sonar for yachts

Practical Boat Owner

• Digital edition

Best forward-looking sonar: 5 units tested

• Ben Meakins
• May 10, 2016

How effective is forward-looking sonar at flagging up shoals and obstacles on the seabed? David Pugh compares the findings from five devices

Would you like to be able to spot an obstacle before your boat hits it? Of course you would, and so would every other sailor in the world. Looking ahead is the Achilles’ heel of the conventional echo sounder , which can only tell you the depth of the water in which you are already floating. If you wait until the sounder reads zero, it’s too late. That’s where forward-looking sonar comes in.

Admittedly, the conventional sounder can tell you a lot, and in recent years plotters have started to display not only current depth, but also history via their fishfinder screens. It’s a fair bet that if the depth is steadily decreasing, the time will soon come to change course. But this approach only works in gently shoaling water: abrupt changes in depth could spell disaster.

Looking ahead

The traditional approach to looking ahead has always been to do so before you take your boat anywhere near a potential hazard. We do it all the time, using the chart and calling it passage planning. A good survey and a precise position has been the key to keeping boats off the rocks for years, but there are times when this isn’t an option. Some places are still poorly charted, and even in our well-surveyed UK waters there are moving shoals which defy the efforts of hydrographers and harbour buoyage.

One option is to jump in the dinghy with a leadline or sounding pole and carry our your own mini-survey beforehand. But if you’re nosing up a river and simply want an early warning of a shoal, or are nervous of finding the right spot to anchor in a rocky loch, wouldn’t it be nice if your echo sounder gave the depth ahead of the boat?

Best forward-looking sonar: What’s available ?

For years, the undisputed king of the niche market of forward-looking sonar has been Ringwood-based Echopilot. Various iterations of their forward-looking technology have sold all over the world, and their only historical competitor disappeared some time ago.

Now, however, things have changed. Navico, the parent company to Simrad, B&G and Lowrance, recently announced a forward sonar transducer and updated software for their SonarHub module and plotters, while Garmin have developed a version of their high-definition Panoptix fishfinder designed to look ahead. While Echopilot and Navico are in direct competition, the Garmin product is a little different, aiming to find fish at a limited range ahead of the transducer – they provide a version of the transducer designed to fit a trolling motor shaft to facilitate scanning around the boat. However, it does provide imagery of topographical features too, and hence could be of use in spotting hazards.

We gathered together five contenders: three from Echopilot and one each from Garmin and B&G, fitted them to an old 3.6m (12ft) dinghy and put them through their paces in Poole Harbour. We tried looking at a range of features, including solid piling, bridge piers, gently shelving beaches and mooring chains, as well as using the units to find our way down a narrow channel of soft mud.

Echopilot FLS 2D

A channel buoy’s chain, picked up at around 12m

The only unit tested with a dedicated display, the FLS 2D comes with a choice of transducers. The standard transducer is sold as suitable for smaller boats, has plastic encapsulation and uses a 45mm through-hull fitting. The ‘Professional’ transducer is a much heavier unit of bronze, costing an extra £170 and using a 60mm through-hull. Installation is simple – fit the transducer, plug it and the power cable into the back of the display and you’re done.

To display the information, Echopilot uses a screen showing a cross-section of the water ahead of the boat. On this are plotted the echoes received by the transducer, using colours graded from blue to red to show the strength of the echo (red being the stronger). By default, the unit is set to choose a range automatically, but the user can override this.

The user interface is not immediately intuitive, but once the unit is set up the most you are likely to need is to change the range, achieved simply enough using the ‘Up’ and ‘Down’ softkeys. There is an auto setting, which changes the range based on the depth, but in difficult conditions the manual setting is helpful.

On the water, we initially struggled to make sense of the display, but with practice the manner in which the data is shown and colour-coded to indicate the strength of the echo allows a significant level of interpretation from the user. For example, a mooring chain or stake will give a vertical line of strong, red returns with some weaker echoes either side. The red shows that you should pay attention despite there being relatively few data points. Soft mud, on the other hand, gives a scattering of weaker echoes as the sounder struggles to find the bottom, so the truth is likely to be a middle value.

We tested the range of the sounder by looking at a solid concrete wall. The wall was clearly visible at ranges just over 100m, which was the width of the channel in which we were working. Smaller targets such as mooring chains were harder to acquire, with the range typically less than 10m before we could say with confidence that the object was there. At this kind of range the narrow width of the transducer beam becomes obvious, so the bow needs to be held steadily on the target.

The seabed slopes down to the right, ending at a solid wall at 75m

In soft, shallow mud, the FLS 2D would become confused when in auto mode owing to some echoes being apparently very deep, requiring the range setting manually. This removed most of the spurious results and made the display useful once more, although the depths it recorded were clearly far too high.

Switching to the professional transducer resulted in a cleaner signal, but surprisingly a shorter range at just over 80m. The beam also appeared narrower, so on a small boat where the heading is not necessarily constant, the standard transducer is perhaps a better choice.

RRP: £1,179 / $1,569 (inc. standard transducer)

Buy it now on eBay (UK)

Buy it now on eBay (US)

With each product is a ‘Buy it now’ link. If you click on this then we may receive a small amount of money from the retailer when you purchase the item. This doesn’t affect the amount you pay.

Echopilot fls platinum engine.

Solid piling, visible at 90m on our range test

The FLS Platinum Engine comprises three components: the transducer, a sturdy bronze unit with a 60mm through-hull fitting, a transducer interface box and a video interface box. The video interface can output composite or S-video, suitable for viewing on a third-party plotter or external screen. Control is via an external keypad plugged into the video interface.

In operation, the Platinum engine is similar to the FLS 2D, with the data displayed in the same way. We used the composite video output, but it would pay to use S-video if possible to take advantage of its improved resolution.

Rocks at 32m. The scattering from the irregular shapes makes the return weaker, but there is clearly an obstacle

The transducer is identical in appearance to the Professional transducer for the FLS 2D so, perhaps unsurprisingly, our results were similar. Our range test picked up the wall at about 90m and, like the FLS 2D, it tended to show spurious depths in soft, shallow channels. It was, however, quicker to get back to normal once the boat moved out of the difficult area. We found it harder to pick up mooring chains and narrow objects with the Platinum engine, perhaps due to a narrower beamwidth from the transducer and the tendency of a small boat to yaw. It detected the multi-faceted rocks of some sea defences, albeit with a fairly scattered plot.

RRP: £1,000 (inc. transducer)

Buy it now on echopilot.com

Echopilot FLS 3D

A channel mark’s chain, appearing 30m away as a peak in the midst of deeper water

Echopilot’s flagship model, the FLS 3D, takes a different approach to the 2D products. By using two hefty 75mm through-hull units, each of which contains two angled transducers, the sounder can combine the data to display a 60° sector ahead of the boat.

The amount of data from four transducers would produce a confusing mess if displayed with no further processing, so Echopilot have included a computer in the system to render a surface which best fits the data, and output the video. As a result the system comprises three stages: the transducers, the transducer interface and the computer. From the computer, you can output VGA or DVI to a screen, or go through a converter for composite or S-video.

Like the 2D models, the picture is colour-coded to aid spotting the difference between shallow and deep water. This makes for a very intuitive picture, but a user needs to bear in mind that the surface displayed is similar to that which would be made if you were to drop a blanket over the seabed –spikes are smoothed into curved peaks and vertical walls become steep slopes.

On the water, the display is very easy to read, and we found it good for seeing continuous features such as channel edges. Our range test yielded a shorter range than the 2D sounders, with the wall ahead convincingly visible from about 35m. I suspect this may be due to there being insufficient data points for rendering until you are closer to the obstacle, while the 2D products show the data for the user to interpret.

Approaching a steep wall at about 15m. Water appears to exist beyond the wall

Another oddity when approaching the wall was that the sounder showed a depth of water continuing beyond it – not a problem, but something that takes getting used to.

The FLS 3D is primarily sold to larger boats, so our test in a narrow, shallow channel was perhaps unfair. Nevertheless, variations in depth consistent with the channel edge were visible, and had a shorter range than 40m been available would have been clearer. Heading down the edge of a deepwater channel, the edge was clearly defined and navigation mark chains appeared as steep peaks, suggesting that this would be a valuable tool for nosing up a river.

RRP: £9,550 / $13,000 (inc. 2 transducers)

B&G ForwardScan sonar

With simple structures like the wall, the danger is immediately obvious

As might be expected from a plotter manufacturer, this unit is designed to work with B&G’s own displays, removing the video interface element common to the Echopilot black box products. However, you will still need an interface box (SonarHub) to connect the transducer to the plotter. Once done, and with your software updated to suit, a new option will appear on the menu: ForwardScan. By default, this shows a shaded area designed to represent the seabed ahead of the boat – brown in our pictures, but you can change the colour pallette. Essentially, this is a line of best fit – the data points can be overlaid if you wish, either both above and below the line, or just above. These points are colour-coded in a similar fashion to the Echopilot plots.

ForwardScan in use

In its default state, just showing the line of best fit, the screen is easy and intuitive to read. On our range test, the sounder showed the steep wall at a maximum range of 65m. This is significantly shorter than the Echopilot, but turning on the data points showed evidence of the wall at around 80m – the software clearly needs more data points than the human eye to confidently predict the seabed.

Mooring chains are shown by the data, but ignored by the line

In shallow, muddy water the best-fit line lost its lock on the bottom, but turning on the data points again made the display useful, with the distribution giving an indication of whether the water was getting deeper or shallower ahead of the boat.

Because ForwardScan is integrated into an existing navigation package, it already has reliable depth information from a separate transducer, so is more resilient to scaling problems based on false readings than the Echopilot units. It also proved useful to be able to display the data alongside the chart, especially when moving along a channel edge.

In soft mud, the line of best fit fails, but data points still show trends

RRP: Transducer £540, SonarHub £470 / $1,079

Buy it now from eBay (UK)

Buy it now from eBay (US)

Garmin Panoptix Forward

RealVü scans from left to right to build a realistic image of the seabed. Here’s a wall at 14m

A single transducer, which plugs directly into the back of a compatible Garmin plotter using Ethernet, Garmin’s Panoptix Forward sonar product is more intended as a fishfinder for looking around your boat than as a device for spotting obstacles while under way.

The transducer comes with two mounts – one for the transom, the other to fit it to the shaft of a trolling motor, allowing it to rotate. The transducer itself is large (approx 170mm x 90mm) and dips below the transom at an angle of around 45°, so it is unsuitable for sailing craft in its current incarnation owing to drag. It also loses picture at speed, presumably owing to disturbed water around the transducer, while the Echopilot and B&G products can be successfully used on the move.

