Today, many new techniques and technologies are used for fishing. This greatly improves the efficiency of the process. Among experienced fishermen, a device such as an echo sounder is in great demand. This device allows you to determine the depth in the pond, the presence of fish below the sensor and other characteristics. Many models of this equipment are on sale.
The echo sounder for a PVC boat with a motor is in high demand. Unlike wireless devices that are used for fishing from the shore, it transmits a signal more clearly. The cost of wire sounders will also be less. The advice of experienced fishermen will help in how to choose and install such devices.
Fishfinder Functions
Considering which sonar to choose for the boat, you should consider the existing functions of the presented instruments. The design is a central unit with a screen, which receives information on the wire from the sensor (transducer). It is installed most often on the transom of a PVC boat or on board a rubber boat.
The device provides information in graphical form (diagrams, graphs). The numbers indicate a number of important parameters. It can show how deep a pond has in a given place. The device also conveys the bottom relief quite clearly. This allows you to determine where the potential fishing spots are.
Fish loves to pack in packs in deep bottom holes. It is here that the bait must first be directed. Some models of echo sounders help determine whether there is fish in a given section of a reservoir, what size individuals prevail in the river. Some models of devices can even transmit a picture in color. However, the cost of such equipment is high.
Signal strength
There are a number of characteristics that it is important to consider before buying equipment. So, choose the sonar for the boat. First of all, you need to consider the power of the device. It is measured by two indicators. Power can be peak and averaged. It is also important to evaluate the quality of the sonar itself. It should be not only powerful, but also qualitatively convey all the details of the relief.
Not always high sensitivity of the sensor is an advantage. It must have an adjustment function. Greater sensitivity may cause interference. Even air bubbles from the motor can cause image distortion.
Also, the device must determine which object is below. He must distinguish between fish and bottom topography. To get an accurate picture in real time, the sonar processor must be fast. Many experienced fishermen do not recommend purchasing cheap, low-quality products. Such a device can spoil the impression of fishing.
Number of rays
Choosing an echo sounder for a PVC boat with a motor is quite simple. To do this, you need to view a number of device parameters. You should be aware that a sensor can send one or more rays into space. The angle of view depends on this.
One beam is not able to provide complete information about the events below. The viewing angle in this case is only about 20º. A more functional instrument is a dual-beam echo sounder. It is able to provide an overview of about 60º. In this case, you can more clearly consider the structure of the bottom, determine the number and movement of fish.
Devices with 3 and 4 beams are also on sale. This is a professional type equipment. Such echo sounders are used on fishing vessels. Their disadvantage is the presence of "blind spots". Due to the presence of several rays, part of the space is not visible. The cost of these devices is very high.
Display
The sonar for a PVC boat with a motor must have a display. It differs in size, image accuracy. There are such models of echo sounders that allow you to receive a signal directly to your smartphone. In this case, a special application is installed on the phone.
The cheapest models are equipped with a monochrome display. In this case, it is very important to choose a device with a sufficient screen extension. Otherwise, it will be difficult to parse the information.
The screen itself must have sufficient dimensions. On a small screen, it's hard to see the details. Color sounders with a color display are more expensive. Therefore, many fishermen prefer models with a black and white screen. In this case, you need to consider how many gradations of gray the display has. Better if there are 16 shades. The response speed of the device to all changes under the boat depends on the quality of the display and the sensitivity, accuracy of the sensor signal.
Popular models
Considering the best fish finders for fishing from a boat, you should pay attention to the models that are in demand among buyers. The most popular models are Lowrance Elite-3x, Humminbird P-MAX 197C, Garmin Echo 101.
They differ in a number of parameters. The first model costs about 8 thousand rubles. The maximum penetration depth of the rays is 244 m. This allows a qualitative examination of the bottom and its relief. The power of the device is 180 watts.
Humminbird P-MAX 197C can be purchased for 9-9.5 thousand rubles. Its power is 300 watts. The scanning depth is 182 m. The Garmin Echo 101 is also in demand. The cost is about 9 thousand rubles. This device has a power of 200 watts. The beam range is 457 m.
