chirp transducers for a sailboat?

[Ken Cross]

Hi all. I'm thinking of going with a CHIRP sonar/plotter (which I also don't own yet.) I haven't seen a transducer that will mount like the one in the bow of my boat. I thought such transducers would be common, but I'm not seeing them for sale. I have found some shoot through hull types, however.

Have you tried this? How does it work in deep salt water? (I understand the low-frequency range is the way to go in deep salt water.)

Just trying to learn before I spend money and not face disappointment.

Ken

 

[SG]

Are you planning on fishing? http://www.marlinmag.com/buying-chirp-transducer

You can find them easily enough, go to a search program and type in 'Chirp Transducer Marine'.

They are made by Airmar, Simrad (various packages including Lowrance -- their fishing product group), Garmin, etc.

You can see sales from a variety of sources. (Say P2)

Aside from cost and installation issues -- I wonder about the power requirements to run this system "continuously". You're not a powerboat with your engine(s) and generator(s) humming along all the time.

I just glanced at the article that I noted above. Look at the wattage consumption to get that sonar image quality....

 

[Ken Cross]

First, yes I like to fish. Power requirements I've seen seem reasonable to me. From what I've seen, below one amp. Remember the watts RMS they advertise is just during the duration of a single pulse. (Not what most of us old electronics folks would call RMS).

Ken

 

[SG]

I'd not that you have to use the chart plotter(s) to get a read-out, I didn't check, but you might see if you can get an independent read-out from the depth sounder to a display. Do you have a chart plotter just a the helm or down below? Are you planning radar that will be running in the background? etc., etc.

You have to put back in, what you take out of those batteries. ;^)))

 

[JamesG161]

Here is what I found out during my review about Raymarine's CHIRP...

1) CHIRP is multifrequency and has to be through hull. Fiberglass dampens signal.
2) Best performance should be installed amidships centerline if possible. They do have what the Tech called "Fish eye" to try to compensate for the heel of a sailboat.. Think of a flood light, lighting up the bottom. Any boat heel angle would cast that light (sound) to travel different distances..
3) For some reason, I can't understand yet, I have old DepthTemp transducer thru hull i could use. No way!
4) There are DownVision 3D additions to CHIRP
5) You have to have an adapter, to your MFD or built it already. Mine is built in.
6) Boat has to be on the hard to install. (that sounded like a challenge to me)
______
Here is what I am exploring.
1) Transom mounted transducers are available.
2) Towed floating transducer.
3) Have a diver plug my old thru hull while installing the new CHIRP.

Worries of 1 & 2 ... boat turbulence distortion and in shallow water., Sonar is behind the boat..

Worries about 3, I have an unexpected problem and an open hole in the boat.

CHIRP is way more than a Fish finder.
Jim...

 

[jssailem]

Seems to me depth is needed for cruising. It does not need a high energy chart plotter transducer.

Fishing sonar can be accomplished using a less costly fish finder that can be chirp, on a sailboat. For example the
GARMIN
Striker™ 4 / 3.5-inch CHIRP Fishfinder with GPS & Dual-Beam Transducer for $119 at WM

Just thinking about the subject.

 

[JamesG161]

It does not need a high energy chart plotter transducer.

My hobby is enjoying the water. Let me count the ways... (other than just cruising/sailing)

I can use a brick on a rope too.

Technology in radar/sonar and their combined use is amazing. Plus rapidly changing.
Jim...

PS: I love scuba and reef photography.

 

[Ken Cross]

Here is what I found out during my review about Raymarine's CHIRP...

1) CHIRP is multifrequency and has to be through hull. Fiberglass dampens signal.
2) Best performance should be installed amidships centerline if possible. They do have what the Tech called "Fish eye" to try to compensate for the heel of a sailboat.. Think of a flood light, lighting up the bottom. Any boat heel angle would cast that light (sound) to travel different distances..
3) For some reason, I can't understand yet, I have old DepthTemp transducer thru hull i could use. No way!
4) There are DownVision 3D additions to CHIRP
5) You have to have an adapter, to your MFD or built it already. Mine is built in.
6) Boat has to be on the hard to install. (that sounded like a challenge to me)
______
Here is what I am exploring.
1) Transom mounted transducers are available.
2) Towed floating transducer.
3) Have a diver plug my old thru hull while installing the new CHIRP.

Worries of 1 & 2 ... boat turbulence distortion and in shallow water., Sonar is behind the boat..

Worries about 3, I have an unexpected problem and an open hole in the boat.

CHIRP is way more than a Fish finder.
Jim...

These are reasons I was hoping to find a transducer that works with the normal sailboat transducer hole already in the front of my boat (the kind you can remove while in the water just like a knot meter sensor).

I already want to replace our plotter. I want to replace my unreliable depth sounder. It makes sense to buy one of those combos that include plotter and sonar. I don't anticipate installing radar. I have a stand alone portable fish finder (not CHIRP) but that's not what I want. I can't imagine I'm the only one who wants to install this common piece of hardware in a sailboat. The transom doesn't easily accommodate a mount there.

Ken

 

[JamesG161]

like a knot meter sensor

I wish.
Unfortunately the broad range of ( I recall ≈15 separate frequencies) can't be dampened. The rubber flap (check flow) and I believe "exacting" orientation is the killer.

I did have a Raymarine Tech, check out my current through hull and he said spot is ok, adapter is not.

I am guessing a new ferrule is needed, but that sounds stupid.
Jim...

PS: When I upgraded in 2016, my MFD a98 was on "boat show" special. Raymarine asked me if I want CHIRP and down vision. I said Duhhhh whats that and why?
And the inevitable cost difference.

Bingo, it was $58 less with CHIRP than without. No brainer.

That price difference should tell you where the technology is going and a good future sales technique.

 

[JamesG161]

Wait... hold the presses.
How would you keep this transducer clean?

I am with you Ken, you need to patient a knot meter type thru hole.
Jim...