The plotter offers two forward views: LiveVü and RealVü 3D. LiveVü will look familiar to fishfinder users, with the classic blue screen and smeared lines, coloured to show the strength of the echo. RealVü scans a 60° arc ahead of the boat to build a picture of the seabed ahead, similar to the Echopilot 3D. However, unlike the Echopilot, which shows a picture all the time, RealVü scans, building the image from left to right.

A piece of rail marking a channel edge, viewed at 8m

The Vü ahead

Using LiveVü, the range is limited compared with the other products, the best we achieved on the solid wall being just under 40m. At close range, however, the system offers significantly more detail than any of the other products, suggesting that it operates at a higher frequency, trading range for detail.

This conclusion was borne out by a test we tried in the shallow waters of Poole’s Holes Bay, looking at a channel mark made from a piece of old railway rail. Both the Echopilot and Navico products showed this as a collection of a few echoes, while the Garmin showed a clear vertical obstacle at about 8m.

Shoaling depths are clearly shown

In RealVü mode, the range is reduced compared with LiveVü by the rendering facility – as you move away from a feature, the image begins to fragment as the quality of the data reduces. It’s also a bit slow, taking several seconds to build each picture before starting again. However, the image produced is realistic and detailed. Data points not used in the rendering are overlaid to give an indication whether any features have been ignored.

If RealVü could work faster and under way, it would make a great tool for exploring narrow channels.

RRP: £1,299 / $1,499 (transducer only)

PBO Verdict

If you’re looking to avoid collision, rather than carry out a close-range survey of the seabed, we have to discount the Garmin from the running. Its limited range and intolerance to turbulence make it unsuitable for use at anything more than trolling speeds, but if Garmin can produce a through-hull transducer that deals with these problems, its impressive level of detail makes it a product to keep an eye on in the future.

The Echopilot FLS 3D is best suited to larger boats, not least because of its size and cost. We also found it worked best in deeper water, where the ability to see for a significant angle either side of the bow proved extremely beneficial, picking up the edge of the shipping channel in Poole with a high level of detail.

For smaller boats, however, any of the 2D products would prove a useful addition to your instrumentation. ForwardScan is the most intuitive thanks to its line of best fit and is the obvious choice if you already have B&G, Simrad or Lowrance gear on board, but with practice I found that I preferred to see the raw data and draw my own conclusions – the approach used by Echopilot. In this mode, the Echopilot pictures were cleaner, with fewer spurious echoes either side of the true data. As the long-standing market leader in forward sonar, it’s perhaps to be expected that their filtering of the data might be better, and this seems to be the case.

Which of the Echopilot products you choose depends on personal considerations. The FLS 2D offers best value for money, and we found the standard, cheaper transducer to be perfectly adequate. The Professional transducer adds detail but is bulkier and heavier, with a greater protrusion below the hull. For a little extra cost, if you already have a plotter the Platinum Engine offered best performance across a range of conditions.

Whatever you choose, it’s important to remember that they aren’t infallible, and are affected strongly by the surface at which they are looking. All of them worked well in shoaling water, the plots clearly indicating reducing depth from a shelving beach. Soft mud and shallow water confused them all to a greater or lesser extent, as is only to be expected when you fire a sonar beam obliquely into a soft medium. Broken rock (used as sea defences for a marina) scattered the beams, confusing attempts at 3D rendering by the Garmin RealVü or Echopilot 3D, but visible as scattered dots on the other products. Plane surfaces or protrusions from the seabed worked better.

When I set up the test, Mike Phillips of Echopilot warned ‘it’s a bit like using radar. You have to get used to it’. He’s right, and like radar, forward sonar needs interpretation. Software can help, but a practised operator will get more from it than a novice. It doesn’t replace a chart or a good position, but teamed up with other information might just keep you off the rocks or putty, or help avoid that uncharted underwater obstruction.

• svg]:fill-accent-900"> 747K
• svg]:fill-accent-900"> 181K
• svg]:fill-accent-900"> 57.8K

MEGA Live vs LiveScope: What’s the Best Forward Facing Sonar?

By Pete Robbins

Posted on Jul 8, 2024 9:32 AM EDT

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›

Forward-facing sonar has changed the game in professional bass fishing. While some anglers and pundits have mixed or negative feelings about the relatively new technology there’s no question that it’s becoming more prevalent among non-pro anglers too.

FFS is not necessarily easy to learn or implement, but the best units from companies like Humminbird and Garmin are increasingly “plug and play.” Just by setting up your beam correctly, it’s possible to see fish, and even a small lure, 60 to 80 feet in front of the boat — or farther. Besides helping you locate fish, Humminbird’s MEGA Live and LiveScope can help anglers make adjustments to lure styles, colors and retrieves in real time. If you’re ready to make the leap into FFS, you’ll first have to decide on which unit to run. I compared two of the most popular units, MEGA Live and LiveScope, to help you decide.

MEGA Live Specs and Features

• Down Mode, Forward Mode, and Landscape Mode
• Compatible with TargetLock, which allows anglers to move the transducer independently of the trolling motor
• 2-Year Limited Warranty
• Sonar Coverage: 20 x 120 degrees
• Price: $1,500 (transducer only)

LiveScope Plus Specs and Features

• Forward Mode, Down Mode, and Perspective Mode
• Sonar Coverage: 20 x 135 degrees
• Built-in stabilization
• Price: $1,700 (transducer and sonar module only)

Testing MEGA Live and LiveScope

I owned Humminbird units on my past two boats, and switched to Garmin units on my current one. I’ve also previously owned Lowrance units, so I started this testing process with a pretty solid understanding of the top companies’ lineups. I supplemented that by getting into boats with top tournament anglers, practitioners and teaching guides including Texas pro Keith Combs, New York rookie phenom Kyle Patrick, and former competitor, now a provider of electronics lessons, Chad Morgenthaler. They all answered my questions directly and honestly. We fished water 2- to 60-feet deep, for largemouths, smallmouths, and spotted bass, in various seasons and water clarities. Without insights from the pros, I wouldn’t have learned half as much as I did, and I still have a long way to go to become anywhere near as proficient as them.

While I was introduced to both the Humminbird and Garmin units in the boats of the many bass pros, much of my testing came in my own boat. I wanted to see if someone without those professional advantages could learn these units and maximize their effectiveness. I did get some hints through YouTube and the occasional calls stemming from frustration, but I found that just getting up and running was not that hard. The difficulty is in maximizing their effectiveness.

Read Next : The Best Fish Finders

Megalive vs Livescope: Ease of Use

I found Garmin’s menus to be more intuitive and easier to scroll through and find what I needed. With Humminbird, sometimes it was less obvious. Once I understood the terminology and placement, they were close, but I’d still give the edge to Garmin.

However, in terms of hooking up all of the wiring, particularly at a dark boat ramp in the pre-dawn hours, I found Humminbird’s setup to be better. I could “feel” the placement of the wires and figure out where they should be. I don’t like leaving the units hooked up while trailering — not only is the vibration potentially a problem, but it’s too easy to pry away these high-dollar electronics even with some sort of locking system. Accordingly, I do a lot of hooking them up at odd times and strange angles, and the Bird gets the nod here. I will say that Garmin’s wires are better at staying connected in rough water. With both of them, be careful that you don’t bend any of the pins.

It was also easier for a relative Luddite like me to get the Garmin to pick up objects at a distance. Yes, I needed a little bit of guidance on settings, but the process was relatively painless and semi-universal. Both brands need some adjustments based on conditions, but the Garmin needed less. That’s a big advantage for someone like me.

MEGA Live vs LiveScope: Clarity and Accuracy

Humminbird has come a long way in terms of picture quality. That was a major distinguishing point in the past, when Garmin’s image resolution was vastly superior. Now it’s close to a tie, with Garmin getting a slight edge. When Garmin units are dialed in properly, you can see the direction a fish is facing and other small details that can make a big difference.

If you fish long days, both units will likely require a dedicated power source. A drop in voltage beyond certain levels tends to degrade the picture quality. I found it to be a minor annoyance with both, but slightly more troublesome with the Humminbirds.

Before getting into Garmins, I’d been told that Humminbird’s side-imaging technology was better, and after using both, I’d tend to agree. I can still pick up more objects more clearly at a greater distance with Humminbirds than with my Garmins. I know that this review is about forward-facing sonar, not side-imaging, but I think it’s still relevant because if you have to choose one brand or the other, you’ll want to consider both uses. On offshore fisheries, I still spend as much time scanning to the side as I do actually fishing, so give Humminbird a slight edge there.

Read Next: Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 126sv and LiveScope, Tested and Reviewed

Garmin vs Humminbird: Customer Support

Overall, I found my Humminbird graphs to be a little more buggy and sensitive to change. I had to send one back after a short period of time because it flipped out on me. While the company took care of it right away, it was an inconvenience and not a confidence-builder. The only problems I’ve had with my Garmin were a transducer not set up correctly from the company and a compass that needed to be recalibrated after two years.

I like the fact that LiveScope has a variety of transducer options at several different price points, but note that it can be a money pit. Be sure to choose the ducer you need for the way you fish, not to just to keep up with the Joneses. 

Humminbird had to play catch up for a while, but they’ve done a good job, making their transducers more manageable and reliable. Moreover, they’re compatible with Apex, Solix, and Helix models.

MEGA Live vs LiveScope: Additional Features

Photo by Scott Einsmann

Choosing which of these technologies you want to employ may also involve other products. In an ideal world, you’d run the same brand of trolling motor and graphs to take advantage of their “one boat” compatibility. Yes, you can run different ones, but it may put you at a slight disadvantage. I have a Minn Kota Ultrex with my Garmins rather than the Garmin trolling motor because I think the former is actually more precise with my foot movements than the latter, which allows me to stay focused on a moving target. That may not matter as much if you have the Humminbird graphs because their “Target Lock” system takes care of that electronically. It’s a much-needed improvement over manually locking and I assume that all brands will have independent motor control in the future.

Furthermore, there’s the matter of Hummingbird’s 360 versus Garmin’s Perspective Mode. While I’ve chosen to run Garmins, and would do so again, I do feel that the Perspective Mode is a little more difficult to dial in than 360, a definite notch in Humminbird’s belt. In fact, if I wanted to spend some additional cash, I think that the best front deck solution would be a 12-inch screen for LiveScope and a 9- or 10-inch screen adjacent to it with 360.

Read Next : The Unwinnable Battle Over Forward-Facing Sonar

MEGA Live vs LiveScope: Things to Consider Before Buying

Functionality 

If you will be using the unit exclusively for “scoping,” then you can and potentially should plan to buy a smaller unit. You won’t need to subdivide it to accommodate additional views. If, however, you plan to use your graph for more than one purpose most of the time, you’ll need the larger screen and processing power to see what’s going on and to understand it in real time.

Budget  

It’s easy to spend a lot of money on marine electronics, and there’s a tendency to want to overdo it. Realistically, assess how you’re likely to fish most of the time and what you can justify to chase that dream.

