Searching for perspective points on a pond turns from tedious wandering into purposeful hunting when a reliable sonar appears in the arsenal. Fishers using inflatable boats often face the dilemma: which device will work effectively in conditions of limited space and variable power supply? Brand Garmin For many years, it has been setting quality standards, offering solutions that can be easily integrated into the scheme of any PVC vessel, whether it is a modest Kazanka or a full-fledged trolling boat.
Modern models have compact dimensions and energy efficiency, which is critical for autonomous exits. The right choice This equipment allows you not only to see the fish, but also to study the bottom relief in detail, find driftwoods and sharp eyebrows. In this article, we will analyze the nuances of the selection, installation and operation of sonars of this brand, so that your fishing season was the most productive.
Criteria for choosing a sonar for an inflatable boat
When selecting a device for inflatable board, not only the cost is paramount, but also the physical parameters of the device. PVC boats have a limited usable area, so a bulky display can interfere with the control or placement of gear. impact-resistance And waterproof.
The second important aspect is autonomy, because PVC boats rarely have high-powered batteries like boats, the device should consume minimal energy. Garmin It is famous for its energy-efficient screens that run on standard 12-volt batteries for a long time, and it is also worth paying attention to the possibility of working from built-in batteries or power-bank in some portable models.
⚠️ Note: When choosing a mounting location, keep in mind that the screen should be visible at any position of the rower or motorist, but should not interfere with sudden movements of the rod when catching.
Don't chase the maximum radiator power if you plan to fish mainly at depths of 10-15 meters. Excessive power in shallow water can give you "double" bottom and interfere with the search for fish. The optimal solution is to balance the scanning frequency and clarity of the picture.
Overview of the popular Garmin series for small craft
The manufacturer's lineup is extensive, but for owners of inflatable boats, several specific series are most interesting. Striker Plus It's a hit because it's simple and has a built-in GPS navigator, even in budget models, so you can dot the map and go back to the catchy spots on the track.
For those who are interested in detailing the picture, it is worth looking at the series. EchoMAPThese devices support side-scanning technology and high-resolution mapping. Although they are more expensive, the ability to see the structure of the bottom in detail often justifies the investment. Models with a diagonal of 4-5 inches stand perfectly on board PVC boats.
- 🐟 Garmin Striker 4/4 PlusBudget entrance ticket to the world of echolocation with proven sonar and GPS.
- 🗺️ Garmin EchoMAPAdvanced mapplotters with support for maps and improved graphics.
- 📡 Garmin GPSMAPFlagship solutions for those who require maximum detail and multimedia.
It's important to understand the difference between a regular 2D sonar and a scanning technology. If you're cruising in familiar water bodies, classics are enough. ClearVü or SideVüThey show a picture that is almost identical to aerial photography.
Features of installation of the sensor on the transom of the PVC boat
Installing the emitter on an inflatable boat requires a different approach from mounting on a rigid hull, the main problem is the lack of a rigid transan or its small thickness, and the risk of damage to the balloon. Most often, temporary or removable installation is used, allowing you to quickly dismantle the sensor after fishing.
There are several proven ways of fixing, the easiest is to use special suction cups or soft-laced strubs, but at speeds of more than 5-7 km / h, such structures can fail, and a more reliable option is to make a removable platform of plywood or plastic, which is attached to the cylinder through special belts or slings.
☑️ Check before installing the sensor
When you attach it, it's important to keep the sensor upright, so if it gets skewed, it becomes unreadable, blind spots appear, and you need to lock it so that it doesn't hang around and it doesn't have a chance of being hit by a motor screw or a sharp object in a boat.
⚠️ Warning: Never use metal clamps or wire to attach the sensor directly to the balloon – this is guaranteed to damage property when friction or vibration occurs.
