Forward looking sonar

3D sonar such as ForwardScan

Yes, Farsouner manufactures the best 3D FLS for civilian use. The minimum budget is about $ 100,000. http://www.farsounder.com/

I think Echopilot with a single sensor correctly installed will give a probe beam evenly on both sides of my boat and help me find a safe route and avoid bottoming the surprising lower limbs and the stones are not perfect but functional.

The reason why acquired FLS often while boating in the archipelago where charts and depths are unreliable and I have had a few times and grounding rock, heavy weight the boat, it is always a big job (and pay lot money) to repair fiberglass damage.

Before buying I read a lot of web and many criticized FLS, I think they do not really experience FLS just opinion! Even if the sensor is incorrectly installed and FlS does not work as planned.

"kriskret"
Of course, the speed must be adjusted to the ratio to see forward which is usually 1: 5 in order to stop.

Do you prefer to be blind or to look limited ahead Underwater?

NBs
 
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I have the Simrad 2D forward looking sonar both in the wheelhouse and the fly bridge. I keep it on the whole time and watch it constantly when going into shallow water. It's not always easy to read as it flicks from one reading to the next constantly but I do believe it kept me off the rocks at least once so I wouldn't be without one.
But I do wish I'd known about the 3D versions before my purchase. By the way I have dedicated screens for it.

Good day, Bouba,
I am interesting to the ForwardScan from Simrad also and happen to see that you have some experiences on this. Would you
please help me to clarify the following questions?
1. My coming boat will be equipped with Simrad NSS EVO3 screen (display) with a 455/800 Khz DownScan transducer. Can I plug in
the ForwardScan transducer directly onto the NSS EVO3 without any additional equipment, such as sonar hub?

2. I prefer to buy a TotalScan transducer on my own cost. Do you think the TotalScan transducer can work as a ForwardScan? Or
I still need to buy a ForwardScan transducer?

3. If I buy the StructureScan 3D version, will it work as a Forwardscan also?

Thank you very much for your help.
 
Good day, Bouba,
I am interesting to the ForwardScan from Simrad also and happen to see that you have some experiences on this. Would you
please help me to clarify the following questions?
1. My coming boat will be equipped with Simrad NSS EVO3 screen (display) with a 455/800 Khz DownScan transducer. Can I plug in
the ForwardScan transducer directly onto the NSS EVO3 without any additional equipment, such as sonar hub?

2. I prefer to buy a TotalScan transducer on my own cost. Do you think the TotalScan transducer can work as a ForwardScan? Or
I still need to buy a ForwardScan transducer?

3. If I buy the StructureScan 3D version, will it work as a Forwardscan also?

Thank you very much for your help.
I’m sorry Peter but that is way to technical for me. Mine was installed by the dealer and I didn’t ask any questions. Perhaps someone here more tech minded will help
 
In terms of grounding avoidance underway, I have yet to see a consumer grade FLS that will do anything other than inform you of the loud noise you are about to hear immediately before you strike a hazard.

Perhaps different if you are slowly probing an anchorage at 2kt, but not underway making way which is what most folks are mis-sold it for. Instead when anchoring in shallows folks often have somebody leaning over the bow looking for hazardous rocks in clear water.
 
In terms of grounding avoidance underway, I have yet to see a consumer grade FLS that will do anything other than inform you of the loud noise you are about to hear immediately before you strike a hazard.

Perhaps different if you are slowly probing an anchorage at 2kt, but not underway making way which is what most folks are mis-sold it for. Instead when anchoring in shallows folks often have somebody leaning over the bow looking for hazardous rocks in clear water.

It looks as though there's nothing reliable or accurate enough, yet. For Play d'eau, I'd want a system on which I can rely when creeping around the rocks in the Channel Islands.
 
Instead when anchoring in shallows folks often have somebody leaning over the bow looking for hazardous rocks in clear water.
+1. That's the one and only reliable approach, imho.
Though of course, it's somewhat restricted to clear waters and daylight...
 
When underway in shallow area and the water is not so clear, I guess any captain keeps in very slow speed.

Just wonder if the guy who leans over the bow has a "handheld" fish finder then he can read the depth of water and report to the helm station. Of course the boat can't be too big so the transducer can reach water.

At least, the handheld devices are much less expensive.
 
:) Note that there are more opinions than actual experience or facts about FLS devices in general forums around the world...

NBs
 
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