Additional Add-Ons

Don’t forget, in many cases the head unit itself is costly, but that’s often just the tip of the iceberg. You may want a specific transducer, or even a transducer mount or pole to help you maximize your forward facing abilities. Some anglers also invest in costly mounts, not just to protect their investments, but to be able to adjust them upward to reduce neck pain and increase visibility.

Final Thoughts on MEGALive vs LiveScope

I’m 54 years old and not necessarily technologically savvy, but I’ve loved integrating forward-facing sonar into my everyday fishing when appropriate. I haven’t gotten to the point where I go out and “scope” all day, every day, but it has definitely added some fish to my daily and yearly catches — fish that I would not have caught otherwise. I understand the grievances of those who oppose its use in tournaments, but I’ve been thrilled and surprised by how much it has taught us about fish behavior and locations, but I really like having and using it. For now, I give Garmin a slight edge but it will be interesting to see how both systems evolve as the technology keeps getting better.

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Sonar System for Your Fishing Boat

Selecting the right sonar system involves understanding different types like 2D, down imaging, and side imaging sonar. Evaluate key features such as display quality, power output, and GPS integration. High-frequency sonar excels in shallow waters, while low-frequency is better for deeper depths. Wattage affects signal penetration and accuracy; higher power suits challenging conditions. Confirm that your display provides clear, readable data in various lighting. Consider the transducer placement and installation rigor. Balance your budget with performance needs. Familiarize yourself with top brands like Garmin, Humminbird, and Lowrance to secure a reliable system that enhances your fishing efficiency and accuracy. Explore specific models and functionalities to find the perfect match.

Understanding Sonar Technology

Sonar technology, which stands for Sound Navigation and Ranging, uses sound waves to detect objects underwater, making it an indispensable tool for modern fishing operations. By emitting sound pulses and interpreting the echoes that return, sonar systems can map underwater terrain, identify fish schools, and locate submerged structures.

To maximize your fishing efficiency, it’s critical to understand the different types of sonar systems available, such as Garmin LiveScope, Humminbird MEGA Live, and others.

When you explore different types of sonar systems like Garmin LiveScope, you’ll find that it offers real-time scanning capabilities, allowing you to see detailed images of fish and structures as they move. This is particularly beneficial for anglers who need precise, up-to-the-minute data.

Humminbird MEGA Live, on the other hand, provides ultra-clear images with a high frequency, making it ideal for those who require high-resolution imaging to identify specific fish species or intricate underwater features.

Other sonar systems may offer unique benefits, such as side-scanning capabilities or 360-degree views, catering to various fishing environments and techniques. Understanding these different systems and their best use cases will enable you to select the most suitable sonar technology for your fishing needs.

Types of Sonar Systems

When selecting a sonar system for your fishing boat, it’s important to evaluate the primary types available, which include traditional sonar, down imaging, and side imaging systems.

Traditional sonar, often referred to as 2D sonar, uses sound waves to create a real-time display of the underwater environment. It provides a broad view of the water column and is excellent for detecting fish and structure directly beneath your boat.

Down imaging sonar, on the other hand, offers a more detailed, high-resolution view of what’s directly below. It utilizes higher frequency sound waves to produce near-photographic images of the underwater scene. This type is particularly useful for identifying specific structures or fish in greater detail, making it ideal for pinpointing targets.

Side imaging sonar extends your view to the sides of the boat. It sends out sonar waves at an angle, allowing you to scan a wide area on either side. This type is highly effective for covering large areas quickly and is advantageous for locating fish-holding structures along the shorelines or drop-offs.

Each type of sonar system has its unique strengths, making it essential to match the system to your specific fishing needs and environment.

Key Features to Consider

Choosing the ideal sonar system for your fishing boat involves evaluating several key features that can greatly impact performance and usability.

First, consider the display quality. High-resolution screens offer clearer images, making it easier to distinguish fish from other underwater structures. Look for systems with anti-glare technology to guarantee visibility in bright conditions.

Next, think about power output, measured in watts. Higher power output can penetrate deeper waters and provide more accurate readings. For saltwater fishing, a higher wattage is essential due to the increased density and salinity of the water.

Portability is another essential factor. If you often switch boats or need a system for different fishing conditions, a portable sonar system might be more suitable. Check for compatibility with various mounts and ease of installation.

GPS integration is also an important feature, as it allows you to mark fishing spots, navigate efficiently, and track your routes. A system with built-in GPS can save you the hassle of using separate devices.

Lastly, make sure the sonar system includes advanced imaging technologies like DownScan or SideScan. These technologies provide detailed views of the underwater environment, helping you locate fish more effectively.

Frequency and Coverage

Understanding the relationship between frequency and coverage is essential for optimizing the performance of your sonar system. When selecting a sonar system, you need to take into account how different frequencies and beam angles affect the information you receive about underwater structures and fish.

Higher frequencies, typically above 200 kHz, provide greater detail and clarity but have a limited range. They’re ideal for shallow waters where precision is vital. On the other hand, lower frequencies, such as 50 kHz, offer a broader coverage area and can penetrate deeper waters, though they may sacrifice some detail.

Here are four key points to help you make a well-informed decision:

• High-Frequency Sonar (200 kHz and above) : Best for shallow water, providing detailed images of fish and structures.
• Low-Frequency Sonar (below 100 kHz) : Suitable for deep water, offering broader coverage but less detail.
• Dual-Frequency Systems : Combine both high and low frequencies, giving you versatile performance across different depths.
• Beam Angle : Narrow beams (e.g., 20°) offer detailed images and are great for pinpointing fish, while wide beams (e.g., 60°) cover more area, making them suitable for scanning large regions.

Selecting the right combination of frequency and coverage ensures you obtain the most accurate and useful data from your sonar system.

Power and Performance

Equally important to frequency and coverage, the power of your sonar system directly impacts its performance and ability to detect underwater objects at various depths. Measured in watts, the power rating determines how effectively the sonar signal penetrates the water column. Higher wattage systems provide stronger signals, allowing for clearer images and better detection in deeper waters.

When you’re choosing a sonar system, consider the typical depths you’ll be fishing. For shallow waters, a system with lower power, around 200-500 watts, may suffice. However, if you frequently fish in deeper waters, you’ll need a system with higher power, potentially exceeding 1000 watts, to guarantee accurate readings.

Power isn’t just about depth. It also influences how well the sonar system performs in challenging conditions. In murky or heavily cluttered waters, a higher-powered system can better distinguish between fish and debris, providing more reliable data.

Additionally, power affects the refresh rate of your sonar images. Systems with higher wattage can offer faster refresh rates, giving you more up-to-date information.

Display Options

When selecting a sonar system, the display options play a pivotal role in how effectively you can interpret underwater data. A high-quality display ensures you can make quick and accurate decisions while on the water.

Here’s what you should consider:

• Screen Size : Larger screens provide more space for detailed information. This is particularly useful when splitting the display between sonar data and other features. A minimum of 5 inches is recommended for clarity.
• Resolution : Higher resolution screens offer sharper images, making it easier to distinguish between different types of underwater structures. Look for displays with at least 800×480 pixels to guarantee fine details are visible.
• Brightness and Readability : Sunlight-readable displays are essential for day-time fishing. Consider screens with adjustable brightness and anti-glare coatings to maintain visibility under direct sunlight.
• Touchscreen vs. Button Controls : Touchscreens offer intuitive operation but can be less reliable in wet conditions. Button-controlled displays, while potentially less user-friendly, provide dependable performance regardless of weather.

GPS Integration

Integrating GPS with your sonar system greatly enhances your ability to navigate and pinpoint fishing hotspots with precision. By merging these technologies, you can mark waypoints, track your boat’s movement, and create detailed maps of the underwater terrain. This integration allows you to return to specific locations where fish are abundant, making sure that you maximize your catch.

A GPS-enabled sonar system provides real-time positioning, which is crucial for avoiding obstacles and staying within desired fishing areas. Many systems offer advanced features like route planning and trackback functionality. Route planning helps you create efficient paths to fishing sites, while trackback lets you review your journey, so you can revisit productive spots.

When choosing a sonar system, prioritize models with high-sensitivity GPS receivers. These receivers ensure accurate data even in challenging conditions, such as heavy cloud cover or dense tree canopies. Additionally, consider systems that support chartplotting. Chartplotters overlay your GPS data onto detailed marine charts, offering a thorough view of your surroundings.

Lastly, make certain that your sonar and GPS integration supports software updates. Regular firmware updates can improve system performance and introduce new features, keeping your equipment at the forefront of marine technology.

Installation Tips

Proper installation of your sonar system is essential for peak performance and reliability on the water. Follow these critical steps to guarantee your system works flawlessly:

• Choose the Right Location : Place the transducer where it won’t be affected by turbulence or air bubbles. Typically, this is near the centerline of the boat, slightly aft of the keel. Confirm it’s away from any hull protrusions that could interfere with signal quality.
• Mount Securely : Use a mounting bracket suitable for your boat’s material—whether fiberglass, aluminum, or wood. Ensure the mount is level to avoid skewed readings. Secure the transducer firmly but avoid overtightening, which can cause damage.
• Cable Management : Run the transducer cable through the boat’s hull using a waterproof gland. Keep the cable away from high-power wires to minimize electrical interference. Use zip ties to secure the cable and prevent it from moving or chafing.
• Test and Calibrate : After installation, power up the system and test it in shallow and deep waters. Calibrate the sonar to match your boat’s speed and water conditions. Make adjustments as necessary to fine-tune performance.

Budget Considerations

Evaluating your budget is an essential step in choosing a sonar system that fits both your financial constraints and performance needs. Start by determining how much you’re willing to spend. Sonar systems range from a couple of hundred dollars for basic models to several thousand for advanced units with high-end features.

Next, consider the cost-benefit ratio. A higher price doesn’t always equate to better performance for your specific needs. Analyze the features you truly require. For instance, if you fish in shallow waters, a basic model with standard depth capabilities might suffice. Conversely, for deep-sea fishing, investing in a unit with advanced depth and fish-targeting features may be worth the extra cost.

Additionally, factor in any hidden costs. These can include installation fees, transducer upgrades, and software updates. Some systems might also require additional components for full functionality, such as GPS integration or advanced mapping software.

Lastly, don’t overlook warranty and customer support. A slightly more expensive unit with robust warranty coverage and excellent customer service can save you money in the long run by reducing maintenance and repair costs.

Balancing these factors will help you make a financially sound decision while ensuring top-notch performance on the water.

Top Brands and Models

When selecting a sonar system, familiarizing yourself with the top brands and their flagship models will provide a clear understanding of what the market has to offer. Renowned brands have spent years perfecting their technology, ensuring that you receive accurate and reliable data.

