Fishfinder Sonar Power vs. Pixels?

Question

Looking to purchase a fishfinder sonar for my boat. I am considering 2 units both have 480 x 480 pixel display and one has 2500 watts the other 4000 watts. This is for fresh water no more than 60 feet. Should I pay for the extra watts or will both units work similiar? Does the power enhance the ability to locate fish or is it more for depth?

Answer 1

The power of a sonar unit is described in Watts.  The term "peak to peak" is used to describe the overall output power of the transmitter.  When dealing with fish finders, the higher the wattage, the more efficient and powerful the overall unit will be.  Low wattage will ultimately bring you slow readouts, meaning a delayed reaction for a reading of a spot you have already traveled over.

The bare minimum peak to peak power would be 600 Watts, although 2000 to 3000 Watts is certainly recommended for most anglers.  One key point to remember - the shallower the water you fish, the less power you will need.  For those that fish deep water (such as the Great Lakes or saltwater fishing) it is best to choose the most powerful unit that your wallet, or significant other, will allow.

160 x 160 pixels is the bare minimum when it comes to choosing a fish finder.  Again, the more money you are willing to spend, the better the product you can purchase.  240 x 240 pixels would be a great starting point (and a minimum in my book), but certainly move higher if you are able to (and again if the wallet and you know who allow for it).  You won't regret it in the long run