Raymarine DSM fishfinder

[georgeo]

off to the SBS next week to buy electronic goodies for new craft. Forumites will know of the rocky coast line in this part of the world, and I wondered if this module might act as a forward looking 'sonar' which might minimise chances of stuffing new craft on to the rocks. Any views?

 

[malcp]

I think the fishfinders look directly downwards with little if any forward view. You get a trace history of what you have already passed over, but that's a bit late for your purposes.

The only forward looking sonar I know of is the Echopilot one, and its forward range is only maybe 50 metres or so, depending on depth.

 

[georgeo]

thought as much. Thanks

 

[ChrisE]

As malcp says they just look down, I have one on our boat. I'm a fisherman and they are great for showing you the structure of the bottom (and sometimes the fish) but don't look forward.

However, IMO, a fishfinder is a much better tool than a depth sounder, in that it clearly shows depth trends. If you already have a Raymarine system then you need to add a specialsit depth sond and the box of tricks to interpret the signal. Together they cost about £1000, or did when I bought them a couple of years ago when we re-instrumented Rival Spirit.