Partner Sites:  www.BOEmarine.com | www.ClubSeaRay.com | www.BandofBoaters.com


Go Back   CBAngler.com - Chesapeake Bay Angler - The Ultimate Fisherman's Resource > CBAngler Forums > Fishing Gear, Tackle, Electronics

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 06-10-2010, 10:43 AM
5th Tuition 5th Tuition is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Linthicum,Md
Posts: 2,983
Default Question about HDS 7

At slow speeds (1-12 mph) my hds 7 shows both bait/fish and depth of water. When I get up on plane; it still gives accurate depth but screen is blank of bait/fish. I tried putting the "ping" speed up to maximum; but it doesn't make a difference.
The transducer is mounted on the transom and it is flush with the bottom. I was told if I lowered the transom just a hair; that might fix it.
Any suggestions?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 09-07-2010, 05:55 PM
dwcustomrods's Avatar
dwcustomrods dwcustomrods is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Eastern Shore
Posts: 23
Default

Let me know what you find out. I have tried moving mine away from the motor more to see if it fixes the problem. Didn't work. I have the same issue.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 09-10-2010, 10:41 PM
5th Tuition 5th Tuition is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Linthicum,Md
Posts: 2,983
Default

Here's what I found out. It looks like it is normal for this to happen. I've been on friends boats with either the same model or similar model and they all lose sensitivity (for lack of a better term) in their fishfinding capabilities at higher speeds. Now this is taking for granted that we are talking about the transom mounted transducer that comes with the unit.
Mine still reads the depth fine, I just lose the "marks" for fish. When you compare the transom transducer, to a thru hull transducer, that's when you see a huge difference. My friends with the thru hull see marks at high speeds.
If I see ANYTHING except the white screen while I'm running (like the precursser of marks) you might want to double back and check that spot out at lower speeds.
I'm getting more comfortable with the unit every time out. I believe we just have to live with the issue or buy a thru hull (putting large hole in the bottom), or shoot through hull (but you lose the water temp. reading with this).
If you keep the boat in the slip, keep your transducer clean. If fouled, it will even lose the depth reading until you clean it.
Best of luck with your new electronics!
5th (Marty)
__________________
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 09-19-2010, 01:57 PM
dwcustomrods's Avatar
dwcustomrods dwcustomrods is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Eastern Shore
Posts: 23
Default

Thanks for the info. I was beginning to wonder if mine had a problem or not. I do have the transom transducer and keep the boat on the trailer. I had an older Garmin 320c fishfinder then went to a lowrance x96. After putting a new motor in my boat this spring, I went ahead and got a Gps/finder combo. I will keep and eye out for minor marks and swing back. Again thanks for the info. I'm hoping to get out this week and find some fish
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 07-05-2011, 12:03 PM
Hockleyneck Hockleyneck is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 163
Default

An Airmar P-66 will probably do allot better, but check with your favorite marine electronics tech.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 10-10-2011, 01:18 AM
CAGE RATTLER CAGE RATTLER is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Essex, MD
Posts: 66
Default

I see this is an older thread but wondering if you guys solved the problem of not seeing marks at speeds above 10 MPH.

Im deciding on an HDS 7 or 8 and not seeing marks at speed would definitely be a deal breaker for me.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 10-10-2011, 01:24 PM
garlien's Avatar
garlien garlien is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Pasadena
Posts: 952
Default

The faster you go, the harder the down and side scan images are to see....

The HD sonar should work...

With the side and downscan some setting changes could help to get better clarity, but its really not designed for high speed....

If you want PM me and I can give ya a call to let you know about my experiences..
__________________
Mike
26' Sailfish Walk Around
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 10-10-2011, 01:26 PM
garlien's Avatar
garlien garlien is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Pasadena
Posts: 952
Default

Oh and get the HD8 its worth it...
__________________
Mike
26' Sailfish Walk Around
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump



Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Ad Management plugin by RedTyger


New Forum Posts
CBA Event Calendar
Advertise on CBA
Log Out

Local Charter Boats





Upcoming Tournaments