Garmin Panoptix PS51 info
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AnsleyS
Senior Member
SnDog,
We have had the forward scan for two summers and I am still learning its capabilities. I have found it very useful when creeping along in tight areas with steep banks but have found that it doesn't beam so far ahead that I think that it has much use at faster speeds. I set mine at 75 degrees so that it has a bit of a down angle and I can watch my anchor go up and down. It has a twenty degree spread athwartship so I can scan an anchoring area by yawing with the bow thruster while not moving forward. It is fun to use, it saved me once from running aground and this year I am going to take it out in a controlled situation and try to get more comfortable with it.
I also have port and starboard side scan sonars (Garmin GT51M-THP) that look down and up to 51 degrees off either side. These have given me some astonishing views of the rocky coast of Maine.
We have had the forward scan for two summers and I am still learning its capabilities. I have found it very useful when creeping along in tight areas with steep banks but have found that it doesn't beam so far ahead that I think that it has much use at faster speeds. I set mine at 75 degrees so that it has a bit of a down angle and I can watch my anchor go up and down. It has a twenty degree spread athwartship so I can scan an anchoring area by yawing with the bow thruster while not moving forward. It is fun to use, it saved me once from running aground and this year I am going to take it out in a controlled situation and try to get more comfortable with it.
I also have port and starboard side scan sonars (Garmin GT51M-THP) that look down and up to 51 degrees off either side. These have given me some astonishing views of the rocky coast of Maine.
Slainte 1
Veteran Member
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- Slainte
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- Krogen Express 49
We used the Garmin Forward looking sonar on our 36 foot Island Packet power boat - LOVED IT!! Great for easing into anchorages! Sold the boat and now have Slainte - 49' on the water - I've added a forward looking sonar system to that boat as well - different that Garmin in that it is 2 transducers which allows a 3D view - very nice......more money for sure but as much as I used the Garmin, this thing is going to get used all the more! You won't be disappointed!! Go for it!
Slainte 1
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Here is a link to the company
https://echopilot.com/products/3d-forward-looking-sonar/
it is pricey......but.......not much mud in Maine - it's all real hard granite!!!
Take a look!
https://echopilot.com/products/3d-forward-looking-sonar/
it is pricey......but.......not much mud in Maine - it's all real hard granite!!!
Take a look!
Iggy
Guru
The past owner of my boat installed forward looking sonar. I hardly ever use it. But I am in New England and I will not go in water less than 8 feet deep. ROCKS! The other thing, I think its 3 to 1. In five feet of water your seeing about 15 to 16 feet ahead.
The very first year of boating I went though 3 props! That was with a 19' boat. You learn really quick on that. Than again we have 12' tides so we tend out of habit to stay in deeper waters.
But for you southern boaters, I can see were you might want it. Or in those less rocky areas.
The very first year of boating I went though 3 props! That was with a 19' boat. You learn really quick on that. Than again we have 12' tides so we tend out of habit to stay in deeper waters.
But for you southern boaters, I can see were you might want it. Or in those less rocky areas.
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Slainte 1
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For anyone wondering - the Echopilot 3D forward looking sonar has a forward view of over 20 times the depth of water under the boat!! The other thing to remember is that in general when needing/using the FLS, you're not barging through places at higher speeds......you'll have more than enough time to react, and avert problems.......potentially VERY costly ones!!!..........Piece of mind is what it's about in my book. Thanks all!
I placed an order this morning for the Garmin Panoptix PS51, and 3 Raymarine depth transducers.
As I have Raymarine units (for flir (m324 and 5x AX8 and augmented reality), and Furuno (time zero professional), I will now apparently be adding in two Garmin units for the panoptix.....
I may reconsider using timezero professional, and just have 4 raymarines, and 4 garmins. I
As I have Raymarine units (for flir (m324 and 5x AX8 and augmented reality), and Furuno (time zero professional), I will now apparently be adding in two Garmin units for the panoptix.....
I may reconsider using timezero professional, and just have 4 raymarines, and 4 garmins. I
Iggy
Guru
I thought 20X forward to depth was a lot. I found this clip. https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/567680
The narrator is says 10X which is still very good. A 20 degree angle. So in 5' of water your looking 50' ahead.
I looked up the secs on my Simrad unit. In 5' I am seeing 40' ahead.
The narrator is says 10X which is still very good. A 20 degree angle. So in 5' of water your looking 50' ahead.
I looked up the secs on my Simrad unit. In 5' I am seeing 40' ahead.
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I have researched the echopilot, and it is amazing. A little pricey, unfortunately, for everything else I am doing at this time.
Iggy
Guru
We are now looking at a 16K inflatable!
I feel you. I have a williams 285 and a takacat 340
Slainte 1
Veteran Member
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- Slainte
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- Krogen Express 49
Hi Iggy,
I was quoting distances for the EchoPilot, not the Garmin......still and all, I never had any problem with the ability to see with my Garmin unit......nice unit!
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