The Best Depth Finder For Pontoon Boat - Complete Buying Guide 2024
By, Katie FinnUpdated
Our Top Picks
1. Best Overall: Garmin 010-01550-00 Striker 4 with Transducer, 3.5" GPS FishFinder
The Garmin Striker 4 with Transducer is one of the most versatile fishfinders on the market. It is easily installed and has a simple keyed interface that makes it easy to use. Not only does this sonar offer better target separation, it has a unique scan mode that offers excellent visibility on smaller targets like fish and structure. Read Review
2. Runner Up: HOOK2 Fish Finder with TripleShot Transducer and GPS Plotter
The HOOK2 4x is an easy-to-use fish finder with a wide-angle CHIRP sonar that gives you double the coverage of traditional fish finders. With its auto-tuning sonar and phone-like menus, the HOOK2 never slows down. It's perfect for small fishing boats or kayaks with limited console space. Read Review
3. Best Reliable: HawkEye DT2B DepthTrax
Get unmatched precision and reliability with the HawkEye DT2B DepthTrax. Transducer Frequency-200 kHz, ShootThru sonar technology allows for depth readings through solid fiberglass hulls and up to 1/8-inch aluminum hulls. No glare, polarized LCD icon display with storage sun cover allows for spot-free viewing with or without sunglasses. Algorithmic programming significantly reduces false readings and produces unmatched precision. Read Review
4. Best Versatile: Garmin Striker Plus 5cv with Transducer, 5" GPS FishFinder
Garmin’s Striker Plus 5cv with Transducer is a versatile, rugged, and fish-friendly GPS fishfinder that is loaded with features. This includes a built-in CHIRP traditional sonar plus CHIRP clearer scanning sonar, which provides the power you need to detect fish in every environment. The Garmin quickdraw contours mapping software lets you create and store maps with 1’ contours for up to 2 million acres. Read Review
Nowadays, people have more options than ever when it comes to finding the best depth finder for their pontoon boat. And because of that, there are tons of options out there for you to choose from. However, if you’re looking for something that is reliable, affordable, and well-designed then you’re in the right place.
Today we’re going to share with you our top picks for the best pontoon boat depth finders. That way, by the time you finish reading this article, you’ll know everything you could possibly want to know about buying a depth finder for your boat.
You are strongly encouraged to pay close attention to the Garmin 010-01550-00 Striker 4 with Transducer, 3.5" GPS FishFinder as our top product. Or you can check the HOOK2 Fish Finder with TripleShot Transducer and GPS Plotter as the other great option, even if the first option didn't meet all of your requirements.
RELATED: We researched on 7,413+ customer reviews to create a list of top 10 best all season fish finder in 2024. Check them here.
Our Top Picks
- Waypoint map: Use the way point map to easily view, mark and navigate to locations such as brush piles, stumps and docks; Maximum depth 1,600 feet freshwater, 750 feet saltwater; Current draw at 12 volt: 0.23 Ampere
- The power of simple offers a keyed interface with dedicated buttons; The device is easy to use and easy to install; Available in 3.5, 5 and 7 inch display sizes; Water rating IPX7
- Built in flasher: View your sonar data in the classic flasher format; Ideal for ice fishing or vertical jigging. Display size: 1.9 x 2.9 inches (4.9 x 7.3 centimeter); 3.5 inches diagonal (8.7 centimeter)
- Clear Vu scanning Sonar shows you more of what is in the water around your boat; This high frequency sonar gives near photographic images with detailed representations of objects, structure and fish
- Chirp Sonar sends a continuous sweep of frequencies which provides a wider range of information; Chirp Sonar is able to create crisper fish arches with better target separation
- FISH FINDER & GPS: The HOOK2 4x provides basic navigation with a GPS plotter that allows you to add waypoints, follow trails, and navigate.
- EASIEST TO USE: The Lowrance HOOK2 4x Fish Finder features auto-tuning sonar and phone-like menus giving you more time to spend fishing and less time dealing with settings.
- WIDER SONAR COVERAGE: The HOOK2 4x offers a wide-angle CHIRP sonar cone giving you double the coverage of traditional fish finders.
