Depth Sounder or Fishfinder

[Channel Ribs]

Depth sounders are a staple navigation aid for many boats, but what makes them superior to fishfinders?

After all, the fishfinding sonar units produce not only a depth number but also a graphical history but also submerged features and bottom type.

 

[whisper]

No contest - fishfinder every time. As you say, much better display of trends and bottom type.

 

[oldharry]

Nothing that I can see Malthouse. I have used Fishfinders as depth machines for a number of years, and find the added information not only interesting, but at times a useful aid to navigation, because you can see at a glance what the trend is without having to remember the previous reading (particularly useful when slowly shoaling). Also useful for a bilge keeler, looking for a nice level clear bottom on which to dry out - even basic finders will give an indication of the nature of the seabed. Thirdly anchoring - again a useful indicator of seabed conditions. Even the cheapest finders will differentiate between, rock, weed or sand and mud. Obstructions like old shopping trollies show up very nicely!

Even the offshore brigade will find them useful as a further confirmation of a position fix as they pass over some bottom feature such as a ledge, which will show up clearly on the display.

 

[sheeplove]

Or how about an Echopilot? (forward looking sounder). Must say though, with a fishfinder it's hard to take your eyes off the display, quite mesmerising!

 

[aitchw]

Yeah, I find that too. Always got one eye on it. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[slimted]

I have an Garmin plotter/sounder(fishfinder). I have to say the sounder is very useful and my 4 year old loves spotting the fish!

 

[gjgm]

ok,dispel the name. F/F are from USA, and if you are into huntin and fishin and shootin, you aint going to fit any gear that doesnt sound the business. I have no idea why f/f arent fitted as standard instead of a sounder. far more informative, far more flexible-get one!