Comparative table of model specifications
To make decision-making easier, we have brought the basic parameters of popular models into a single table, which will help you quickly navigate the technical differences and choose the device that will suit your tasks and budget.
| Model | Screen diagonal | GPS-navigator | Scanning technologies | Max. Depth. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Striker 4 | 3.5" | Yes. | Traditional sonar | 244 m m m m |
| Striker 4 Plus | 4.3" | Yes. | ClearVü | 457 m m m m m |
| EchoMAP Ultra 2 | 7-12" | Yes. | LiveScope, SideVü | 1,000 m |
| GPSMAP 8616 | 16" | Yes. | Full spectrum | 1,000 m |
As you can see from the table, even the younger models are equipped with navigation, which is a huge plus. Striker 4 PlusLarger screens can be redundant for a small vessel unless you plan on using them as a full-fledged radar navigation station.
For PVC boats, the best models with a diagonal of 4-5 inches are optimal: they give a clear picture, but do not take up much space.
Setting and calibration before going to water
After you physically install it, you have to set the software right, and factory settings often focus on average conditions that may not match yours, and the first thing you have to do is choose the right type of water, fresh, salty, or mixed, and that affects the speed of the sound wave.
The sensitivity is further regulated (SensitivityIf you set it to 100 percent, the screen will be filled with noise and false targets, or you can set it to the automatic mode or set it to 70 to 80 percent, adding sensitivity only when you're fishing at great depths.Range), by disabling the mapping of depths where fish cannot be (e.g. showing 50 metres at a depth of 3 metres).
Special attention should be paid to the zoom setting. Zoom It allows you to look at the bottom layer in detail, where fish often stand, learn how to zoom in quickly to distinguish fish from bottom debris or algae, and pulse frequency also plays a role: high frequency gives a detailed picture in shallow water, low frequency breaks through great depths.
The secret of adjusting sensitivity
If you have a lot of vertical bands (noise), reduce the sensitivity by 5-10%. If small fish are missing at the bottom, increase the sensitivity.
Energy and charge saving in the field
The issue of autonomy is acute, especially on multi-day trips, and the standard battery for outboard motors is often used to power electronics. Garmin However, the wrong setting of the brightness of the screen can land the battery in one day.
It is recommended to use a separate small battery (for example, a motorcycle or gel AGM) exclusively for electronics, this will save the situation if the main battery dies due to the operation of the engine starter. Power BankThis is true for low-consumption models.
- 🔋 Reduce the brightness of the screen to a comfortable minimum, especially in cloudy weather.
- 🔌 Use a fuse in the power chain to avoid short circuit.
- ⚡ Turn off the device when it is not in use for more than 15-20 minutes.
If you leave the battery in a boat or garage for the winter, it must be fully charged and recharged periodically (every 2-3 months), otherwise it will lose capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use the Garmin sounder in winter in cold weather?
Most current models work at temperatures as low as -10...-15°C. However, LCD screens in extreme cold can stick or slowly update. Lithium-iron-phosphate batteries (LiFePO4) tolerate cold better than lead-acid, but they are still better kept warm.
Do I need a paid card to work with the sonar?
The sonar itself doesn't need a map, it builds a real-time image of the bottom, it only needs navigation (shoreline, depth, navigational signs) and the base maps are already built in, and the detailed maps can be purchased or downloaded for free (format). BlueChart).
How often should I change the sensor?
When used carefully, the sensor lasts for years, and only needs to be replaced if there is physical damage (cracks, chips), a cable break, or if the crystals inside have lost sensitivity (which is rare), often the problem lies in the oxidation of the contacts, not in the breakage of the emitter itself.
Will the sonar show fish under the ice?
Yes, if you put the sensor down the hole, and for winter fishing, there are special winter "torpedo" sensors that are lighter and more compact than transoms, and the usual transmolatory sensor will work if you submerge it in water, but its dimensions can be uncomfortable.
Selection and installation of sonar Garmin And you can go to a PVC boat, and it's an investment in comfort and catch, and a model that's right, and it's rightly fixed and tuned, and it's your top water mate, and don't be afraid to experiment with the settings, study the topography and the behavior of the fish, and you'll get the results.