- TRANSDUCER INCLUDED: The included Bullet Skimmer transducer gives you traditional 2-D CHIRP sonar (fish arch) views.
- EASY SETUP: A single transducer can be mounted on the transom, inside the hull, on the trolling motor or through a scupper hole. The HOOK2 4x is ideal for small fishing boats or kayaks with limited console space.
- 3-stage Advanced Warning System clearly signals an alarm condition with an audible alarm, an ultra bright red LED warning light and LCD alarm indicators
- Delivers uninterrupted depth readings from 2.5 to 600 feet on the largest display available on an In-Dash Depth Sounder up to 60 mph. Transducer Frequency-200 kHz
- No glare, polarized LCD icon display with storage sun cover allows for spot free viewing with or without sunglasses; Algorithmic programming significantly reduces false readings and produces unmatched precision
- HawkEye products are manufactured both in the USA and overseas using technology designed and developed with American ingenuity
- ShootThru sonar technology allows for depth readings through solid fiberglass hulls and up to 1/8-inch aluminum hulls
- Bright, Sunlight-readable 5” display and intuitive user interface
- Built-in Garmin quickdraw contours mapping software lets you create and store maps with 1’ contours for up to 2 million acres
- Rugged design for every fishing environment
- Includes transducer for built-in Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar plus CHIRP clearer scanning sonar
- Built-in GPS lets you mark waypoints, create routes and view boat’s speed
- SPLITSHOT TRANSDUCER: Perfect for anglers who want the best views below the boat, SplitShot features the fish-finding capability of wide-angle high CHIRP sonar and the high-resolution images of fish-holding structure from DownScan Imaging.
- 7-INCH DISPLAY: Enjoy crisp and clear views of your display no matter the conditions – even in direct sunlight – with excellent clarity and daylight visibility of HOOK Reveal’s SolarMAX display.
- HIGH-DETAIL INLAND MAPS: Get high-detail maps of almost 4,000 US inland lakes. Create custom contour maps with even greater detail over any map or GPS plotter with Genesis Live, so you can get onto the fish faster.
- FISHREVEAL: Fish are easier to find and easier to identify. FishReveal combines the target separation of Lowrance CHIRP sonar and the high-resolution images of structure from DownScan Imaging to makes fish light up on your display.
- AUTOTUNING SONAR: Spend more time fishing and less time reworking your sonar settings with HOOK Reveal autotuning sonar, which ensures you get the best sonar image every time by automatically adjusting settings as fishing conditions change.
- SwitchFire SOnar to take command of how your sonar returns appear
- 5-Inch Color WVGA Display
- Dual Beam PLUS Sonar - Two beams combine for great detail and a generous coverage area
- Keypad control interface X-Press menu system
- Down Imaging for a clear view of what's happening below your boat
- The most versatile handheld depth finder sonar system ever produced
- HawkEye products are manufactured both in the USA and overseas using technology designed and developed with American ingenuity.
- Water or air temperature readings which are displayed in degrees farhrenheit or celcius on a SoftGlow backlit LCD display
- Water depth readings from 1.5 to 300 feet (.5 to approx. 90 M); Automatic depth range adjustment
- Inductive switching technology (IST) allows the unit to be 100% waterproof up to 200 feet (approx. 61 M)
- Display type: 3.5" 18bit TFT V320XH240 sunlight readable. Depth reading from 1.8 to 984ft (0.6-300m) in 1/10th precision. Bottom contour and water temperature indicator. 100 levels of sensitivity setting and multi-level depth range.
- This amazing fish finder is specially designed for amateur and professional fishermen to find fish location, depth and bottom contour of water, perfect to be used in the sea, river, lake and fantastic for detecting schools of fish in any particular area.
- 200KHz/83KHz duel beam sonar frequency. Anti-interference from the grass when used in lake. Display different bottom (grass, sand, rock) in the sea. 800 watts maximum output power; 100 watts RMS power. Battery strength indicator. Perfect for ocean, river, lake fishing, etc.. 800 watts maximum output power; 100 watts RMS power. Battery strength indicator.
- User selectable feet or meter reading. User selectable sonar chart mode. Clear fish icon. Depth compensation. Audible fish and depth alarm, depth alarm 3-99ft.
