Is sonar worthwile?

[Jdr01930]

Been considering getting a new Garmin 441s for my new sundeck 220.

I believe I would have to replace the stock tranducer - true? If I replace it and feed the 441, can the stock gauge still be fed the info to display depth and water temp (though it might be a little redundant - just curious)


But the bigger question:
What are the advantages to having sonar for recreational boating? Since you don't see stuff till it's directly under you, I don't imaging it could prevent you from hitting bottom/submerged objects any better than the tach's stock depth sounder. I don't fish (hence the trade from Mako to SeaRay!) so no reason there.
Sonar sounds cool, but I just don't know if I can justify it.

I already have a garmin 478 that I think actually has a better quality display (higher res anyway), but would be expensive to add sounder to, so I don't think I want to go that route. Advantage to the 441 is the portrait orientation of the display.

So - Do I stick with my 478, or step over to a 441s and jump on the sonar bandwagon?

 

[CoralReefer]

I think it's a matter of opinion. If you fish, might come in handy. I've found that navigating with digital charts works best for me. It's cool to see the contours of the bottom but like you said, by the time you see your too close it's usually too late. Just my $.02. There's several threads on the topic.

 

[Rono007]

I have sonar that came with the boat ... not installed. I thought of it too for the "cool factor", but for the obvious reason you have stated, "cool" just doesn't justify the price for even the install.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Correct, the stock transducer will not "speak" with something else.

Seeing the actual bottom contour (and watching it as it changes) can help to warn you that the depth is changing. The digital readout can do the same thing, it's just easier with the contour. If you decide you want this feature, a regular fishfinder will do the same thing (they start in the low $100 range). However, I wouldn't recommend buying a fishfinder for the sole purpose of reading bottom depth.

But, using the charting feature of the 441 (or the S model) will tell you where you should be careful due to lower depths.

 

[Nehalennia]

Well it sounds like you're talking about a new transducer for the depth finder on the GPS not the enhanced sonar add on. Get the new transducer and you'll be happy with it's performance.

 

[nickysc]

Correct, the stock transducer will not "speak" with something else.

Seeing the actual bottom contour (and watching it as it changes) can help to warn you that the depth is changing. ]

We boat in shallow water. The sonar is priceless when you are going slow in a new area. You can see how steep the bottom is. Lets you know TRIM UP TRIM UP!
Running at cruising speed, its useless, turn it off or it will run you crazy
Nicky

 

[Jdr01930]

Thanks for the advise everyone.
Think I'll stick with the 478 and no sonar for now.
Having stock depth display on the system tach should do it for now.
In 30+ years of boating I've never even had that!