Hawkeye DT1H Handheld Depth Finder with Temperature, 300 Feet
Quick take
The Hawkeye DT1H is a handheld sonar depth finder that delivers quick depth plus water or air temperature, with a waterproof housing designed for real use on boats and for diving to 200 ft. It is best for anglers, crab potters, dinghies, or anyone who needs fast depth checks without mounting electronics. The main caveat is that it cycles readings (depth and temperature), so you need to pay attention to which value you are displaying and allow time for temperature to stabilize.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Handheld sonar with a stated max measuring depth of 300 ft.
- Shows water or air temperature, in addition to depth.
- Designed for heavy-duty use with an ultra-tough ABS housing and dual seals.
- Automatic depth range adjustment and soft backlit LCD for easy viewing.
Cons
- Temperature and depth readings can be confusing since the unit can cycle between values.
- Accurate water temperature may take a minute or two after immersion to stabilize.
- Battery-powered operation means you need to plan for a 9V battery.
- Performance can be sensitive to conditions like ice thickness and where the sensor is placed.
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence centers on three themes: ease of use, whether the unit produces dependable readings in real-world conditions, and practical interpretation of the displayed values. Many reviewers describe it as simple and reliable for tasks like checking depth near gear, scouting water for draft limitations, or confirming depth under ice. Several mention that it cycles between water/air temperature and depth, so they recommend pressing the button again to switch what you are seeing. A recurring operational note is that temperature may not immediately match water temperature right after immersion, requiring a short stabilization period. There are limited but relevant concerns about situations where readings can be less useful, such as using it in pool conditions (where it may not read depth as expected) and more challenging ice setups, although guidance like clearing snow and using water placement instructions appears to improve results.
Key features that matter in daily use
Depth up to 300 ft, with a focused beam
This is built as a handheld depth finder, not a multi-screen fish finder. It uses a 200 kHz DepthTrax intelligent sonar with a stated 14° beam angle and emits sonar pulses at 4 times per second. For buyers, the value is that you can quickly determine whether you are within a safe depth range, especially around shallow navigation, mooring checks, or gear placement.
Temperature readings you can switch to
The DT1H supports temperature readings that can reflect water or air temperature, and the unit can cycle between depth and temperature when you press the activation control. That can be convenient when you want both numbers, but it also means you should look closely at what the display is currently showing before making a call about depth, placement, or timing.
Automatic depth range adjustment
Automatic depth range adjustment is meant to keep the reading readable across changing conditions. For handheld use, that matters because you are not adjusting settings mid-session.
Waterproof for demanding environments
It uses dual seals on both the battery and transducer caps, and it is described as inductively switched so the housing does not require switch holes. The stated waterproof guidance is up to 200 ft for diving, and the housing uses durable ABS plastic. For boaters and anglers, this is the kind of design that supports regular dunking and real water exposure (instead of treating the device like a delicate instrument).
Pros and cons for different buyer types
Best for
- Dinghy and tender users who need depth checks without mounting a full fish finder.
- Crab pot and gear checkers who want to confirm depth relative to float systems.
- Boaters with limited draft scouting anchorages, channels, and marginal cuts.
- Ice fishing buyers who want an easy way to check depth before drilling (with attention to ice conditions and sensor placement).
Who should be cautious
- Buyers who want a fast, always-on “fish image” display. The DT1H is focused on depth and temperature, and it is not presented as a full fish-finder platform.
- Anyone who needs instant water temperature. Temperature may require a short stabilization after immersion.
- People expecting pool-like conditions to behave like natural water. Some setups may not produce helpful depth readings, so plan to use it in appropriate water conditions.
- Buyers who dislike cycling controls. If you want one constant screen value, you may find the depth/temperature switching workflow annoying.
How to get the most reliable readings
- Confirm what you are viewing. If you see temperature, immerse the unit and switch back to depth as needed.
- Allow temperature to settle. After getting the transducer in water, give it a minute or two before trusting the water temperature reading.
- Place the transducer correctly. For ice and unusual conditions, sensor placement and clearing interference (like snow or coverings) can affect usability.
- Use the slide activation flow intentionally. The device is designed for quick operation, but it rewards attention to the displayed mode.
Price and availability
You can check the current price and buying options here: Buy on Amazon. Availability may change, so it’s worth verifying stock before planning a trip.
Is the Hawkeye DT1H worth it?
The Hawkeye DT1H is a strong fit when your main goal is quick, handheld depth verification plus temperature, especially for boat or ice scenarios where mounting gear is a hassle. It earns support for its straightforward operation and rugged, sealed build. The biggest “make or break” factor is workflow: it can cycle between depth and temperature, and temperature may take a little time to reflect true water conditions. If you can work with that, the DT1H is likely a practical, purpose-driven depth-check tool.
FAQ
What is the maximum depth the Hawkeye DT1H can measure?
The device is rated to measure depths up to 300 feet (within its stated depth range).
Does the DT1H measure temperature, or just depth?
It measures and displays temperature in addition to depth, with readings for water or air temperature.
Is it waterproof, and how deep can it be used?
It is described as waterproof up to 200 feet for diving, using dual seals and inductive switching for the housing.
Why do my readings seem to show temperature instead of depth?
The unit can cycle between depth and temperature when you press the control, so it is important to switch to the reading you want before interpreting results.
How long does it take for temperature readings to match the water?
Temperature accuracy may take a minute or two after immersion, since the sensor can reflect air temperature until it stabilizes to the water temperature.
What kind of battery does it use?
It requires a 9V battery.
Is this a good choice for ice fishing?
Many buyers use it for ice depth checks, but it helps to follow best practices for sensor placement and managing ice conditions (such as clearing interfering snow) so the transducer can read reliably.
Specifications
| Product Title | Hawkeye DT1H Handheld Depth Finder with Temperature, 300 Feet |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > Car & Vehicle Electronics > Marine Electronics > Fish Finders & Depth Finders |
| Brand | Hawkeye |
| Manufacturer | NorCross Marine Products |
| Model Name | HawkEye DT1H Handheld Depth Finder with Temperature, 300 Feet |
| Model Number | DT1H |
| Item Weight | 16 ounces |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Display Size | 3.5 Inches |
| Display | LCD |
| Maximum Measuring Depth | 300 Feet |
| Mounting Type | Handheld |
| Item Dimensions L x W x H | 8"L x 2"W x 2"H |
| Brand Name | Hawkeye |
| UPC | 818800003110 |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00818800003110 |
| Manufacturer Part Number | DT1H |
| Included Components | HawkEye DT1H Handheld Depth Finder with Temperature, 300 Feet |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Warranty Description | Warranty |
| Item Type Name | HawkEye DT1H Handheld Depth Finder with Temperature, 300 Feet |
| Screen Size | 3.5 Inches |
| Display Type | LCD |
Available variants
Size
- 300 Feet
Style
- Handheld
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