Sale of Marine Echo Sounders for Yachts/Boats
On this page, you will find a catalog of echo sounders with the best prices on the market. All products come with the manufacturer's quality guarantee.
What is an Echo Sounder?
Echo sounder is a specialized sonar, a measuring device that is used to study the structure and topography of the bottom, as well as living and non-living objects located in the water column or on the bottom.
Monitoring the water column in echo sounder is done using:
- ultrasonic transmitter (emitter);
- receiver (sensor);
- a computer for processing the received data and drawing a topographic map of the bottom;
- screen (display).
Processed echo sounder data is conveniently displayed on the screen of modern devices. There is a wide selection of devices of various price categories: from the simplest models to multifunctional chartplotters-echo sounders with a widescreen touch screen.
topRik marketplace presents innovative echo models sounders of the latest generation from the best manufacturers of marine equipment: companies like Garmin, Raymarine, Lowrance, Furuno, Simrad, etc.
What Are Echo Sounders Used For?
Echo Sounder is a fish-finding equipment and an indispensable companion not only for fishing enthusiasts, but also for yachtsmen, as well as those going out to sea in a sailing regatta. This equipment also helps those who are interested in spearfishing, exploring the seabed (in particular in the area of coral islands), searching for sunken objects, etc.
Operating Principle of Echo Sounders
The electrical impulse generated in the control unit is transmitted to the echo sensor sounder. Converted into an ultrasonic wave, it follows through the water to the bottom, reflected from it, and passes back. The wave is then processed by the control unit. The device shows not only the state of the bottom topography, but also objects encountered along the way: stones, algae, river or sea inhabitants. Modern echo models sounders can recognize even small objects, for example, small fish moving in a school.
Echo sounder sends continuous sequential signals, while the image on the screen is constantly adjusted. One of the important factors in the operation of echo sounders is the processor power, the device must not only quickly read and process information, but also produce it on the screen in an understandable and readable form.
At high vessel speeds, outdated echo sounder models may experience delays, not reflecting current information and a fully loaded map.
Improved echo sounders presented in this section of the topRik marketplace are equipped with premium processors that work without delays and, even more so, stops, in real time.
Additional Functions of an Echo Sounder
In addition to monitoring functions, echo sounders can be used for navigation purposes. Chartplotters-echo sounders with built-in high-sensitivity GPS allow you to save navigation data and electronic maps. This function will allow you to save successful fishing spots in the echo sounder and make it possible to accurately return to your favorite location. Data exchange with other devices expands the fish-finding capabilities of the echo sounder. Materials received on one of the gadgets are automatically synchronized with other devices. When you choose a widescreen chartplotter/fish finder, you can fully enjoy high-quality images and a variety of information obtained by connecting with other compatible marine equipment.
Types of Echo Sounders
Echo sounders have different purposes, but the principle of operation is the same for all. Sound pulses of the device shine through the water column, reaching the bottom. As they return, they draw an echo on the display sounder corresponding picture. So echo sounder records all reflected and re-reflected waves, displaying the received information in an easy-to-read form.
Conditionally echo sounders can be divided into several categories, in each of which these devices have their own application features. Strictly splitting echo sounders into single categories is quite difficult, because most of them will end up in several categories at once, having a fairly wide range of capabilities. Among the main types of echo sounders sailors highlight the following:
- lookouts;
- navigation;
- sonars and sonars;
- fish-finding;
- echo modules sounders for chartplotters and MFDs.
Forward Looking Echo Sounders
Forward looking echo sounders are designed to provide advance information about the bottom topography. In other words, echo sounder in the classical sense, namely a vertical scanning device that displays the space located exclusively under the bottom of the vessel, cannot warn of shoals or other obstacles in the path of the yacht, so it became necessary to use the so-called horizontal scanning with a wide beam in order to have information about underwater objects such as along the course of the ship, both to the right and to the left of it.
Most such echo sounders use several beams of different frequency ranges in their work to most fully display the underwater situation.
Navigation Echo Sounders
Navigation echo sounders can also be forward-looking; their peculiarity, rather, is that they are not designed to search for fish, but are part of navigation safety systems and are capable of transmitting information not only to the display for visual control, but also to special shipboard devices, the use of which is regulated by supervisory authorities, for example, to an ECDIS or a voyage data recorder (VDR). Information received from navigation echo sounder, is stored in memory and can be played and analyzed if necessary.
Sonars
Sonars are the main part of echo sounder – a device that directly sends and receives sound impulses. Typically, active sonars are used, that is, sonars that generate sound pulses that then return to the sensor in the form of an echo. But there are also passive sonars used to find marine objects that produce their own noise.
Fish Finder Echo Sounder
Fish finding echo sounders are the most common category of this equipment among not only professionals, but also amateurs. As the name suggests, their main purpose is to search for fish. At the same time, a good fish-finding echo sounder includes a sonar, and can simultaneously be both navigation and forward-looking.
