Modern PVC fishing has changed dramatically with the advent of affordable and functional echoers. Whereas before fishermen relied solely on experience and visual observation of water, today digital technology allows them to look into the underwater world with an accuracy of a centimeter. Lowrance It has become synonymous with reliability in this segment, offering solutions that perfectly adapt to lightweight inflatable watercraft.
Choosing the right device is not just about buying a gadget, it's about investing in the efficiency of the water trips. Many beginners make the mistake of buying too complex or, conversely, primitive models that do not take into account the specifics of the inflatable board. PVC boat-hounder It should be not only functional, but also convenient in transportation, as well as easy to install on a temporary or permanent transom.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to buy a Lowrance sonar, which will become your loyal assistant. We will discuss key specifications such as scan frequency and type of sensor, as well as nuances that are often silent in stores. You will learn why mobility and protection of equipment from moisture and impact are critical for PVC boats.
Key criteria for choosing a sonar for an inflatable boat
The first thing to consider before buying is sensor-frequencyFor most of the water bodies of Russia, where the depths vary from 1 to 15 meters, the best choice will be models with an operating frequency of 83/200 kHz. They provide a wide viewing angle and a clear picture, allowing you to distinguish between individual schools of fish and the bottom. Higher frequencies, such as 455/800 kHz, are used in technology. DownScan and SideScan They can scan the structure of the bottom in detail, but they are less effective at greater depths.
The second critical parameter is radiator power. For PVC boats, it makes no sense to chase record numbers of 3,000 watts, as you will rarely fish at depths of more than 30-40 meters. power of about 500 to 1,000 wattsIt's a slug that guarantees a stable signal, even at speed and excitement, and less power often means less power, which is important for compact batteries.
⚠️ Warning: When choosing a sonar, be sure to consider the length of the sensor cable. The standard 6 meters may not be enough to wiring through the side of the inflatable boat to the runduk where the battery will lie.
It's also worth evaluating the size and type of display. For PVC boats where space is limited, 4-5 inches screens are the middle ground. They're informative enough to see the structure of the bottom, and they don't take up much space. Touch screens are convenient, but in the rain or with wet hands can work worse, so having physical control buttons like the series. Lowrance Hook- It's often preferred.
Overview of Lowrance models for small craft
Product line Lowrance It's a lot of stuff, but for inflatable boat owners, there's a few specific series that are most relevant. Lowrance Hook RevealThese devices combine proven reliability, the availability of bottom scanning technologies and an affordable price. Hook Reveal 5 or 7 It will be a great start for those who want to see a clear picture without unnecessary difficulties in setting up.
For those looking for the most detail, it is worth looking at the series. Lowrance Elite FSThese are more advanced devices with multi-touch screens and support for maps. C-MAPThey allow you not only to see the fish, but also to build precise routes, which is especially true when fishing in large reservoirs, but their installation on a PVC boat requires a more careful approach to protection from moisture.
What is the difference between CHIRP and traditional sonar?
CHIRP technology sends a continuous signal over a frequency range, which allows for clearer target separation and less noise. Traditional sonar operates at a single fixed frequency, which can lead to blurring of the image when the boat moves.
Do not forget about budget options, such as Lowrance X4 ProThey're monochrome devices that, despite the lack of color, do a great job of showing the depth and presence of fish, and for night fishing or bright sun, their contrast is often higher than that of colored fish.
Features of installation of sonar on a PVC boat
Installing equipment on the inflatable side has its own specifics. minimize rigid fasteningsThe most common way to attach the sensor is to a transducer board or to a removable bracket attached to a stringer, the first option is easier, but the second option is safer for the boat itself.
The cables should be wiring carefully, avoiding tension. The sensor cable is best carried inside the inflated cylinder (if the design allows) or fastened outside with special Velcro straps and screeds, without squeezing them. The screen is usually attached to a removable panel or in a special handoo, so that it can be quickly removed and put into a bag after fishing.