Here are four leading brands and their standout models:

• Garmin : The Garmin Striker 4 is a compact yet powerful device. It features CHIRP sonar technology, which provides crystal-clear images and excellent target separation. The built-in GPS allows you to mark waypoints and navigate back to productive fishing spots with ease.
• Humminbird : Known for innovation, Humminbird’s HELIX 7 CHIRP MEGA SI GPS G3N offers an expansive 7-inch display, CHIRP sonar, and MEGA Side Imaging. This model excels in providing detailed underwater views, making it easier to distinguish between fish and structures.
• Lowrance : The Lowrance HDS LIVE 12 boasts a large 12-inch screen, Active Imaging, and LiveSight sonar. Its advanced features include real-time sonar tracking, making it ideal for serious anglers who need up-to-the-minute data.
• Raymarine : The Raymarine Element 9 HV combines HyperVision 3D sonar with a user-friendly interface. It offers precise imagery and an intuitive navigation system, perfect for both amateur and professional anglers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do different water conditions affect sonar performance.

Various water conditions have a notable impact on sonar performance. In murky or turbulent waters, signal clarity reduces, impairing target identification.

In deeper waters, sonar signals may weaken, affecting range and accuracy. Salinity variations can alter sound speed, leading to potential miscalculations in distance.

Temperature layers create thermal gradients, causing signal refraction and distortion. To optimize performance, you should calibrate your sonar system according to these environmental factors.

Can Sonar Systems Be Used in Both Saltwater and Freshwater?

Yes, sonar systems can be used in both saltwater and freshwater. However, you should consider the differences in water density and salinity, which affect sonar wave propagation.

Saltwater generally necessitates more powerful sonar due to higher conductivity and density. Make sure your system has adjustable settings to optimize performance for each environment.

Regularly calibrate your sonar to maintain accuracy in varying water conditions.

How Often Should a Sonar System Be Calibrated for Accuracy?

You should calibrate your sonar system every few months to guarantee accuracy, especially if you’re frequently changing locations or water types. Regular calibration compensates for variations in water temperature, salinity, and depth.

Additionally, always calibrate after installing new transducers or software updates. This practice maintains peak performance and precise readings, essential for efficient navigation and fishing success.

Neglecting calibration can lead to inaccurate data and potential issues.

Are There Specific Maintenance Routines for Sonar Systems?

Yes, there are specific maintenance routines for sonar systems.

You should regularly inspect the transducer for any signs of damage or fouling and clean it with a soft cloth and mild detergent. Check all electrical connections for corrosion and make sure they’re secure.

Periodically update the system’s firmware to benefit from performance enhancements. Additionally, store the system in a dry, temperature-controlled environment when not in use.

What Are the Environmental Impacts of Using Sonar Technology?

When using sonar technology, consider its environmental impacts. Active sonar can disturb marine life, causing disorientation or behavioral changes in species sensitive to sound. It may interfere with communication, navigation, and mating rituals of aquatic organisms.

Mitigate these effects by choosing systems with adjustable frequencies and power levels, and avoid operating in sensitive habitats or during critical breeding seasons. Implementing these practices helps minimize ecological disruption.

By understanding sonar technology, considering key features, and evaluating frequency, coverage, power, and GPS integration, you can select the ideal sonar system for your fishing boat.

Keep installation tips and budget constraints in mind. Top brands and models will offer reliable performance and durability.

With this guide, you’re well-equipped to make an informed decision, ensuring your fishing endeavors are both successful and enjoyable.

Invest wisely, and you’ll reap the benefits on the water.

Copyright © 2023 Fishing Specialties Inc - All Rights Reserved. - patents pending on several products

Transducer Mounting Solutions

• Yachting World
• Digital Edition

Sonar and sounders: 4 new models that are good for more than just fishing

• April 22, 2020

Developments in technology are now allowing us to see the shape and structure of the seabed, including vegetation, in increasingly clear detail. Rupert Holmes reports

Sonar has potential to help offshore racers like IMOCA 60s avoid submerged obstructions. Photo: Vincent Curutchet

Sonar and forward-looking depth sounders are often seen as the preserve of those whose primary interest is fishing. However, a huge amount of effort has been invested in these products over the past few years and the latest models can be powerful tools for both cruising and racing yachts . They offer sufficient clarity, for instance, to be able to pick out areas of seagrass and patches of sand in an anchorage.

Much of this improvement is thanks to the availability of CHIRP transducers that, unlike a traditional sonar, can distinguish between multiple targets through scanning using a signal of varying frequency. This enables them to show individual fish, rather than just indicate a shoal, to resolve vegetation growing on the seabed, and distinguish between a sandy/muddy shoreline and a rocky one.

For those of us who spend large periods of time in the Mediterranean during autumn months , when overcast skies or dark evenings can mean anchoring when it’s not possible to see the seabed, this could be a significant boon. As well as the obvious safety advantage, and convenience of being able to find sand at the first attempt, there’s also a benefit in avoiding damage to environmentally important seagrass beds.

Article continues below…

Forward-facing sonar: Everything you need to know

Yachting is usually pretty fast to embrace useful new technology, particularly if it helps win a race or if it…

Can augmented reality really give us a vision of the future of sailing?

Google’s mission statement is ‘to organise the world’s information.’ This almost impossibly ambitious declaration of intent underpins the technology giant’s…

On yachts, we’re most interested in what lies roughly ahead of the boat, unlike fishing where a good picture of what’s directly underneath or to the side is often more important. This means not all transducers developed for the fishing market will work well for our purposes, but we’ve listed a selection here that could be useful.

Even so it’s important to recognise that forward-looking sonar doesn’t replace existing data sources such as depth sounder, charts and visual references. Instead it provides additional data to help make more informed decisions. However, short ranges of typically 30m-90m mean this is a tool for use in confined waters in which the navigator is focussed on the task and not distracted at a critical moment.

As with radar, a degree of skill and knowledge is also required to set the system up and to correctly interpret the picture.

On the racecourse

Short tacking along a shoreline to gain relief from a foul tide is a key element of racing in many tidal areas. However, there’s an ever-present risk of grounding , which has been implicated in the subsequent loss of keels of several yachts, sometimes with devastating consequences. Anything that can help reduce that risk is therefore clearly advantageous.

A B&G ForwardScan image from Newtown Creek on the Isle of Wight

B&G ForwardScan

Professional navigator Mike Broughton specified B&G’s ForwardScan sonar for a new race-spec Swan 78 he sails as navigator. The system, which has a 180kHz transducer, scans the seabed over a 15° arc up to 90m ahead of the vessel, though gently shelving mud may bring the viable range in shallow water down to as little as 25m.

As well as showing a graph of the depth ahead of the boat, the ForwardScan data can also be superimposed on a chart, with shading to indicate safe, warning and critical depths. ForwardScan uses a removable slimline transducer that extends 31mm below the hull.

Writing in Yachting World , Broughton said: “I have used ForwardScan to great effect short tacking against a strong tidal stream in the Solent, gaining the confidence to tack back to the shore before our competitors helped make significant gains. Confidence that you are clear for just another boat length as you approach the shore can be gold dust information and allow your boat to achieve a clear lane of clean wind.”

The company therefore also offers a wider range of products, including a StructureScan transducer, which are geared towards fishing markets and show more detail of the seabed.

Price guide

ForwardScan transducer: £731 ForwardScan fairing block: £41 B&G Sonar Hub or StructureScan 3D Module: £628 StructureScan through-hull transducer: £649

EchoPilot’s long range FLS 3D system updates the seabed image every second

Long-established British brand Echopilot was one of the forerunners in this market and has been owned by the Danish Daniamant group since 2017. Echopilot’s range is optimised to show as much seabed detail as possible, rather than focussing primarily on displaying fish. It updates with very low latency and can be used at speeds of up to 20 knots.

The FLS 2D system has 30° beam width and maximum forward range of 200m, or ten times the depth in shallower water. The 7in screen uses different colours to represent different types of seabed structure, with hard materials such as rock showing as red and softer echoes from sand and mud showing as blue.

A more powerful FLS 3D model has twin retractable 200kHz transducers that give a 60° beam width. The range extends to 20 times the water depth, so around 200m in a 10m depth. Echopilot claims it can detect rocks at up to a distance of 500m.

Both models are also available in a black box format that will connect to any display with HDMI or VGA video input. In this case settings are controlled by a separate keypad that can be positioned next to the display.

FLS 2D with standard transducer and 7in display: £1,000 Echopilot FLS 3D with Dual Pro Transducers: £9,000

Garmin’s Panoptix LiveScope can differentiate between fish, seagrass and patches of sand

Garmin Panoptix

Many fishfinders show only the area below the boat or at the sides, but Garmin’s Panoptix products offer features that can be of use on cruising yachts. This range is available with through-hull transducers intended for fitting to yachts and has forward-looking functionality.

The FrontVü mode displays the seabed ahead of the boat at a range of up to 90m although, in common with other models, this reduces to eight to ten times the depth of water in very shallow water. The scanner has a 20° beam width and provides a clear picture at boat speeds of up to 8 knots.

The LiveVü Forward function allows you to see fish and the structure of the seabed at a reduced range of up to 30m. Both options are offered with the PS51-TH transducer at a cost of £1,360. This unit is a similar size to that of the B&G ForwardScan transducer.

Garmin’s top of the line Panoptix model, which has received rave reviews in the fishing community, is the LiveScope. This gives real-time scanning both forward and around the boat, with enough detail to see the difference between seagrass and patches of sand at a maximum range of 60m from the boat. On the downside, the LVS32 transducer is much larger and heavier.

PS51-TH transducer £1,360 Panoptix LiveScope with through-hull mounted transducer £1,870

While the ranges of recreational sonar units are clearly limited, they are a whole lot better than conventional depth sounders that have no ability to look ahead. Larger and more powerful transducers can provide more range at a frequency that allows a great deal of detail to be shown, but these may not be convenient to mount on a yacht and costs are significantly higher.

Race teams are interested in Far Sounder Argos 350 development

Far Sounder

Rhode Island-based Far Sounder produces a range of forward-looking sonar for large vessels with ranges of up to 1,000m at operational speeds of up to 25 knots. The company’s latest model has a smaller transducer with a 350m detection range that’s suitable for craft of 18-40m length.

The sonar map can be overlaid on CMAP professional S56/63 series charts in a similar fashion to the way we’re accustomed to overlaying radar on a chart. The downside, however, is that the transducer is still large for a sailing yacht – it measures 160mm x 200mm (6.4in x 8in) and needs to be at least 1m below the surface.

Could this system be used by racing yachts such as IMOCA 60s to give advanced warning of a potential collision with whales or shipping containers ? CEO Cheryl Zimmerman says the standard product could certainly do this for targets that are a couple of metres below the water.

She told me Far Sounder has been approached by race teams to “discuss some of the issues they are experiencing” and is “very excited” about the prospect of developing custom products with alarms to alert solo sailors.

