advice needed for fishfinder

[chrisangus]

Hi all, looking for a bit of advice on fishfinders. my old garmin has packed up so looking to buy a new colour unit. It will be used for finding wrecks in the 10-50m range, I've been looking at the 400 series but it lists two different types, dual beam and dual frequency, I assume I need the dual frequency for salt water but can anyone advise me please?

Chris

[jyasaki]

Dual freq is for fresh/salt (sort of. More depth related, but that's how it's marketed.)

The higher freq (usually in the 200KHz to 500KHz range) gives better definition, but lacks penetration, so is usually used in lakes and shallow ocean water.

The lower frew (usually 50KHz or so) penetrates to depth better but gives a coarser return. It is normally used for deeper ocean water.

Dual beam gives a wider picture of what's below you, but as far as I know, you tend to lose definition (anything reflecting the signal within the beam shows up as a hit, so it becomes more of a proximity detector.)



jky

[GaryC]

Originally Posted by chrisangus

Hi all, looking for a bit of advice on fishfinders. my old garmin has packed up so looking to buy a new colour unit. It will be used for finding wrecks in the 10-50m range, I've been looking at the 400 series but it lists two different types, dual beam and dual frequency, I assume I need the dual frequency for salt water but can anyone advise me please?

Chris

We are looking at getting a new fishfinder too. Although it is metal we are looking for too, and not fish. Any reason for getting a colour unit over monochrome?

Gary

[Jeff]

Garmin dual frequency - normally (?) supplied as 50Hz and 200Hz. I select only the 200Hz out of preference in depths to 55m looking for wrecks ; this has a narrower beam (cone) than at 50Hz so more precise when trying to shot
just mho
Jeff

[jyasaki]

Originally Posted by GaryC

We are looking at getting a new fishfinder too. Although it is metal we are looking for too, and not fish. Any reason for getting a colour unit over monochrome?
Gary

I find the color screens a lot easier to see than monochrome. An added bonus is the color change on signal strength, and it makes it easier to tell if you're over, say, sand vs. rock.

Might be just me though.

jky

[Razorbill RIBs]

Bouncing this old post.....

The side imaging debate goes on with the crew....leaning back towards towfish at the moment as we may have found a second hand one....

However, also looking to swap out the Eagle Monochrome fishfinders for a colour unit (dual frequency I think). Have looked at Garmin FF400C Colour Fishfinder c/w Tranducer as per thread starter.....

Want stand alone /don't want to add transducer to the S/H plotter as want full size screen (just personal preference)....

Anyone any recomendations /feedback on this unit or otherwise.....for identifying wrecks mainly....

Thanks, Dan

[Channel Ribs]

Originally Posted by Dan Worth

However, also looking to swap out the Eagle Monochrome fishfinders for a colour unit (dual frequency I think). Have looked at Garmin FF400C Colour Fishfinder c/w Tranducer as per thread starter.....

The FF400C is a nice unit, but Lowrance are my new bestest buddies and I like the look of the HDC-5x. The latter would also give you more flexibility with your downscan setup and future proof for bb radar.

Have you compared the receive strength on that diddy VHF antenna versus your crystal palace one yet?

[Razorbill RIBs]

Originally Posted by malthouse

The FF400C is a nice unit, but Lowrance are my new bestest buddies and I like the look of the HDC-5x. The latter would also give you more flexibility with your downscan setup and future proof for bb radar.

Have you compared the receive strength on that diddy VHF antenna versus your crystal palace one yet?

Cheers Mart....

just dashing out (and away for a few days with EA from early tomorrow), but will look at that unit....guessing you could get a decent deal on it ??

Unfortunately, we can't get hold of the CG from lots of our dive sites with the diddy arial

That said, the mahoosive one stores nicely in the paddle straps and we use both....guess there really isn't any substitute for size......

Dan

[Channel Ribs]

Originally Posted by Dan Worth

will look at that unit....guessing you could get a decent deal on it

We are just getting set up with Lowrance, great looking stuff and I am liking the prices.

[Sonar]

Lowrance