For all presented models, the screen has almost identical dimensions - 3.5 inches. The latest model has a monochrome image.
Features of Lowrance Elite-3x Fishfinder
When choosing a good echo sounder for a boat, you should first of all pay attention to the Lowrance Elite-3x model. It is in demand among experienced fishermen. To understand what a high-quality device should be, you should consider the characteristics of this particular device.
The screen of the device has a size of 3.5 inches. At the same time, it conveys 256 shades. The screen has a backlight, which allows it to be used at night and in bright sunlight. Sonar works in two ranges. This allows him to accurately determine which item is below (fish or bottom topography).
The signal is further processed. This avoids interference. You do not need to manually adjust the sensitivity of the sensor. The transducer can also determine the temperature of the water. It is mounted on a transom. This is a high-quality device that belongs to the mid-price category of echo sounders.
Model Humminbird P-MAX 197C
Another high-quality echo sounder for a PVC boat with a motor is the Humminbird P-MAX 197C. This device appeared on the market at the end of 2015. It has a screen whose characteristics are identical to the parameters of the previous model. It also has a backlight.
The device has a sensor with two beams. This greatly expands its viewing angle. Work at two different frequencies allows you to distinguish between the type of objects in the pond. The peak power is 300 watts.
The transducer also measures the temperature of the water overboard. Humminbird is known worldwide as one of the best in the field of echo sounders. When creating its products, the company applies innovative technologies. This allows sounders to meet consumer requirements.
Fishfinder Garmin Echo 101
One of the high-quality and functional echo sounders for fishing from a boat is the Garmin Echo 101 model. It has a 4-inch black LCD display. Moreover, its cost is about 9 thousand rubles. This is due to its functionality.
On a large monochrome screen, all the details of the events taking place in the pond are clearly visible. This device has a record beam length. It reaches 450 m. This allows you to view the bottom in almost any body of water.
The sensor has one beam. The viewing angle will not be very wide. But in this case there are no "blind spots". However, it is worth noting that color displays are replacing echo sounders with a black and white screen. Their popularity is increasing due to the gradual decline in cost. There are models that communicate directly with the smartphone of its owner. It is very comfortable.
Mounting Features
Installing an echo sounder on a PVC boat with a motor is a rather complicated process. When carrying out it is necessary to take into account a number of nuances. The sensor must be parallel to the water. This is an indispensable installation rule. Otherwise, the information received on the screen will be incorrect.
The sensor is installed using a special bracket. It can have a different configuration. It is necessary to give preference to those models that allow you to quickly dismantle or fold the device. Otherwise, fragile equipment can be easily damaged.
Do not mount the transducer wire next to the screw. This may cause the cable to break. Also, air bubbles from the motor may interfere. The installation location of the sensor should be selected in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. The instructions must be studied in detail before installation.
Installation process
Installation of the echo sounder on a boat can be performed correctly and quickly if the owner of the device performs all the actions according to the instructions. The bracket will have to be purchased separately. Almost no sonar sounder has this part in the kit.
For a rubber boat, you can give preference to the sensor holder with Velcro. It can also be glued using a special tool. On metal and PVC boats, the sensor is mounted to the transom. You can create a holder for the transducer yourself.
At one end of the aluminum tube flatten the edge. A hole is drilled on a flat area. 5 cm are measured from the edge of the flattened pipe. At this point, the pipe is bent at an angle of 90º. Excess material is cut so that the pipe does not reach 10 cm from the water. Then the second end of aluminum is flattened. A sensor is mounted to the pipe.
The sonar with a screen can be attached in a convenient place on the boat. It can be located on the dashboard or on a special rack. It is attached to the seat. The installation location must be correctly selected. The fisherman should see the monitor well.
Having considered how to choose an echo sounder for a PVC boat with a motor, you can purchase a suitable device. Its installation is not difficult.