Echo Sounder Module for MFD
Echo sounder modules for chartplotters and multifunctional marine displays are intended for professional use and require serious marine equipment, without which they don’t make much sense.
The module is executed as a special block that does not have any visualization tools. Its purpose is solely to collect information and subsequent transmission to the on-board network. Depending on the equipment used on board, a compatible echo sounder module is used, which is integrated into the on-board network. Information from the echo sounder module is visualized directly on the on-board displays. Such devices, as a rule, are of the highest quality and have a wide range of capabilities that fully complement the functionality of on-board electronics.
Differences in the Rays Numbers
The more rays the echo sounder creates, the larger the area that can be scanned with it and the more detailed the information displayed is. The beams differ in coverage angle and frequency, forming different combinations.
An echo sounder usually has two beams. The first (narrow) ensures accurate drawing of objects under the bottom, and the second (wide) is necessary for better coverage. Echo sounders that create six beams can display 3D images that convey in detail the structure and topography of the bottom, as well as the shape and size of objects under water.
How to Choose a Sonar for Yachts or Boats
There are many different echo sounders and chart plotters, so deciding which one is right for you, your boat and the type of fishing you're doing isn't always easy. Here we've laid out a few basic principles to make it easier for you to understand what to pay attention to and why.
Display Size and Type
Echo sounders are available in screen sizes from 5 to 16 inches. Models are available with multi-touch, touch screen or keyboard controlled. Touchscreen models provide full control via the screen, keyboard, or both.
Display size
A large screen is not always a good thing, as one of the main considerations for placement on a boat is the available mounting space. Larger screens have better pictures, but first make sure they fit your boat.
Display type
Screens with premium IPS technology provide wide viewing angles as well as excellent clarity. Most displays feature non-IPS screens, but also high resolution ones with excellent clarity and color reproduction.
CPU Speed
Just like in a computer, a faster processor ensures smoother operation. With echo sounders it means: fast menu operation, fast sonar data updates, as well as fast map drawing. All these factors make your boat trip more enjoyable.
Settings
With devices from a single manufacturer, setup is simple: the powerful sonar is ready to go right out of the box. Simply install the system on your boat and hit the water, or expand your system by selecting additional devices from a wide range of accessories.
Compatibility
Check the compatibility of the device you are purchasing. Most modern echo sounders provide compatibility with a wide range of marine equipment that will enhance your system, from trolling motors and shallow water anchors to third-party mapping and entertainment options.
Cartography
To get the most out of your display, you can use a card from one of the manufacturers. Whether on a lake or at sea, they are essential for locating and finding suitable fishing spots and getting there safely.
Additionally, there are many map features that you should pay attention to to make navigation and fishing easier. For example, depth shading will help you easily identify key fishing spots.
You can quickly identify places where fish like to hide. For example, ditches, cliffs, flooded roads. Spend less time searching for fishing spots and more time fishing. If you find yourself in unexplored areas, use the Genesis Live mapping feature in real time, available on most chartplotters, to create your own maps with contour accuracy down to half a meter.
Price of Echo Sounders
The last important point when choosing an echo sounder will be the cost of the device. On the topRik marketplace website you can find offers from all major manufacturers, compare characteristics, prices and equipment, get a free consultation from topRik experts on the details of the design and operation of the devices that interest you, and as a result, choose the optimal modelfor your yacht or boat.
So, let's summarize all of the above.
When choosing sonars (marine echo sounders) for boats and vessels, it is important to pay attention to several key aspects.
Sonar Type: There are two main types of sonars - single-beam and multi-beam. Single-beam sonars are suitable for basic tasks, while multi-beam sonars provide more detailed data about the waterbed.
Frequency: Sonars operate at different frequencies, and each frequency is suitable for specific types of water bodies. Higher frequencies provide more detailed images but have limited depth penetration, while lower frequencies allow detection of objects at greater depths.
Power: The power of the sonar affects its ability to detect objects and the bottom at greater depths. Choose a sonar with appropriate power based on the depth of the water body where you plan to use it.
Display and Resolution: Display quality and resolution play an important role in presenting the sonar data. Choose a model with a good display quality and high resolution to see details clearly.
Functionality: Check the provided features by the sonar. Some models may have functions such as displaying the seabed structure, fish detection, saving coordinates and routes, and other useful options.
Compatibility: Make sure that the chosen sonar is compatible with your navigation and fish-finding systems, if you have any.
Installation and Dimensions: Consider how the sonar will be installed on your boat. Ensure that the device's dimensions fit the available installation space.
Durability and Waterproofness: Considering maritime conditions, it is important to choose a sonar with a good degree of waterproofness and reliable construction.
Budget: Determine your budget in advance and choose a sonar within that range. Remember that quality equipment can impact navigation and fishing results.