Argos 350: US$55,000

Sonar performance

With sonar there’s always a conflict between range and detail. A low-frequency sonar of around 80kHz will be able to reach greater depths, but without a great deal of detail. Conversely, a higher frequency unit, operating at around 200kHz, will reveal more detail, but at the expense of range. Larger and more powerful transducers can provide more range at a higher frequency, but these may not be easy to mount on a yacht and become expensive.

Accuracy can be affected by factors including location of the transducer and water conditions. The strongest echoes are from hard seabeds such as rock and coral, whereas gently shelving sand or mud will only be seen at closer ranges and even then may not be as distinct.

Black box hubs can generate data for use on compatible chartplotter screens

Compatibility

We’ve come to expect much of the basic functionality of instrument systems and sensors to be compatible across displays offered by different manufacturers. However, this is by no means automatically the case for sonar, where there can even be gaps in compatibility even within a single manufacturer’s product range. In addition, many MFDs lack the software needed to process sonar data, so an intermediate sonar hub may be needed.

Before buying sonar equipment it’s important to understand exactly what the chosen technology will do and the equipment it will interface with. The technology is certainly not for everyone and, with a few notable exceptions such as short tacking along a shoreline, units for the recreational market are next to useless at typical passagemaking speeds due to the short range.

However, there are plenty of use cases in close-quarters slow-speed scenarios, including exploring poorly charted anchorages. This is just as relevant for cruising Greenland or Patagonia as for finding the deepest water over the bars of rivers such as the Rio Dulce in Guatemala or Senegal’s Sine Saloum. In these situations sonar could prove a powerful additional tool, particularly if time is spent on learning how to get the best from the system.

First published in the March 2020 edition of Yachting World.

Please verify you are a human

Access to this page has been denied because we believe you are using automation tools to browse the website.

This may happen as a result of the following:

• Javascript is disabled or blocked by an extension (ad blockers for example)
• Your browser does not support cookies

Please make sure that Javascript and cookies are enabled on your browser and that you are not blocking them from loading.

Reference ID: aa24cfb6-74f8-11ef-bddc-d419603f1dd1

Powered by PerimeterX , Inc.

3D Forward Looking Sonar

The 3D Forward Looking Sonar is one of the best proven Forward Looking Sonars. The FLS 3D displays a 3-dimensional representation of the underwater scene ahead of the boat. The seabed terrain and potential hazards are shown, for the first time, in real-time view and with unparalleled realism.

The FLS 3D has direct integration to Raymarine Axiom Displays and is easily connected to the raynet via an RJ45 to Raynet cable . Once connected, the EchoPilot app will appear on the Axiom Display allowing users to see forward looking sonar on their display in real-time. Offering dual viewing of sea charts and forward looking sonar at the same time, the display can also be used in split screen for the ultimate in convenience. In full, three-dimensional, coloured display, when the FLS 3D is connected to the Axiom display, users will benefit from full 360 degree rotation of the 3D image via touch, as well as the zoom function. This will give a closer view of how the seabed terrain looks ahead and potential hazards are shown in real-time.

The FLS 3D comes with twin retractable transducers to ensure complete forward coverage whatever the hull form. The view ahead is 60 degrees in the horizontal plane and over 90 degrees in the vertical plane. The forward range is up to 200 m and 100 meters depth.

The Transducers comes in two sizes: 5” and 10” depending on the size of the hull. The transducers come with three different types of skin fittings to ensure they will fit any type of hull. You can choose between Bronze, steel or aluminum depending on your hull.

The importance of Forward Looking Sonar Technology is the depth to range ratio. The FLS 3D has a staggering 20 x depth ratio! This means that you will see 100 meters ahead with only 5 meters of water underneath your boat. This is the highest ratio in Forward Looking Sonar Technology!

The FLS 3D Forward Looking Sonar has the ground breaking technology of Real-Time Forward Looking Sonar. The display updates every one second so the captain will always be updated on the seabed terrain and potential hazards ahead. The FLS 3D is also designed as a black box to work with any existing display that has a video input.

• Direct Integration with Raymarine Axiom Displays
• Real time system - refreshes every 1 second
• 200m forward range, 100m depth range
• 200 kHz Operating frequency
• Twin retractable 5” transducers w/ bronze housing standard
• Twin retractable 10” transducers w/ bronze housing standard (optional)
• Aluminium and steel skin fitting (optional)
• Video output: HDMI and VGA
• Color coded depth display
• Vertical plane Beam width: 90°
• Horizontal plane Beam width 60°
• 12 or 24 VDC
• Full HD capable
• Product Brochure
• Instruction Manual
• 5" Bronze Skin Fitting Dimensions
• 10" Bronze Skin Fitting Dimensions
• 5" Steel Skin Fitting Dimensions
• 10" Steel Skin Fitting Dimensions
• 5" Alu Skin Fitting Dimensions
• 10" Alu Skin Fitting Dimensions
• 5" Transducer
• 10" Transducer

Home / About BAYLISS BOATWORKS / News / Latest News / The Next Big Thing

The Next Big Thing

Posted June 27, 2019

Over the past few years, advanced sportfishing sonar systems have become more common on recreational fishing boats. This technology is revolutionizing the fishing game. As of March 2019, our boatyard crew has already installed four sonar systems since the start of the year, with four more scheduled in the coming months. Joe Dieffenbach, Owner of Custom Marine Electronics, takes us through the latest advances in these systems.

So Joe, how do you choose a sonar system for a boat?

The first step is boarding the vessel, to ensure that there is enough space in the engine room for the system components. These are commercial systems, and they take up quite a bit of space. 

Is there currently a front-runner in the sonar world?

Everyone wants a Furuno Omni CSH8LMK2 8L sonar right now. With over 420 transducer elements, this system has the capability to reveal 360 degrees around the boat, detecting individual targets or schools of fish nearly a quarter mile away. Searchlight sonars scan the ocean floor in sections, but this system is live and updates the display every 0.54 seconds, while conventional sonar takes 32 seconds to display the full circle. This is actually a commercial system, so it is extremely well-built. So far, I have installed 14 systems, the oldest of which was installed two years ago, and there have been no failures. 

What is the ballpark price range for this system?

Including the installation costs, these advanced sportfishing sonar systems will run you between $110,000 and $120,000. The Furuno Omni CSH8LMK2 sonar has been utilized in the commercial fishing world for years but has been widely considered too expensive for recreational or charter boats. Now that people are seeing how successful they are, sport fish yacht owners are finding these systems to be a worthwhile purchase. With their rapidly growing popularity, there is currently a two to three month waitlist for new Furuno Omni CSH8LMK2 orders.

What is the learning curve for those who aren’t experienced in marine electronics?

Because the Furuno Omni CSH8LMK2 sonar updates the entire display (360 degrees) with every transmit cycle-this system is extremely easy to operate, with a little dealer-training.  Furuno can also be commissioned for more one-on-one training-once the system is installed.

Does sonar really change the game that much?

Having one of these systems certainly gives anglers a better chance than without. The Furuno Omni CSH8LMK2 sonar allows you to see what’s around the boat, not just what’s underneath. If a fish is moving through the water column, you’re able to lock on a target and track it which has given sportfishing anglers a huge technological edge.

In the News Sequentis (Bayliss 60′) Delivered

Fall fishing for tarheel and mama seata, more than maintenance.

• New Sailboats
• Sailboats 21-30ft
• Sailboats 31-35ft
• Sailboats 36-40ft
• Sailboats Over 40ft
• Sailboats Under 21feet
• used_sailboats
• Apps and Computer Programs
• Communications
• Fishfinders
• Handheld Electronics
• Plotters MFDS Rradar
• Wind, Speed & Depth Instruments
• Anchoring Mooring
• Running Rigging
• Sails Canvas
• Standing Rigging
• Diesel Engines
• Off Grid Energy
• Cleaning Waxing
• DIY Projects
• Repair, Tools & Materials
• Spare Parts
• Tools & Gadgets
• Cabin Comfort
• Ventilation
• Footwear Apparel
• Foul Weather Gear
• Mailport & PS Advisor
• Inside Practical Sailor Blog
• Activate My Web Access
• Reset Password
• Customer Service

• Free Newsletter

Blue Jacket 40 Used Boat Review

Catalina 270 vs. The Beneteau First 265 Used Boat Match-Up

Ericson 41 Used Boat Review

Mason 33 Used Boat Review

How to Create a Bullet-Proof VHF/SSB Backup

Tips From A First “Sail” on the ICW

Tillerpilot Tips and Safety Cautions

Best Crimpers and Strippers for Fixing Marine Electrical Connectors

Polyester vs. Nylon Rode

Getting the Most Out of Older Sails

How (Not) to Tie Your Boat to a Dock

Stopping Mainsheet Twist

Fuel Lift Pump: Easy DIY Diesel Fuel System Diagnostic and Repair

Ensuring Safe Shorepower

Sinking? Check Your Stuffing Box

What Do You Do With Old Fiberglass Boats?

Boat Repairs for the Technically Illiterate

Boat Maintenance for the Technically Illiterate

Whats the Best Way to Restore Clear Plastic Windows?

Stopping Holding-tank Odors

Giving Bugs the Big Goodbye

Galley Gadgets for the Cruising Sailor

The Rain Catcher’s Guide

Sailing Gear for Kids

What’s the Best Sunscreen?

UV Clothing: Is It Worth the Hype?

Preparing Yourself for Solo Sailing

R. Tucker Thompson Tall Ship Youth Voyage

On Watch: This 60-Year-Old Hinckley Pilot 35 is Also a Working…

On Watch: America’s Cup

On Watch: All Eyes on Europe Sail Racing

Dear Readers

• Marine Electronics

Sonar that Sees Whats Ahead

Simrads forwardscan sonar changes the way we see the bottom..

Most depthfinders are historical instruments. They collect and display information from the recent past-not the best arrangement for the sailor. By the time the sounder indicates a shoal, its already beneath you. But this is changing rapidly.

Technology that lets us see the water depth in front of us is now becoming both more user-friendly and more affordable. PS testers recently had the opportunity to test two new forward-looking sonar (FLS) technologies: the Simrad ForwardScan (discussed here) and the recently introduced Garmin Panoptix system, which uses Mill Cross arrays that can electronically steer the sonar beam to sweep the forward area and can even create 3D images.

In the field of forward-looking sonar, Simrad and Garmin are the most familiar names to sailors, but there are other contenders. One of the oldest builders of these systems, Echopilot, offers a twin-transducer, 3D, forward-looking system along with smaller, free-standing units. Farsounder, founded in 2001, also has a high-performance, forward-looking sonar suitable for larger yachts and commercial vessels.

