Depth Sounder Recommendations

[Doug]

I have read through the archives of all sorts o problems with depth sounders working well in shallow water and see that I am not alone. I sail The Great South Bay off Long Island, NY and have real difficulty in getting any kind of accurate readings under 6-7 feet (when it starts to become IMPORTANT!). I have the original Horizon instruments on an '84 Cat 30 and would like to replace them. Does anyone have any suggestions on a depth sounder that functions well in shallow water? I have actually been considering a fishfinder after reading a few articles about them. I don't fidh off the boat, but bottom contour might be nice if they work in shallow water better than my present depth guage.

 

[Rob Rich]

Degrees

Hey Doug, Forgot to mention - make sure you get the 8 degree transducer, not the 20 degree. The 8 degree has a narrower scope and is meant for salt water, whereas the 20 degree (which I installed on my boat) is meant for freshwater. The 8 degree has a narrower, more powerful beam for penetrating saltwater.P.S. - When you get a chance, eat some of those Bay scallops for me. I went to school at SUNY Stony Brook on the north shore, got spoiled with fantastic seafood, and I can't get any fish worth a damn down here in Texas!