- Auto zoom bottom tracking and quick manual zoom. "Stop chart" at any time. Multi-language menu settings (English / Russian/ French / Chinese / Japanese / Finnish / Polish / German / Italian / Spanish / Dutch / Korean / Swedish / Greek / Danish). Big/small fish identification and fish depth indicator.
- Data Display : The fish finder displays water depth and temperature on the left top. The measurement unit can be freely changed in FT/M and ℉/℃. Besides water depth and fish location, you can also choose a particular underwater area to watch the size and location of the fishes.
- Ideal for Fishing : LUCKY waterproof fish finder is widely applied in ice fishing, kayak fishing, boat fishing and bank fishing. The portable fish finder can be working for 5~6 hours continuously after fully charged. Once the battery save mode is turned on, it could be working even longer than 10 hours.
- Waterproof : The portable fish finder is waterproof in rains. No need to worry the splashes makes the display damaged any more. Even though the portable fish finder dropped into the river or lake, the fish finder would be floating on the water surface. You just need to put the handheld fish finder in open air after fishing to avoid water vapor generated inside display because of the temperature differences.
- Water Depth & Fish Location : You can easily get to know the water depth when the sonar transducer fully in the water. If you attached the sonar transducer to the hull your boat or kayak, you will know the water depth distribution of a specific area when the boat or kayak is moving. It will be easier to find a good position for fishing. Meanwhile, you could also know the approximate fish location and fish size by the portable fish finder display.
- Stable Sonar Transducer : The sonar transducer of the portable fish finder is working stable and reliable both in freshwater and saltwater. It offers a 45° beam angle underwater in 200Khz which supports maximum 328ft/100m water depth detection. There is a 25ft/7.62m extension cable and an anti-fish bite plastic float comes with the sonar transducer. The portable fish finder is USB rechargeable by a built-in lithium battery.
- Features Down Imaging, CHIRP Digital Sonar, GPS mapping, AutoChart Live, Humminbird Basemap, DualBeam PLUS and SwitchFire
- Down Imaging: Get a clear view of what's happening below your boat with Down Imaging. As you patrol the water, you'll watch timber, brush, bridge pilings, rocks and any other structure pop with great detail
- SwitchFire Sonar: Take command of how your sonar returns appear. With two display modes, you can add or remove detail, account for water depth, temperature and turbulence, even watch lure presentations - all at the push of a button
- 5" widescreen display
- Dual Beam PLUS Sonar: Two beams combine for great detail and a generous coverage area, helping you identify fish, structure and contours. Use the narrow beam for high-accuracy returns of fish, structure, detail and the bottom profile. Opt for the wide beam when you want a larger search area. You can view the beams separately, side-by-side or blended together for the complete picture. Your coverage area will be equal to your depth
What Are The Most Critical Factors Of best depth finder for pontoon boat That You Should Consider?
To make a significant purchase, you are supposed to know the best depth finder for pontoon boat. There are a number of other difficulties that need to be investigated and evaluated. Every product has its challenges. Thus, you might count on us to provide you with detailed advice and guidance.
Based on what people and technical innovation have co-operated to analyze and build the following qualities, it’s helpful to look into these following criterial before selecting best depth finder for pontoon boat:
Power
Your transducer's power is determined in a formula called RMS, or root mean squared. This is similar to the wattage. The ideal power for fish finders is 500 W. A 500-watt fish finder will give you clear images in all conditions.
It's sometimes not about the image. There are many finders that can show water temperature, and some have depth finders.
Device Size
Fish finders come in many sizes, which is a good thing. There are devices that have screens as small as one inch and large models up to 12 inches. You don't have to go bigger, but it is important to be able read all the information on your fish finder. Before you choose the screen that you want, make sure it fits on your fishing rig.
Cone Angle
A fish finder with a narrower cone gives me a clearer picture of the underwater world.
The cone's depth is what you should be paying attention to. You will get signals from some cones up to 100 feet away, but not if your casting is directly below the boat. This can create confusion and distortions that can result in casting places you will not catch any fish.