Photos by Bill Bishop and courtesy of Navico

Almost all new sonar systems will let you record and save your sonar data for later playback and analysis. This includes the ability to mark a spot of interest and save the waypoint information. A sophisticated user can take advantage of this feature to create high-resolution bathymetry charts with contour line resolutions as small as one foot. Navionics has an app that does this. The app is compatible with a range of depthsounders made by Humminbird, Lowrance, B&G, Simrad, Garmin, and Raymarine. Garmin released its own multifunction display-based version called Quick Draw in January. Maxsea and other navigation programs offer similar software for PC users.

FLS technology is not new, but earlier versions such as the Interphase system  displayed bottom images that were often challenging to interpret. It took practice to discern what the myriad scattered dots on the display were truly representing-fish, rocks, something else? The Simrad system cleverly removes this ambiguity. Although users still have the option of seeing the raw data-the dots, so to speak-we can also view a computer-generated rendering of the raw data that presents an easy-to-interpret profile of the sea bottom in front of the boat.

What We Tested

The Simrad ForwardScan is compatible with Simrads NSS evo2, NSO evo2, or B&Gs Zeus Touch2 multifunction displays (MFDs) and plugs into their integrated Sonar Hub module. The transducer, which also includes a temperature sensor, operates at the 180-kilohertz frequency, which eliminates cross-talk with most other transducers. This means we can use it simultaneously with an existing depthsounder without worrying about interference. A complete Simrad system starts at about $2,000, with the following breakdown: $1,100 for display (7-inch evo2), $600 for Sonar Hub, and $800 for the transducer.

The forward-looking range is variable, but due to the physics of the technology, its at best eight times the water depth. As an example, in 20 feet of water in optimum conditions, the system can see 160 feet. In 8 feet of water, it sees forward only 64 feet-about two boat lengths, or less, depending on the boat. The maximum forward view range is around 300 feet. Simrads specifications indicate that in nominal conditions, the forward range is four to five times the depth.

The system uses a vertical array of transducer elements that looks down and forward with a port-to-starboard beam width of 15 degrees. In our 20-foot depth example, the beam width is 42 feet at the theoretical forward distance of 160 feet. At the maximum range of 300 feet, the beam width is nearly 80 feet.

Given the limited forward range of this technology, we would operate at much slower speeds when using forward sonar to find our way up a difficult channel or through coral heads into a secluded cove. This is not such a big deal for a sailboat, which already operates at relatively slow speed. To put it in perspective, at 10 knots, you will travel the maximum range of 300 feet in just 18 seconds. Eighteen seconds doesn’t give the skipper a lot of time to react, much less come to a full stop. At 3 knots, you would have a minute, enough time to stop the boat.

How We Tested

We evaluated a ForwardScan transducer that was mounted on a Beneteau 55 and connected to a B&G Zeus2 glass helm, 12-inch (nominal) multifunction display located at the helm. Testing took place in the Florida Keys. We used the sonar for pass approaches, near shoaled areas, and in confined channels at speeds varying from near idle to 9 knots.

Installation

The Simrad ForwardScan transducer uses a 2-inch, stainless-steel Airmar housing and is installed like most transducers. It has a fairing block that will accommodate dead-rise angles up to 20 degrees. However, a fairing block is unnecessary if the hull is relatively level in the area forward of the keel. It can also be installed on the hull sides forward of amidships, so long as the sonar has a clear view forward. Simrads software can make a transducer correction of up to +/-15 degrees out of vertical plane, easing installation requirements.

Like other Airmar transducers that use the same housing, the Simrad transducer insert has O-ring gaskets, and the housing has a valve to facilitate removing the transducer and inserting a blanking plug while in the water. The transducer has a 30-foot cable that will need to be routed to the multifunction-function display.

The MFD setup procedure requires the user to enter several values. The first pair of values are critical: forward range and minimum water depth. The second pair is the forward range and depth warning parameters. These values are dependent on your anticipated travel speeds and transducer location when using the system. It is during this phase of the setup procedure that you can adjust the vertical alignment of the transducer, if required.

Using ForwardScan

The Simrad ForwardScan system has several page configurations controlled by menu options. Users can view the bottom solely as it is interpreted by the sonar software or can display the interpreted view with the raw data (the dots) overlayed on it. The latter view is the one testers preferred.

There are a few other ways to adjust what and how data is displayed. Users can select the amount of previous sonar history that remains visible (to track bottom trends or anomalies). Users can also determine whether they want the warning zones to appear on the screen, or want to show a birds eye view of the chart, with an image of the vessel showing its position. Ahead of the boat is a colored cone indicating depths by color-green for safe, yellow for caution, and red for danger (see photos). Ideally, the boat should be upright when scanning forward, otherwise the bottom image will be skewed.

You can adjust the depth range automatically or manually. Testers found that the automatic functions worked so well, there was no need to set the depth manually. There are no classic gain-adjustments that you typically find on sonars, but there is a menu-driven interference filter to help remove screen noise if required.

Throughout the duration of our test, the system was very responsive, and the display had no problem keeping up with vessel movement. Water conditions were close to optimal for using this type of equipment. The water was both clear and relativity calm, so the system was running near or at its maximum 300-foot range. We did not get the chance to see how the system would operate in rougher conditions, but we plan to do so in further testing in the future.

No matter the conditions, users should be careful to match the boats speed to the sonars range and the water conditions. If the forward-looking sonar is to be of any use, the skipper should be capable of coming to a full stop before the end of the preset warning zone. During most of the test, we were maneuvering at around 3 or 4 knots. Testers could clearly see a shoal on the sounder, and by turning from port to starboard, the channel center through the shoal area was clearly visible. The system also picked up a large, shallow, rocky spot to the port side of the channel and accurately visualized a seawall as we turned past it into a canal.

Bottom line: PS testers liked this technology. What makes Simrads system so much more practical than previous forward-looking systems is the way the engineers were able to translate sensor data into images that sailors can actually use to avoid obstacles ahead. When used properly, it can be a powerful aid to navigation. We can see it being particularly helpful in poorly charted areas, allowing the off-the-beaten-track sailor to creep into anchorages that see very few visitors. Even in well-charted areas, the forward-looking sonar can alert the navigator of new hazards, or when he has strayed out of the center of thoroughfares like the Intracoastal Waterway. This technology certainly isn’t something that every sailor needs, but for those who are already equipped with a Simrad multifunction display and like the idea of exploring new territory, it is definitely worth considering.

When Interphase Marine launched its forward-scan technology with the SE-200, PS contributor and high-latitude voyager Andy O’Grady was one of the first onboard. O’Grady reported that the SE-200 helped him navigate some tricky channels (see PS April 2008 online), but as the screen grabs from the SE-200 above illustrate (photos 2 and 4), the images were sometimes hard to interpret. By comparison, the new Simrad ForwardScan technology (photos 1 and 3) simplifies interpretation with more user-friendly views of the bottom ahead. The raw data also can be viewed, as can processed images.

1. A split-screen view from the ForwardScan shows the bottom contours ahead (left side) and a bird’s eye view of hazards based on pre-set alarms—red for danger, yellow for caution, green for safe (right side).

2. A split-screen view of the SE-200 offers similar views, but the pixelated presentation is not as definitive or easy to interpret.

3.This split-screen view is similar to the one in Photo 1, but this time, the bird’s eye view is overlayed with a satellite image and is zoomed out.

4. A relatively flat bottom delivers a somewhat scattered return in the overhead view (right) on the SE-200.

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Are you going to review Garman’s Panoptix?

My experience with an older generation of forward scanning sonar that sequentially sweeps down to forward is that it could be of use, but only for anchoring. Otherwise, while underway it was useless, owing to the narrow window of time to react to a submerged obstacle as noted in this PS article. It is interesting however to know that the newer forward scanners do have features that some might find useful. Of particular use for avoiding submerged obstacles, if at a low enough speed, would be a menu option to select for continuous lateral sweep in full-time forward, thus w/o the down-to-forward sweeping function. Also, I am wondering if the scanners marketed as fish finders for high speed deep sea sport fishing would be of practical use for cruising sailors to identify partially submerged objects such as fish nets w/o beacon lights or partially submerged shipping containers. In this regard an audible alarm would be indispensable.

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Log in to leave a comment

Latest Videos

Cabo Rico 34 Boat Review

Super Shallow Draft Sailboat: The Leeboard Sharpie

Hans Christian 41T – Boat Review

Seven dead after superyacht sinks off Sicily. Was the crew at...

Latest sailboat review.

• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell My Personal Information
• Online Account Activation
• Privacy Manager

• Center Consoles
• Dual Consoles
• Motoryachts
• Sport Cruisers
• Tenders & Ribs
• U.S. Atlantic
• Engine Buyers Guide
• Electronics
• Digital Edition

What Type of Sonar Does Your Boat Need?

If you’re searching for the right type of sonar for your boat, it pays dividends to have the correct one. here are several types of sonar for your boat., furuno dff3d sonar, raymarine element series with hypervision.

Garmin PanOptix PS51-TH Transducer

Lowrance HDS MultiFunction Displays

Aqua-Vu Multi-Vu HDPro

Lance thomas: nba to angler, fishing an inlet.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Receive our Newsletter

Recommended

3 Must-Try Caribbean Cocktails

Hope & Optimism in the stock market

Don't miss it

Marine Generator Maintenance: Helpful Tips You Need To Prevent Issues

Slow Down Ahead. How Much Will They Cut?

View From the Pilothouse – September 2024

Explore 4 of the Best US Boating Destinations: Michigan, Maine, and More!

End-of-Season Boat Maintenance: Winter Prep is Crucial to Ensure Peace of Mind

The Pursuit OS 405 Review: Reliable Comfort and Performance for Fishing and Cruising

• Terms Of Service
• Privacy Policy

1591 E. Atlantic Blvd, 2nd Floor Pompano Beach, FL 33060 Office: +1 (954) 522-5515 Fax: +1 (954) 522-2260 Contact us: [email protected]

© 2024 Southern Boating Media

Enquire Now

Ocean Sailor Equipment

Forward-looking sonars.

• March 1, 2021

Case History

By Dick Beaumont

Fifteen years ago, on passage from Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia to Phuket Thailand, in Moonshadow , my Tayana 58, I motored, at dusk, into an anchorage called Port Klang, in northern Malaysia, it was very aptly named as we later found out. The anchorage there was clearly marked on my Navionics chart, as you can see below ( see Fig.1 ).

I selected my anchoring position in 6m over a flat mud seabed and then continued to box the anchor, scanning the bottom to ensure there were no bommies, rock outcrops or seaweed beds in the 40m swinging circumference (anchor chain length plus the boat length) surrounding my selected position.

All was good for 3/4 of the circle when suddenly crash, or perhaps klang, we hit something very hard and unforgiving. I backed up along my track and ran below to see if we were taking in water. To my relief it seemed that the 20mm thick hull of Moonshadow had withstood the collision and I found no water in the bilge, my pulse rate started to return to normal. I checked the chart again, we were clearly in the area marked as an anchorage and surrounded by dozens of small coasters and large fishing boats ( see Fig.1 ). 

