Fish finder for a PVC boat with a motor: which one to choose and how to install
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 reservoir, the presence of fish below the sensor and other characteristics. There are many models of this equipment on sale.
PVC with a motor is in high demand. Unlike wireless devices that are used for fishing from the shore, it transmits the signal more clearly. The cost of wired echo sounders will also be less. The advice of experienced fishermen will help in how to choose and install such devices.
Sonar functions
When thinking about which echo sounder to choose for a boat, you should consider the existing functions of the presented devices. The design is a central unit with a screen, which receives information via a wire from a sensor (transducer). It is most often installed on the transom of a PVC boat or on board a rubber float.
The device provides information in graphical form (diagrams, graphs). The numbers indicate a number of important parameters. It can show how deep a body of water is at a given location. Also, the device transmits quite clearly the bottom topography. This allows you to determine where potential fishing spots are.
Fish like to gather in flocks in deep bottom holes. This is where the bait should be sent in the first place. Some models of echo sounders help determine whether there are fish in a given area of the reservoir, what size individuals prevail in the river. Some models of devices can even transmit a picture in color. However, the cost of such technology is high.
Signal strength
There are a number of characteristics that are important to consider before buying equipment. So, choosing a boat echo sounder. First of all, you need to consider the power of the device. It is measured in two ways. Power can be peak and average. 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. High sensitivity may cause interference. Even air bubbles from the motor can distort the image.
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 beams
Choose an echo sounder for a PVC boat with a motor simple enough. To do this, you need to view a number of device parameters. It should be known that the sensor can send one or more rays into space. It depends on the viewing angle.
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 device is an echo sounder with two beams. It is able to provide a view 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 professional grade equipment. These echo sounders are used on fishing boats. Their disadvantage is the presence of "blind zones". Due to the presence of several rays, part of the space is not visible. The cost of these devices is very high.
Display
Must have a display. It differs in size, image accuracy. There are 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. It's hard to see details on the small screen. Fishfinders 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 shades of gray the display has. It is better if there are 16 shades. The speed of the device's response to all changes under the boat depends on the quality of the display and the sensitivity and accuracy of the sensor signal.
Popular Models
Considering best echo sounders for boat fishing 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 you to qualitatively examine the bottom and its topography. 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.
All the presented models have a screen of almost identical dimensions - 3.5 inches. The latest model has a monochrome image.
Lowrance Elite-3x Fishfinder Features
Choosing good boat sounder you need to pay attention first of all 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 transmits 256 shades. The screen has a backlight, which allows it to be used at night and in bright sunlight. Sonar operates in two bands. This allows him to accurately determine what object is below (fish or bottom topography).
The signal is further processed. This avoids interference. No need to manually adjust the sensor sensitivity. The transducer can also detect water temperature. It is mounted on the 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 model. This device appeared on the market at the end of 2015. It has a screen, the characteristics of which are identical to those of the previous model. It also has a backlight.
The device has a sensor with two beams. This greatly expands the viewing angle. Working at two different frequencies allows you to distinguish the type of objects in the reservoir. In this case, the peak power is 300 watts.
The transducer also measures the temperature of the water overboard. The manufacturer Humminbird is known worldwide as one of the best in the field of sonar design. When creating its products, the company uses innovative technologies. This allows echo sounders to meet the requirements of consumers.
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 and white liquid crystal display. At the same time, 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 zones". However, it is worth noting that color displays are replacing the black-and-white screen sonar. Their popularity is growing due to the gradual decrease in cost. There are models that communicate directly with their owner's smartphone. It is very convenient.
Mounting Features
It is a rather complicated process. When it is carried out, a number of nuances must be taken into account. The sensor must be parallel to the water. This is the immutable rule of the installation. Otherwise, the information displayed on the screen will be incorrect.
The sensor is installed using a special bracket. It may have different configurations. 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 near the screw. This may cause the cable to break. Also, air bubbles from the motor can interfere. The installation location of the sensor should be selected in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. The instructions must be read in detail before installation.
Installation process
Installing the echo sounder on a boat can be done correctly and quickly if the owner of the device follows all the steps according to the instructions. The bracket will need to be purchased separately. Almost no echo sounder comes with this part.
For a rubber boat, a Velcro sensor holder may be preferred. It can also be glued with 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, the edge is flattened. 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 to the water. Next, the second end of the aluminum is flattened. The sensor is mounted to the pipe.
The echo sounder with screen can be attached to a convenient location on the boat. It can be located on the dashboard or on a special rack. It attaches to the seat. The mounting location must be correctly selected. The fisherman must see the monitor well.
Considering how to choose echo sounder for PVC boat with motor, you can buy a suitable device. Its installation will not be difficult.
