wi-fish vs sonar phone

[amanphoto]

I would like to add a fish finder to my boat. I have a depth finder, but would like to know what the bottom looks like and the water temp. I have an ipad running Navionic's charts. Both the wi-fish and sonar phone will overlay their information on the charts. My question is, which one has a better representation of the bottom?

Thanks

[Viper]

I assume you're taking about the Raymarine WiFish? If so, it's a chirp unit which will give you high definition/resolution. I don't believe the Sonar Phone is Chirp and from what I can tell is a transom mounted unit which is a no for inboards unless it will shoot through the hull if mounted inside, some can be but this is not comparable to the chirp unit IMO.

[John Easley]

We had the SonarPhone on our last boat. The transducer can be mounted on the inside of the hull and it works well there except for water temp. However, it is not a CHIRP unit.

[bud37]

What is with all this hi tech stuff......back in the day if we wanted to talk to the fish, we put the tip of the rod in the water, listened for anything and then spoke thru the handle..... .....Im kidding, I'm kidding....

[SplashyLady]

You don't say if your boat is currently in the water or out - I assume out of the water, so you can install the transducer without having to haul the boat.

The WiFish does require a transom-mount transducer with 12 volt power. You will need to secure the transducer to the transom and run the wire through the transom somewhere to a power source. Then the transducer must be connected to the display unit - running cable that way can be a pain! Also, the transducer is at the stern of the boat. You can get a sonar with temp and a through-hull transducer. Mounting a transducer more toward the bow means you run less cable and have a better picture of what is actually under the boat. The problem with through-hull 'ducers is usually cost - they can be pretty expensive, but you will get a good bottom picture and temperature.

You can also shoot through the hull and not drill a hole for any mounting by finding a flat spot and epoxy-coupling the 'ducer to the hull. You lose water temperature readings by doing this, and some sensitivity depending on the frequency of the transducer. You can also put the transducer up toward the bow, not have to drill holes through the hull, and get excellent depth results. You need a puck-type transducer and a place to access the hull - think of a forward bilge pump location. Cables still have to be run to the display unit, but the run is usually shorter than from the transom.

[amanphoto]

My boat is out of the water. I already have a pick that tells me my depth. I am looking for more detailed bottom information. I was under the impression that through hall sounders do not have as good detail and my boat is bottom painted which will effect performance. Both wifi fish and Sonor phone are transom mounted units. No montiers on either, they both get broadcasted to your wifi device.

[Viper]

There ARE through hull ducers for the WiFish.

[amanphoto]

Is there a difference in performance of a transducer that is through hull mounted or transom mounted? Is one transducer better then the other?

[Viper]

In general, transom mounted units are not recommended for inboard applications. Too much turbulence from the running gear ahead of the unit. It's okay at slow speeds but too much interference at higher rpm. They're best on sterndrive and outboard applications.

[tomschauer]

+1 on vipers comment above. If you use a transom mount transducer on an inboard application, it will be pretty much useless unless you are at anchor or drifting without the props turning. Otherwise you will see nothing but clutter on the display.