Who makes the best Fishfinder?
Garmin Vs Lowrance? Raymarine... the list goes on
It’s 2022 now and technology moves fast, there are so many options it can be hard to define what’s going to do the job for you. Here’s an unbiased look at a few options, we will cover the main features of Garmin, Lowrance and Raymarine and help you decide between these popular units.
We’ll explain the key features, user interfaces and other deciding factors to narrow down the best for your needs.
So what are the key factors in making your choice?
- Screen size – What is going to be the most suitable size for your boat and mounting location?
- Performance – Where are you fishing? What is the maximum depth you want to be able to see fish?
- Expoansion and future-proofing – Are you planning to add a radar? Sonar? AIS?
- Price – What is your budget?
Common Specs and Features to Understand
Touch Screen
Many models are exclusively touch screen without any physical buttons. Whilst this is slick and looks the part, it can actually be very frustrating to use when cruising along on the plane. Consider your type of boat and conditions you fish in.
Transducer Type
Most trailer boats will use a transom mount transducer for ease of installation, a launch will generally use a thru-hull transducer, either low profile or with a fairing block. Placement in both situations is key to performance.
Transducer Frequency and Power
Transducer frequency will dictate the quality of the image, and the depth you can reach. It’s important to consider this to get the best performance for your type of use. If you want to go and catch snapper in the gulf there is no point buying a 1kW transducer when a 600W or even 300W unit will suffice.
For fishing depths over 150m you will want a 1kW transducer to see definitive fish targets and bait. Don’t get me wrong, a 600W may well perform but it will not show you in as much detail. Also if you are fishing for species in 150m you are probably fishing deeper than that as well. 1kW can see the bottom at around 1000m, and if you are an expert tuner with a “noise free” electrical environment and know what you are looking at you might see fish at 500-600m.
To fish regularly at 300-500m for swordfish, hapuku and bass you will want to deviate from the standard 50kHz LF to 38kHz for better depth penetration. With this jump comes the need for expanded power, a sounder module to run 2kW or 3kW.
This is where gear gets expensive and installation more intricate, you can contact us for unbiased advice for high end gear.
Charts and Mapping Features
Charting and cartography is supplied by different suppliers to different brands. Navionics, C-Map are the most common and they both have benefits. Navionics Platinum charts have Sonar chart options offering hi-res bathymetry, although it is known that many areas are not accurate. C-Map however spent a long time engaging in hydrographic survey in many coastal areas, some deeper fishing grounds are much better represented on C-Map.
GPS Internal/External
Aluminium hard-top boats may struggle to keep a strong signal and require an external unit to be mounted on the outside of the boat. Fibreglass boats pose less of a problem however metallic coatings and tint in glass can effect it. The best practise is to use an external one with any hard top boat. Remember this is a very important safety component of your boat so prioritise wisely.
East of use
Before investing thousands of dollars, go into some stores and try them out. Make sure it makes sense to you to use. Some units are designed for the every day user, some of the more antiquated brands like Furuno can be very hard to use and supporting companies offer little support.
Raymarine Axiom
Key Specs and Features
This Raymarine is an easy choice, Axiom units are very easy to use, good looking and fast operating. They have all the normal features and are suitable for a wide range of applications. You can easily build on a network with Raymarine and add radar, a larger sounder, AIS, more displays…
Screen size: 7″, 9″, 12″, 16″
Depth capability: 200m with Downvision, 300m with CHIRP Sonar (expandable with modules)
Networking/Expansion: NMEA2000, Ethernet, Flir, Radar, Sounder AIS etc
Pricepoint: $2500 – $8000+
Pros
- Easy to use
- Many expansion options
- Fast processor
Cons
- Touch screen is tricky in rough water
- Higher pricepoint
Lowrance HDS
Key Specs and Features
Lowrance comes in at a lower pricepoint considering it is packed with features. The user interface can be a little clunky if you are not using it often. Great price point unit that still offers expansion.
Screen size: 7″, 9″, 12″
Depth capability: 50m/75. Side/Downscan (800kHz/455kHz), 300m+ CHIRP Sonar
Networking/Expansion: NMEA2000, Ethernet, Radar, Sounder AIS etc
Pricepoint: $2100 – $7500
Pros
- Well priced
- Tactile buttons (not only touch)
Cons
- Not ideal for deep water fishing (300m+)
- Slower processor
Garmin EchoMAP
Key Specs and Features
Garmin offers great options on the fishfinder and more flexibility on the charts. The side SideVu features are excellent for inland waterways and shallow water fishing.
Screen size: 10″, 12″, 16″
Depth capability: 50m/75. SideVu/ClearVu, 300m+ 1kW CHIRP Sonar
Networking/Expansion: NMEA2000, Ethernet, Radar, Sounder AIS etc
Pricepoint: $2700 – $7500
Pros
- Garmin/Navionics Charts
- Easy Fusion integration
- Built in 1kW sounder
Cons
- No 9″ available
- Harder to use