Depth/Fishfinders

[BahamaBob]

Any suggestions on a good yet economical unit, needs not have GPS but we need good resolution to 1000ft or so.

[GALAZIO]

I'm a RayMarine fan...and really like the A-65 I am using...the FF has two settings for deeper resolution and the chartplotter/GPS is tops!!!! $1700

Now, the other day, a unit caught my eye with the detail of the chart that was displayed...the screen is 1/2 the size of the A-65, but it had the FF and GPS/Chatplotter in a small condensed unit... Upon asking, I found out the detail was on the chip (Lake Amistad)....but the clarity was nice! and the entire unit was $600.00...and it was a Humminbird! For the price and the given features...it would make a nice little unit, JMHO.

[hrdcor32]

I am also a raymarine fan when it comes to fishfinders. Also, I think this most important piece is going to be the transducer when trying to see the bottom at those depths.

[Capt Josh]

I am also a raymarine fan when it comes to fishfinders. Also, I think this most important piece is going to be the transducer when trying to see the bottom at those depths.

BINGO!!! the most important piece of advice you can give when it comes to sonars...spend the money on a great transducer and it really doesn't matter which screen display you wind up with...check these guys out...

www.airmar.com

[hrdcor32]

If I'm not mistaken my transducer is an Airmar. It is 1000watt with high speed fairing block and you can see a fish shit at 30 knots.

[FINRAZOR RODS]

That's all you can see? I can see plankton doing the same thing with my Ray C120

[lazyfatass247]

Well i think its a matter of opinion but, I just put a new transducer in on my boat, and the man recommend to stay with furuno, but I will agree with capt. Josh. Spend the money on the transducer you can always change the the display.

[reel fishy]

Installers usually recommend furuno transducers because of the higher power models available. Raymarine offers a 2kw transducer as their biggest while Furuno offers up to 10kw. Higher power output for the transducer can be a benefit but to the average joe the price for these units is not. The transducer is a very important element of your bottomfinder but not the most important part. All the parts must be from a quality manufacturer which were designed to be used together. The transducer does not analyze the data and reproduce the image on your screen. The sounder modules' processor and filters that adjust for changing water and bottom conditions really make a big difference. Also screen quality should be considered, set the displays in direct sunlight and see which one is more viewable. Try them with your polo glasses on and see the difference. Like in all electronics, if you buy cheap... you get what you pay for.

[SeaBiscuit]

I have used Furuno sounders and airmar transducers for many years with good results. I believe a 600 watt unit (FCV 582 L, or the new FCV 585) with a transducer of the same or higher output (600 watts +) would work well for your applications.
An FCV 585 + transducer package would run $1300 - 1500 (depending on transom vs through hull mount)
Good luck,
SeaBiscuit