☑️ Checklist for installation
It is important to keep all connections tight. In places where the cable passes through the transom or the side, you need to use high-quality seals. Water is the main enemy of electronics, and even spray can eventually lead to oxidation of the contacts and failure of the device.
⚠️ Warning: Never fix the sounder sensor "deadly" to a hard transom without a shock-absorbing gasket. The vibration of the motor can damage the sensor crystal.
Comparative table of model specifications
To make the selection process easier, we've compared the popular models available on the market, and pay attention to the scanning technology, because it's the one that gives you the edge in finding fish.
| Model | Display. | Technology | Power | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 | 5" / 800x480 | CHIRP, DownScan | 500 watts | Auto-tuning, budgeting |
| Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 | 7" / 800x480 | CHIRP, DownScan | 500 watts | Enlarged screen |
| Lowrance Elite FS 7 | 7" / 800x480 | CHIRP, SideScan | 500 watts | Multi-touch, Wi-Fi |
| Lowrance X4 Pro | 4"/monochrome | Traditional | 500 watts | Simplicity, reliability |
As you can see from the table, the price difference is often due to the size of the screen and the presence of touch controls. DownScan (down) scanning is often more important than side viewing, as it allows you to see in detail what is directly under the boat.
Set up the sounder for maximum efficiency
After you buy and install the device, you need to set it up correctly. Factory settings are often averaged and may not be suitable for specific fishing conditions. Sensitivity (Sensitivity)If it's too high, it'll fill up with noise, if it's too low, you'll lose small fish.
It is also important to set the depth range correctly.Auto Range) It is convenient, but in some cases it is better to manually limit the upper and lower boundaries to "stretch" the image of the bottom and see the details of the relief.
Use the Grayline function to distinguish between a hard bottom and a soft silt, with the hard bottom showing a gray stripe and the soft one showing a thin stripe.
Don't ignore the calibration of the wheel speed if you use GPS, which will allow you to more accurately track drift speed and trolling speed. To fine-tune it, you can swim a known distance at a constant speed and compare the readings of the instrument with real time.
Food and energy supply on water
The issue of power for PVC boat owners is particularly acute, as the space for bulky batteries is limited. Lowrance They consume a little bit of energy, usually in the range of 0.2-0.5 Amps per hour, which means that even a small battery of 7-12 AH will last for a whole day of active fishing.
However, it is important to use a deep discharge battery (Deep CycleStarter batteries are not designed for long-term operation under load and can quickly fail, and for safety, all connections must be securely insulated, and the battery itself is placed in a special box.
The optimal battery capacity for a sonar for one day of fishing is 12-18 Ah. This provides energy reserve, taking into account the work of the sonar and the possible use of the navigator.
When you put the battery in the boat's hazel, make sure it's fixed and won't roll down the bottom when you're excited. Falling a heavy object on the inflatable floor is a risk of puncture. Use soft pads and straps to fasten.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use the Lowrance sounder in winter in cold weather?
Yes, most current models work in negative temperatures, but LCD screens can have a delay in displaying the picture before warming up. Lithium-ion batteries also lose capacity in the cold, so they are better kept warm until they are released to the ice.
Do I need a special card to work with the echoer?
For basic work (deepness and fish) the card is not needed, the device uses internal memory. C-MAP or Navionics It is needed if you want to see the contours of the coastline, depth and navigation signs, which greatly facilitates orientation on an unfamiliar body of water.
How often should the battery be charged?
It is recommended to put the battery on charge after each fishing, even if the indicator shows a full charge, this prevents sulfation of the plates and prolongs the battery life.
What if the sounder shows "porridge" instead of the bottom?
It's probably a downset on sensitivity or refresh rate, so try resetting to factory settings or manually reducing sensitivity, and check if the sensor has any algae or air bubbles.
Can I connect the sonar to a smartphone?
Model series Elite FS and some new versions Hook have built-in Wi-Fi and allow you to broadcast the image to your smartphone through the application LowranceIt's convenient for recording a screen or displaying a picture on a large tablet.