Having the best depth finder for pontoon boat is a must if you want a memorable fishing trip. There are many fish finders to choose from. To help narrow your search, we’ve collected 6 of the most popular fish finders.
The top depth finder, also called the fishfinder, is an instrument used to locate fish underwater. It can achieve that feat by detecting the reflected pulses of sound energy. Also, the top depth fishfinder can be mounted, while others are portable. Our review of the most reliable depth finders for pontoon boats provides all the details you need. This is regardless of whether you need something as advanced as a desktop computer or one that is less functional.
Looking for the Best Depth finder for pontoon boat?
Buying a fish finder shouldn’t be a spur-of-the-moment decision. Not only because it’s an expensive purchase and because you don’t want to be stuck with something that doesn’t work the way it should. Here are some things that you should look for in a reliable fish finder:
Decide on the Brand
It’s worth mentioning that many of the brands and companies that make car navigation systems also pull the same stunt with top-depth finders. Making an informed decision is easier if you look for brands that have been around for a long time and have satisfied customers’ needs.
Some of the best-selling brands for top depth finders for pontoon boats are Norcross, Lowrance, Raymarine, Garmin, and Humminbird.
Frequency
What is the frequency of the top depth finders? Single, dual, and multiple frequencies are some options you can find out there. Out of those, low frequencies are perfect for deep fishing, while the high-frequency variants are optimal for shallow water fishing. Therefore, you should decide on your fishing needs and select the correct depth finder frequency based on those needs.
Screen Resolution
Would there be any need for the top depth finder in the first place if you cannot see the pictures? That is why maximum attention must be placed on the screen resolution. Smaller screen sizes are suitable for non-clear images, but large screens with 640 by 640 pixels make the picture appear larger.
Colour Screen
Except you still want to be stuck in the dark groping for clarity, you wouldn’t want to settle for the black and white top depth finders. Colored screens are the trend now, so get on board!
You may also like 7 Best Kayak for Plus Size Woman in 2023
6 Best Depth finder for pontoon boat
Garmin Transducer Fishfinder
Specifications
Brand: Garmin
Screen Size:7 Inches
Display Type: WVGA color
Item Weight:1.7 Pounds
With built-in Wi-Fi for intelligent notifications and Quickdraw Contours mapping software for creating and storing maps, the Garmin Transducer Fishfinder is the perfect top depth finder you need for your next fishing trip on a pontoon boat.
Pros:
- Sunlight-readable 7-inch intuitive interface
- Built-in Wi-Fi for receiving smart notifications
- Built-in GPS for marking waypoints and creating routes for your pontoon boat’s speed
Cons:
- Some users opined that the transducer might not be deep enough below the hull
- It seems not to come with a user manual
Lowrance HOOK2 Fishfinder with SplitShot Transducer
Specifications
Brand: Lowrance
Series: Fish Finder GPS Combos
Screen Size: 9 Inches
Item Weight: 10 Pounds
With easy setup and ease of use, you need to navigate the top depth finder on your next fishing trip. You would like the extensive Sonar views as highlighted by the SplitShot Transducer.
Pros:
- Wider sonar coverage
- Detailed lake maps
- Automated Sonar settings
- Micro SD slot
- Built-in Mapping
Cons:
- Smaller screen size
LUCKY Portable Handheld Fishfinder
Specifications
Brand:LUCKY
Power Source: Battery Powered
Screen Size:2.9 Inches
Display Type:LCD
The LUCKY Portable Handheld Fishfinder is ideal for anglers that need something handy. With the device’s portability, you can always have it in your pocket. You can also keep it in a place where you can easily pick it up during your fishing trip.
Meanwhile, it comes with the most advanced features, such as a 2.4inch TFT color LCD screen for better viewing and the highest durability. Nd can be used in many cases, such as sea fishing, river fishing, and ice fishing.
Pros:
- Underwater color display
- Multiple measurement units, such as M/°C, M/°F, FT/°C, and FT/°F
- Sensitivity adjustment
- A fish alarm alerts you when a fish is detected
Cons:
- It needs to be in the shade before it can be read
- Some users reported that the cable to get the temperature splits open after a while
Garmin Striker Cv20 TM Transducer
Specifications
Brand: Garmin
Power Source: Battery Powered
Screen Size: 4 Inches
Display Type: QSVGA
This top-depth finder for pontoon boats is not only portable but also easy to read, even under the sun. More so, it offers precise scanning, built-in GPS for creating customized waypoints, and a rugged design that works well in many fishing environments.
Pros:
- Built-in GPS for marking and navigating to waypoints
- 3-inch display with a sunlight-readable, intuitive interface
- Quickdraw Contours map drawing software for creating and storing maps
Cons:
- It doesn’t have a longer power cable
- Some users complained that the transducer seemed a bit large to fit on the trolling motor
Garmin Echo 551dv Worldwide with Transducer
Specifications
Brand: Garmin
Are batteries included?: No
Screen Size: 5
The Garmin Echo 551dv is a powerful fishfinder that provides broadband sonar and down imaging. This fish finder has a reputation for providing the most precise image of any model on the market. It also comes with a few other neat features, including:
Pros:
- A zooming feature.
- The ability to switch between vertical and horizontal views.
- An alarm system that alerts passengers when fish are nearby.
- Split-screen mode for viewing sonar and down image simultaneously.
- The smooth Scaling feature allows a gentle transition from shallow to deeper waters.
Cons:
- Not visible in daylight
- Small screen
Lowrance HDS-9 Gen3 Insight
Specifications
Brand: Lowrance
Model Name: HDS-LIVE
Screen Size: 7 Inches
Connectivity Technology: Ethernet
If you want a high-tech fishfinder and money’s not an issue, the HDS-9 Gen3 Insight by Lowrance is your best bet. It’s made with the most technologically advanced equipment on the market. It acts as a fishfinder and so much more, so it’s one of the most popular finders around.
Here are some of the top features of the HDS-9 Gen3 Insight:
Pros:
- Acts as a simple depth finder, navigator, and fish tracker.
- It utilizes CHIRP and StructureScan sonar technologies optimized for shallow and deep waters.
- Has 200 kHz / 83 kHz frequency for 2D sonar and 455 kHz / 800 kHz with StructureScan.
- It comes with a built-in 10Hz GPS antenna
Cons:
- It doesn’t have a longer power cable
Frequently Asked Questions:
You have some questions that need answers. Ideally, it may take you some time to understand how the top-depth finders for pontoon boats work.
Q: How Does a Depth Finder Work?
The pontoon boat, where the top depth finder is mounted, supports the instrument with up to two transducers. The transducers are attached to the hull of the pontoon boat. Once they have been mounted, the next step is for the transducers to create sound waves, which then send signals back to the system mounted inside the boat. In this way, the transducers receive and transmit distinct sound waves every second. You will then be able to survey the surfaces under the water to locate fish.
Q: What Are the Best Top Depth Finders Out There?
You have many options to choose from. Look through the list below to select the most promising depth finders for pontoon boats to avoid getting confused.
Q: How Do I Install the Transducer on My Pontoon Boat?
The most appropriate place to install the transducer is on the pontoon boat’s right (starboard) side.
Final Words
With the top-depth finders mounted on your pontoon boat, you wouldn’t have a hard time finding and locating fish underwater. The built-in GPS and other mapping options also empower you to navigate without hassles. That is why we recommend the LUCKY Portable Handheld Fishfinder. It has many of the tools you need to enjoy fishing. From the fish alarm that alerts you when a fish is the insight of the underwater color display and the sensitivity adjustment, you have the peace of mind that you will have a memorable experience on your next fishing trip.