It is also important to consider the angle of the cone. You should look for one that has at least 20 degrees. They are the most popular, so you don't need to spend a year of salary just to have one. Dual spectrum chirp is available on many of the fish finders that I have reviewed. This will allow you to cover more areas at lower depths.
Display
It is important to consider the type and display method of information. Although black and white displays can do the job, they are more difficult to read than full-color displays. We recommend looking for full-color models to get the best results. They are easier to read under different weather conditions.
Transducer
A stronger transducer will produce a better image. The transducer that is stronger can transmit sonar signals at greater depths and through more difficult conditions. It also distinguishes between different types of fish and other obstacles underwater.
Mounting
These transducers are often the least expensive, but they can be fragile due to their nature.
Mounts for through-hull boats are usually mounted on the sides of the boat. They're stronger and more flexible, but they can be more costly. These mounts are made for fishing trips that last longer in deeper waters and higher speeds boats.
The in-hull mount is installed inside your boat and can be removed easily. However, the downside is that it must be able to penetrate your boat's material. It will need to be mounted using bronze, stainless or plastic depending on the boat's materials.
GPS Capabilities
You can also create waypoints with a GPS fishfinder. Many GPS fishfinders have chartplotter capabilities so that you can record your favorite fishing spots.
Price is the only issue with GPS combo fishfinders. Although these are more costly and may be a bit bulkier than the GPS fish finder combos, you don't have to sacrifice security by always being able to see where you are. Unless you use GPS, which many of us have.
RELATED: If you're having trouble finding one in 2024, take a look at our list of best fish finder for a kayak. Read the full description and price to find the best one for you.
FAQs
Can I Sync My Fish Finder With My Smart Phone Or Tablet?
There are apps that can sync your smartphone with your fishfinder. These models are very convenient because they can save and analyze the data over time. The waterbed can be mapped and alerted when fish enter a particular area. You can also remotely adjust the settings of your fish finder.
Are Fish Finders Waterproof?
While most fish finders may not be waterproof, they can withstand water. Although they can't be submerged completely underwater, you won't hurt them if it gets wet. Castable fish finders from Deeper have the best water resistance, based on pressure and depth.
Because a small portion of the transducer included with your fish finder will remain underwater, it is waterproof.
Can I Use The Same Fish Finder For Shallow Water, Deep Water, And Ice Fishing?
Technically, the answer is yes. However, savvy fishermen employ different strategies in different circumstances. While some fish finders work better in open water, others can be used to locate fish at your local lake. It is highly recommended to buy a fishfinder that has been specifically designed for ice fishing.
How To Read A Fish Finder?
There will be several ways to read your finder. The first is like a topographical maps. Some have full-color displays that can be used to show elevation changes below the water. These displays can be used to identify drop-offs or changes in the bed and help you locate optimal fishing spots.
Sonar waves can also be used, which display ripples on your screen. These "waves", or ripples, are actually fish. While some have pictures of fish, others display waves or curves.
You must also learn how to properly read the fish finders before you can choose the right one. To get the best out of your fish finder, make sure that you understand what it is doing.
How To Install A Fish Finder?
There are many factors that affect the way a fish finder is installed. The make and model of your boat, how you fish, what type of mount, etc. are all important factors.
What Is A Fish Finder?
The fish finder uses underwater sonar waves to detect disturbances in water. The waves bounce off any object, and then the device determines whether it's a fish or structure. High-quality fishfinders can even determine the size of the fish.
What Do I Do If My Transducer Is Broken?
It may be possible for the transducer to be remounted if it has come off the mount. Most situations require the purchase and installation of a new transducer if it is damaged physically. You should dry dock your boat. Most boatyards are not liable for any damage to the transducers that occurs during drying. If the transducer appears to be in good condition but is not sending or receiving sound waves, please consult the owner's manual.
In short, nowadays, best depth finder for pontoon boat news and information can be easily found in many online sources of info. With the go up of technology, especially the Internet, you can keep updated with the latest news without worrying about missing anything by visiting our website frequently or subscribing to our newsletter.
We can assist you with best depth finder for pontoon boat issues and a range of other concerns. Don't hesitate to get in touch with us if you require support for problems.
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