducer location suggests.
Installation fit: transom mount vs glue-in transducer
This model is sold as a “boat mount in dash” depth sounder with a transducer that can be installed in more than one way. In practice, your hull type determines which approach is appropriate and whether you will be comfortable with the installation.
Transom mounting
The transom mount option is generally the more straightforward choice for many boat owners because it avoids cutting or permanently bonding a shoot-through transducer to the hull. Reviews indicate that when transom mounting is the right fit for the vessel, setup can be quick.
Glue-in (shoot-through) installation has hull limits
The glue-in method is only recommended for non-cored fiberglass hulls, or aluminum hulls thinner than 1/8 inch. If you have a cored fiberglass hull, thicker aluminum, or a configuration outside those guidelines, this mounting approach may not be suitable. If you are unsure, treat the mounting decision as a key part of buying the unit, not an afterthought.
Pros and cons in plain terms
- Best for: boaters who want an in-dash depth readout that stays readable in bright light, plus audible and visual alarms for shallow or deep water limits.
- Who it suits well: people running boats at speed who prefer depth awareness over a purely handheld or occasional-use gauge.
- Who should avoid (or double-check first): buyers with hull types that do not match the glue-in shoot-through guidance, or anyone who needs a fully flush dash integration regardless of dash shape.
- Tradeoff to expect: your results depend heavily on choosing the correct mounting method for your vessel, and some buyers report that very deep conditions can occasionally lead to brief non-readout behavior.
How it compares to the alternatives (by use case)
Since no specific competing model is named here, the comparison is best done by what you are optimizing for.
If you want alarms and in-dash visibility
The DepthTrax 2B is compelling because it combines a daytime-friendly display with a multi-signal alarm system. This is a good fit if your depth decisions rely on immediate warnings rather than reading numbers constantly.
If you mainly want maximum installation flexibility
If you prefer to avoid hull bonding or you have a hull type where glue-in may be questionable, transom mounting is likely the direction you will lean. Make sure your vessel supports the transducer placement you want before committing.
If you are depth-focused rather than fish-finding focused
This device is positioned as a digital depth sounder. If you care most about fishing features like high-detail target tracking, you may prefer a fish finder ecosystem. If your primary goal is reliable depth awareness, this style is designed to do that job.
Verdict: is the Hawkeye DepthTrax 2B worth it?
The Hawkeye DepthTrax 2B is a strong option for boaters who want an in-dash depth gauge that is easy to read in bright conditions and helps prevent mistakes with shallow and deep water alarms. It is also designed to be used while the boat is moving fast, which is a key differentiator for depth confidence on-plane. Just be careful about installation expectations, especially if you were hoping to use glue-in shoot-through mounting on a hull that does not meet the stated limits. If you match the mounting method to your vessel, it looks like a practical, value-oriented depth solution.
Frequently asked questions
What depth range does the DepthTrax 2B show?
It is designed to provide depth readings from about 2.5 feet up to 600 feet.
Can it be used while the boat is running at speed?
Yes. The unit is intended for uninterrupted depth readings while underway, with specs indicating operation up to about 60 to 63 mph.
Does it include shallow and deep water alarms?
Yes. It uses an advanced warning system with audible alarm, a red LED warning light, and LCD alarm indicators.
Is the transducer transom mount or glue-in?
Both mounting approaches are supported, but glue-in (shoot-through) installation has hull restrictions. Glue-in is only suitable for non-cored fiberglass or aluminum hulls thinner than 1/8 inch.
How readable is the screen in sunlight?
The polarized LCD icon display is designed to be glare-free, and it includes soft backlighting and a sun cover to help maintain visibility in bright daylight, including when wearing sunglasses.
Will it work on my hull type?
Transom mounting is often the easier path to compatibility, while glue-in installation is only for certain hull types. If you have a cored fiberglass hull or thicker aluminum, you should consider using transom mounting (if feasible) or verify that your vessel meets the glue-in requirements.
Specifications
| Product Title | DepthTrax 2B Boat Mount in Dash Digital Depth Finder |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > Car & Vehicle Electronics > Marine Electronics > Fish Finders & Depth Finders |
| Brand | Hawkeye |
| Manufacturer | NorCross Marine Products |
| Model Name | DT2B-TM |
| Model Number | DT2B-TM |
| Item Weight | 1.7 Pounds |
| Power Source | DC power supply |
| Display Size | 1.86 Inches |
| Display | LCD |
| Maximum Measuring Depth | 600 Feet |
| Mounting Type | Transom Mount |
| Item Dimensions L x W x H | 4"L x 2"W x 6"H |
| Brand Name | Hawkeye |
| UPC | 042112027254 798813102966 797749923980 818800010118 796793944965 014445623380 015568992414 611104317958 |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00818800010118 |
| Manufacturer Part Number | DF10D |
| Included Components | DepthTrax 2B Boat Mount In Dash Digital Depth Finder |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Warranty Description | Warranty |
| Item Type Name | Digital Depth Sounder |
| Screen Size | 1.86 Inches |
| Display Type | LCD |
Available variants
Size
- 600 Feet
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