Two of my crew went up on the bow with big diving torches to scan the water where we had crashed. Nothing. With my confidence at a low ebb, I very slowly turned Moonshadow round and followed my track back 100mts or so, selected another area of flat mud, still at 6m, and again proceeded to very gingerly box the anchor, with my crew peering in the torchlight into the turbid waters. This time all was completely clear and I dropped my anchor in the circle of certainty I had created. When dawn came I donned my diving gear, took a torch, because the water visibility was less than a metre, and jumped in to inspect the damage. To my horror, I discovered a gouge in the hull three feet (1m) long. The gouge was the depth of my thumbnail. We could only have ⅛” (2-3mm) of GRP left between us and disaster. I used a two-part epoxy putty which sets underwater, which I always carry onboard, to temporarily fill the gouge, and got back on board ready to head on to Phuket. There was no chance to be hauled out until Phuket. Before leaving I was determined to find out what we’d hit, so took the dingy over to the collision area, and slipped over the side with my mask and snorkel. There, sitting with its bridge section just three feet below the surface, was the wreck of a small steel coaster. The paint was still on her, she had clearly been down only a few months or so.

I sailed on up to Phuket, hauled out at Boat Lagoon to repair the damage and had an Interphase forward-sonar fitted. The penny had dropped for me; just because there’s 6m beneath the boat does not mean there’s 6m depth in front of the boat. That piece of equipment improved my confidence no end when going in to anchor anywhere new and after dark. I’ve lost count of how many times I have arrived at an anchorage later than expected and been obliged to sail on through the night rather than risk going in after dark. The forward sonar changed that completely, allowing forward vision underwater as well as above the surface day or night.

Another significant benefit is being able to get in closer to land and sit in calm, sheltered water while other yachts further out spend the night rolling around in a swell for fear of going in to close and grounding.

The forward-sonar also allows you to get close in to a coral reef to drop scuba divers off, without the hassle of anchoring, launching the dingy and loading all the dive gear into it, or the fear of wrecking the yacht.  

In this manner, I spent three months sailing and diving uncharted coral atolls in Papua New Guinea, something you couldn’t consider without the forward sonar.

Forward-looking Sonars on Review

By Trystan Grace

To paraphrase Star Trek’s Captain Kirk, yachtsmen can now ‘boldly go where no man has gone before’ thanks to the forward-sonar. By installing a forward sonar it completes the advantages of GPS plotter systems loaded with electronic chart chips that can pinpoint your position above the water within a few inches and lets you see what’s below the water in front of your yacht as well.

Whilst GPS can tell you exactly where you are, it can’t however tell you what’s in front of you underwater. There are still plenty of remote uncharted parts of the world which reward the more adventurous sailors that get to them, with pristine untouched coral reefs and fascinating and sometimes primitive cultures, that remain largely unvisited by foreigners.  Poorly or uncharted seas represent a different challenge for the voyaging yacht as there is no certainty of the underwater terrain. A grounding or collision hundreds, or sometimes thousands, of miles from assistance could be catastrophic.

The earlier systems were expensive and required the insight of a Jedi Knight. Today as more of the mainstream electronic manufacturers are producing them the price has dropped considerably.

Many will think of fish finders when sonar is mentioned, but technology has moved on with CHIRP transducers that operate over a wide range of frequencies. The ability to scan past objects and differentiate between bottom structures and topography with high definition imagery has dramatically improved safety. 

There are a few things to consider when buying a sonar and transducer. Higher frequencies produce far more detail than lower frequency transducers but do so at the cost of range. Smaller, less complex transducers are cheaper, but larger higher power transducers can provide clearer images with extended ranges in 3D.

Many of the sonar units will require a certain brand of chart plotter, so if you are installing a new system or thinking of upgrading, this must be taken into consideration. 

We have reviewed the three main market leaders as a starter guide.

B&G ForwardScan

Designed to directly integrate with their own plotters, the B&G ForwardScan has a 31mm,180kHz transducer which scans the seabed at a 15° horizontal arc and up to 90m in front of the yacht. This range does decrease quite significantly as you move into shallower water, providing a range of about 4x the depth. It has difficulty at times registering the seabed in shallow muddy waters but as it is paired with the depth information already captured from the chart plotter’s depth transducer, false readings are not common.

If you use a Vulcan or Zeus³ chart plotter, it allows direct connection between the transducer and plotter. If you have an older model plotter or if your cable length is more than 12m, you will need to buy the Sonarhub processor unit to pair up with the transducer. 

The depth data is presented onto a 2D graph which shows the area ahead of the yacht and can also be superimposed onto the chart. The ability to split the screen and show this arc in front of the yacht on the chart is a useful feature, however, the visuals overall are a little basic when compared to other models on the market. The price reflects this.

Price & Conclusion

ForwardScan Transducer with Sleeve and Plug £731 / €720 / $699

Sonarhub £628 / €617 / $699

The slimline 31mm transducer is a low impact appendage for the hull and overall the ForwardScan is easy to use, and comparatively easy to install. The visuals are a little basic but plus features include the ability to display a cone in front of the yacht on the chart mode. The range, depth and arc area are smaller than other brands and the range certainly drops off significantly in shallower water. However, if you are running a B&G system or are set on upgrading to their system, it is a good buy.

This British-based company has been leading the market for a number of years and offers three models that focus on seabed scanning over fish finding: the FLS Platinum Edition, FLS 2D and FLS 3D. Each varies in complexity and price. 

FLS Platinum Engine This option comes with a 45mm transducer, black box and video interface which allows it to display on third party chart plotters via VGA or HDMI. With a 30° horizontal arc, a 90° arc forward and down, it scans at 100m depth and 200m range forward. The graphics shown are similar to the B&G ForwardScan, a 2D cross-section of the waters ahead, however different colours denote how solid the scanned surface is, hard materials like rock in red or soft materials like sand or mud in blue.

FLS 2D – The FLS 2D is very similar to the Platinum, featuring the same arc, ranges and graphics, but it comes with its own 7” LCD display and with a choice of transducers. The standard transducer is the same as the FLS Platinum however the slightly larger professional bronze through-hull transducer (60mm) provides more details. The user interface is a little clunky compared to other brands.

FLS 3D – The FLS 3D is the flagship model and is quite a step up from the other two. It uses two 75mm units, each with two 200kHz transducers which allows it to show a 60° horizontal ahead of the yacht. The range shows at about 20 times the water depth. 

Like the Platinum model, it also plugs into third party chart plotters through the video aux mode and again through VGA or HDMI ports. We tested this model on a Raymarine unit and were unable to achieve a full-screen image, however, we cannot confirm how it is displayed on plotters from other brands. It does feature an HD full graphical cone in front of the yacht which makes mapping the seabed very easy.

The package includes the two transducer units, a black box processor, transducer interface and a helm mounted keypad.

FLS Platinum Engine £1,000 / €1125 / $1,362

FLS 2D £1,179 / €1,325 / $1,569

FLS 3D £9,550 / €11,235 / $13,000

These units are quite cost-effective, especially for the sailor who does not wish to upgrade his navigation system to a certain brand. Although still a 2D display, the data is displayed with more detail than the B&G ForwardScan. The user interface is not as user friendly as the other models on the list but these units certainly offer higher detail and more range than the ForwardScan.

The FLS 3D is certainly the best model on the list however it comes with a high price tag. This model is certainly not for everyone but it will appeal to the ocean sailor who is planning on serious remote ‘off the grid’ blue water exploration where safety is the highest priority. The display shows an accurate 3D profile of the seabed which is easy to understand and, due to its dual transducers, it has an excellent range and depth. As it is not specifically designed for a certain chart plotter, it may not display perfectly on some models like the Raymarine plotter we tried. You will also need space to install the keypad which might be a problem if your helm console is tight on space. 

With all that said, it is an excellent unit and certainly, the best on our shortlist if money and consol space is no issue.

Garmin Panoplix™ PS51-TH – WINNER

Like B&G, Garmin has also designed and produced sonar equipment for their range of plotters. Their sonar range has received excellent reviews which are due in part to Garmin acquiring Interphase™, the leader in Marine Phased Array Scanning Technology in 2012.

Many of the Panoplix options are designed for fish finding, however, the Panoplix™ PS51-TH is a 50.88 mm through-hull transducer that provides a horizontal arc of 20° and 90° arc downward. The sonar data is displayed on a 2D cross-section like other models however it is a lot clearer and with more detail. The information is also displayed near-instantly, much faster than the other models tested.

In FrontVü mode, the range is about 90m range in-front of the yacht or about 8-10 times the depth of the water as it gets shallower. It will show a clear picture with boat speeds up to about eight knots.

The LiveVü Forward mode displays at a higher detail and it should be noted that with its 417 kHz transducer, has a higher level of detail than the other brands however this does come at a cost of range, bringing it back to about 30m in this mode. 

There is an extensive list of Garmin chart potters that this transducer plugs directly into so no black box is required.

Ps51-TH £1,359.99 / €1,530 / $1,499

Although not a 3D display, the Panoplix™ provides the highest detail of the units on test. Its ease of connectivity to many Garmin chart plotters is a huge bonus for those sailors who are using or upgrading to a Garmin system. In FrontVü mode, the range in shallow water is impressive and if the detail is more important than the range, LiveVü provides great versatility.

All the forward sonars we reviewed offer a considerable advantage to sailors heading into unfamiliar waters, however, the B&G system has a much reduced forward range than the other systems. It may seem fine that in 50m of water you can see 200m in front of the vessel but a forward sonar is most useful in shallow waters, and in just 4m of water you can only see 16m in front of the transducers so only 14m off the bow, a boat length which isn’t enough to stop in unless you’re going very slow. 

The Echopilot FLS 3D definitely provides the best visuals but at a price that is above most cruisers budget.

After taking into account price, usability and detail, we think the Panoplix™ offers the best overall package on the market. It’s ability to see forward 8 x the depth is a big bonus and it will certainly improve the level of safety for your yacht and your crew.

Share this post

Related ocean sailor posts..., ocean sailor, hybrid drive – the ultimate cruising solution, choosing the right sails, modern yacht electrical systems.

More From Kraken

© All rights reserved Kraken Yachts 2024

Designed & created by Oncrowd

• Length Overall 44 ft
• Beam Overall 12.54 ft
• Draft 6.58 ft
• Sail Area 1099.5 sq.ft

• Length Overall 50 ft
• Beam Overall 14.76 ft
• Draft 7.54 ft
• Sail Area 1444.52 sq.ft

• Length Overall 58 ft
• Beam Overall 17.06 ft
• Sail Area 1946.54 sq.ft

• Length Overall 66 ft
• Beam Overall 18 ft
• Draft 8.7 ft
• Sail Area 2322 sq.ft

In The Yard

Take an exclusive look behind the scenes at what goes into the building of a Kraken yacht, not just the finished article. 

