Forward Sounding Sonar is right for every boat as long as the user understands the limitations of Forward Sounding Sonar performance.

Forward Sounding Sonar is designed to look forward, down and side to side using a series of phased array transducer elements that fire in a specific pattern. The receiver then processes the echo's and interprets the information to the units screen. Most systems are designed to "see" forward six times further than straight down. So in practical use, a vessel in 6 ft. of water can only "see" 36 ft. in front of the transducer. This makes the location of the transducer extremely critical in achieving maximum use of the units forward sounding capability. Logic then dictates that the transducer be mounted as far forward as problem. On planing power boats this transducer location usually equates to very poor performance (forward and down) when the vessel is on plane. Logically this question follows: If you are unsure of the presence of submerged hazards in the shallow water ahead of your vessel, why are you on the plane? On most planing hulls proper transducer location for looking straight down is at least 30%-60% aft of the bow. This gets the transducers aft of turbulence caused by the breaking water at the bow. If that rule of thumb was applied to our Forward Sounding Sonar, we would not see beyond the bow in shallow water, but the system would function when the boat is on plane.

To over come these limitations two transducers can be installed. 1 fwd - 1 aft and the user would select between the two via a helm mounted switch. Or the user can become familiar with the limitations of a highly specialized low speed system. Understanding these limitations will save most users (and installers) hours of frustration.