Side Imaging???

[acarter92]

Hi guys,

I'm looking to upgrade my current sonar (older model Raymarine) and my GPSMAP78 handheld chartplotter to a combo unit. The boat is a Carolina Skiff DLX 19' center console that I use almost solely for Scuba diving.

I started to explore what's out there and I'm overwhelmed with all the choices. I need to be able to identfy a wreck and know where to drop the hook before diving... I don't need to be able to see portholes on a ship, but it would be great to clearly see that it is a ship and not a log. What I've gathered so far is that I would be better off with a SI unit so I can see a certain distance on either side of the boat vs. only directly below me with a DI?

Doesn't seem like the depth will be an issue as most of my diving isn't deeper than 100', I'm just concered how well it will work on a small boat, esp offshore when there is usually some type of surface activity. I'm not looking to spend more than $1,000, and much less would be great. If I have to keep my handheld GPS and get a sonar without one to stay in budget I'm willing to do that...

I would love to stay with Garmin if I get a combo unit so I can transfer my maps over, but it doesn't look like they have any SI units.

So, just looking for some advice....

Also, who is giving the best black friday deals on this stuff?

Thanks,
Austin

 

[dingbat]

Re: Side Imaging???

Recreational SI does not have heave compensation. "Offshore" performance on all but the calmest days is dismall.

You would be better served by a garmin CHIRP sounder

 

[acarter92]

Re: Side Imaging???

Recreational SI does not have heave compensation. "Offshore" performance on all but the calmest days is dismall.

You would be better served by a garmin CHIRP sounder

Thanks,

I'll look into the CHIRP

How do the cheaper DI units work? After looking into it some more I realized that you still get a decent view on either side of the boat (75 degrees?). And since most of my diving is in the 50'-100+ range I should have a decent sweep at that depth... The coordinates will always get me close, so I don't need to see a huge area, just need to confirm and pinpoint the location.

Austin