Crafted For You

Kraken owners group.

Experience all the extra benefits of Kraken ownership with our online owners’ portal including access to our crew finder.

Kraken Yachts

Kraken design, the zero keel™.

The Zero Keel is part of the hull and it can never come off. There are no bolts used anywhere in the construction of the keel or hull.

Build Structure

All Kraken yachts are built with a substantial interior structure to ensure keel delamination and failure cannot occur.

The Alpha Rudder™

This comprises four unique features which hugely improve the crews ability to continue steering throughout circumstances that would disable most other yachts.

The Ocean Sailor Podcast is a blue water cruising chat show. Our hosts, the two Dicks (Durham and Beaumont), explore blue water sailing topics.

Ocean Sailor Magazine was a monthly magazine created by Kraken Yachts and launched in January 2020.

With eight categories to choose from including tails of the sea, sailing skills and even great recipes for cooking in your galley, there are hours of reading to enjoy and learn with Ocean Sailor articles.

You can fill our enquiry form for information on prices, delivery dates, options and upgrades. A member of our sales team will be in contact with you shortly.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

• 2024 BOAT BUYERS GUIDE
• Email Newsletters
• Boat of the Year
• 2024 Freshwater Boat and Gear Buyers Guide
• 2024 Boat Buyers Guide
• 2024 Water Sports Boat Buyers Guide
• 2024 Pontoon Boat Buyers Guide
• Cruising Boats
• Pontoon Boats
• Fishing Boats
• Personal Watercraft
• Water Sports
• Boat Walkthroughs
• What To Look For
• Watersports Favorites Spring 2022
• Boating Lab
• Boating Safety
• Ultimate Boating Giveaway

Major League Fishing Announces Sonar Limits

• September 13, 2024

Major League Fishing announced Friday updates to its 2025 rules that will allow tournament anglers to utilize the fish-catching power of forward-facing and 360-degree sonar technology while preserving traditional fishing techniques enjoyed by millions of anglers and fans.

Starting in 2025, all boats, across all MLF circuits, will be limited to two forward-facing or 360-degree sonar transducers in any combination. Additionally, no bow-mounted screen may extend vertically more than 18 inches off the surface of the front deck at its highest point when the boat is on plane, and no screen mounted at the console may extend vertically more than 16 inches off the top of the steering column where it protrudes from the console.

Read Next: See the B.A.S.S Sonar Rules

Pros competing on the 2025 Bass Pro Tour will be allowed to use forward-facing and 360-degree sonar for only one of three periods each day. Anglers will declare their use of the technologies before the start of the period of their choice, and fans watching on MLFNOW! will see an indicator on SCORETRACKER® next to each angler’s name showing who is actively using the technologies, has used them or still has them available. This rule applies to all seven regular-season Bass Pro Tour stages and REDCREST 2025. There will be no restrictions in the General Tire Heavy Hitters or General Tire Team Series, where anglers compete out of similarly equipped, league-provided boats that level the playing field. Use of forward-facing and 360-degree sonar will be permitted during practice.

the Tackle Warehouse Invitationals, qualifying days will be evenly split with forward-facing and 360-degree sonar allowed on Day 1 and prohibited on Day 2. Anglers who advance to the Championship Round will be allowed to use the technologies on Day 3. Forward-facing and 360-degree transducers must be covered with a high-visibility cap provided by MLF that prohibits sonar transmission during times when use is not allowed. No restrictions will apply to practice.

Toyota Series, Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) and Abu Garcia College Fishing anglers will be allowed to use forward-facing and 360-degree sonar during practice and all competition days.

In order to create a more level playing field for up-and-coming student anglers and reinforce the learning of traditional bass-fishing techniques, use of forward-facing and 360-degree sonar will not be allowed in Abu Garcia High School Fishing competition. Its use will not, however, be restricted during practice.

“Forward-facing sonar is the most effective bass-fishing technology that I’ve seen introduced in my lifetime,” said Boyd Duckett, President and CEO of Major League Fishing. “It’s a powerful tool that provides an opportunity to access and catch fish that we’ve never been able to efficiently target before. However, its effectiveness is leading to a more uniform approach in tournaments. For the sport to remain engaging to fans, participants or sponsors, it’s important that anglers can still compete using a diverse range of techniques.”

MLF research shows that television and livestream viewers prefer watching tournaments where a variety of techniques are in play. Additionally, surveys of Tackle Warehouse Invitationals, Toyota Series and Phoenix Bass Fishing League anglers, both those who fished in 2024 and those who fished in 2023 but did not fish in 2024, show that a substantial majority, across all levels and divisions, support limiting screen size and transducers to rein in the technology. Anglers were evenly split, however, when asked if the technology should be banned or allowed to continue unrestricted. A slight majority of boaters preferred unrestricted use while co-anglers preferred an outright ban.

“We have numerous audiences that we’re trying to please, and while we realize that not everyone is going to agree with our rule changes, we believe the solutions we have created will satisfy the majority of our stakeholders,” Duckett said. “We did our due diligence from analyzing viewership trends and consulting with sponsors to surveying our anglers, who account for the sport’s largest participation base, and we believe we’ve reached the best possible solution to a polarizing issue – a compromise that merges this powerful technology with traditional bass fishing. Going forward, it will add to our game, not materially change it.”

MLF is uniquely situated to govern intra-day usage of forward-facing and 360-degree sonar at the sport’s highest level with its period structure and an official in every Bass Pro Tour boat. The league is also positioned to enforce day-by-day usage at the Tackle Warehouse Invitationals through POV cameras and a new, easy to install transducer cover under development that will temporarily prohibit sonar transmission. Covers will be provided to participating anglers at no charge.

“We’re setting a path, just like every other professional sports league, that allows us to manage and appropriately incorporate technological advancements as they’re created,” Duckett said. “We want to ensure that our sport remains multi-dimensional so that we can continue delivering the best possible product for our fans, anglers and sponsors.”

For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com . For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook , X , Instagram and YouTube .

• More: boating news , Boats , Fishing

New Features and Enhancements for 2025 MasterCraft Boats

Mercury Racing Debuts New 150- and 200HP Models at 2024 Cannes Boat Show

Boat Test: 2024 EdgeWater 208CC Watchman

Boat Test: 2024 Stingray 23 OSX

We Test: Costa Grand Catalina Sunglasses

The Importance of Trailer Safety Checks

Compounding Mistakes Make for a Dangerous Situation

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Cruising World
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding

Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Boating may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site.

Copyright © 2024 Boating Firecrown . All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

• Dockage & Storage

• Specifications
• Sonar Reviews
• Sonar Parts and Lines
• Used Sonars
• Sonar Links

The Sonar — Something for Everybody

The 23' Sonar one-design keelboat is a high-performance racer and also a comfortable daysailor just right for getting the entire family or friends on the water together. It was designed by Bruce Kirby and almost 700 boats have been built since 1980. The Sonar has recently achieved status as an International Class.

Performance

• Race competitively with three or four crew.
• The Sonar surfs and planes readily downwind.
• Well-balanced, inboard rudder.
• Faster than a J/24 in windy conditions.
• Strict one-design rules.
• Clean and uncluttered cockpit.
• Small jib can be handled by nearly any size crew member.
• Single jib, main, and spinnaker.
• 7'10" beam for easy trailering.
• 11'6" cockpit seats 8 comfortably.
• Full-length molded bench seats with angled backs.
• Self-bailing cockpit.
• Lockable cuddy under the foredeck holds gear, or an outboard motor, even a small Porta Potti.
• 900 lb. keel keeps the boat stable and dry.

View the complete specifications.

Morgan Connor Wins 2024 Sonar World Championship With Multi-generational Crew

The International Sonar Class Association held its 2024 World Championship at Noroton Yacht Club, Darien, CT, September 12-15 on the Long Island Sound. Thirty-one boats competed from across the USA, Canada, and Ireland.

Long Island Sound is known for its hot summer days, but nobody would have expected those conditions to extend until mid-September. On day one, despite her best efforts, PRO Shannon Bush couldn’t conjure up enough breeze to send out the fleet. Day two started the same way, but after an extended shoreside postponement, the fleet went out and got in one light-air race before the wind disappeared again. With only one race in the books and four races required for the Championship, it was hoped that the third day would hold the key. On Saturday the fleet got in two more relatively light-air races. All eyes turned towards the final day, with forecast models hoping that the 8-12 knot easterly would materialize.

On the Sunday, the first warning was moved up to 0930 in hopes of running four more races. In the end, it turned out to be a spectacular day with four races in the forecast breeze and everyone came ashore with big smiles on their faces.

Local Noroton Yacht Club sailor Morgan Connor and his crew won the Championship. The team’s consistency ultimately led to their victory, with finishes of 2-3-1-3-7-2 with a UFD in the seventh and final race being their dropped score. Their 17 net points gave them a 6-point margin over Gavin Pace in second (23 points) and TK Kinney in third (36 points).

While the first three days had light conditions, Sunday’s 10-12 easterly working against an ebbing current made for a challenging racing in the confused sea state. Drew Buttner, sailing as Connor’s tactician, said they set the jib cars differently when sailing into vs. across the waves and event co-chairs Janet Grapengeter and Michael Rudnick, who were also racing, noted they were constantly trimming their jib and main in the wave and breeze conditions.

Connor also noted that the competition was tough throughout the Championship, with race wins spread across top competitors and 15 of the 31 boats scoring at least one top-5 finish. However, perhaps the most interesting aspect of Connor’s win was the composition of his crew. Sailing for the first time since college with Drew Buttner, Morgan also had his 16-year-old son, Wells, doing bow. On top of that, Jan Raymond, the boat’s owner, became the oldest sailor to win a Sonar (and perhaps any) major one-design World Championship at 81 years young.

The International Sonar Class Association would like to thank Noroton Yacht Club for its hospitality, Commodore Katie Mitchell who was there to cheer the boats all weekend, and Class President Paul Steinborn who sailed on his own boat with Gavin Pace at the helm finishing second.

The 2026 Sonar Class World Championship will be held in Lunenberg, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Of Note: At Saturday’s dinner, US Sailing’s Betsy Allison presented US Sailing’s President’s Award to longtime Sonar Class member and measurer Gene Henkel recognizing his contributions to the Class and, in particular, his leadership in adapting Sonars and other classes for Paralympic sailing.

Full Results: https://norotonyc.org/regatta/IWnyVTfMaq/results

Contact: Ed “Buttons” Padin, Sonar Class Administrator

Sailing photo credit: ©2024, courtesy of Noroton YC and Rick Bannerot, Ontheflyphoto.net

Buttons Padin

Leave a reply.