Depth gauge/fish finder

[Carl]

Hi folks .....

I am looking for information about fish finders/depth gauges to use in Vonny (our 2010 Bayliner 175gt)

I'm after a colour screen and capable of measuring speed, water temps, weather the bottom is hard of soft. ...

any input is much appreciated ...

[ColinR]

You won't get speed from a straightforward fish finder so you would have to go for a combined plotter / fish finder unit.

Garmin are probably the best known although I have a Lowrance unit that does very well for me. It's a few years old now so not a current model.

I can't really give any advice on one make vs another apart from saying that I find the Garmin menu system easier to follow than the Lowrance.

[Carl]

Thank you ColinR .. much apreciated

[Ianfs]

Carl, I suspect you want something along these lines, not a bad price either.....

http://hudsonmarine.co.uk/index.php?module_display=41&pid=148921&gclid=CMbvzMjzoMQCFUHItAodxmgAAA

[shibbs]

I did some research into replacing my chartplotter to a slightly newer model for a couple of reasons, 1 being that my depth sounder needs replacing so thought i would try and get it all in one unit.
I too came across the Garmin 451s/551s . They seemed to be the best option for what i wanted (although what with other things at the moment decided cost was a little too much) I'm pretty sure i will go for one for next season though.
The link below is definitely a good price too.
I am unsure if it does water temp or bottom type though?
Good luck with the search..

[Carl]

Thanks guys ...

I did have something like this in mind ... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-GARMIN-Ec ... 2424&rt=nc ...

what do you guys think ??

[Ianfs]

I suppose if you already have a chart plotter then a fish finder like that one is spot on. However for only a little extra the 451 or 551 is a great buy.
The thing is, most of the time transducers are fitted in the bilge at the stern which means even at low speeds by the time you gave registered a fish it's 50m behind you.
Plus those nasty sand banks in the Solent, which are well known to move around, don't register until you've grounded.
Don't ask me how I know that!

[sprocker]

Also the water temp won't work if the transducer is mounted inside the hull. If its mounted outside you need to make sure its in solid water (I.e. Where it won't be affected by wash/bubbles etc).

[Carl]

Hmmmm ....... plenty to think about then ..... thanks guys ..

Sorry for the daft questions. ...

[ColinR]

No problem Carl, that's what forums are for