Lowrance Transducers

Lowrance Transducers Resources and Information

A sounder is a type of navigation unit that uses sonar technology to find the depth of a body of water or to visualize and locate underwater objects. Sounders are essential to the function of fishfinders and chartplotters. Transducers work in conjunction with sounder modules. They send out and receive ultrasonic signals to gather important data like depth and structure. This data is then transmitted to a display to assist the boat operator with navigation. 

Looking for more marine products? Check out our selection of Boat Accessories, Parts, and Products, or Boating Electronics and Navigation. Or browse the broader category of Transducers and Sounder Modules. 

Lowrance Transducers FAQs

What is a marine transducer? 

In simple terms, a transducer receives a signal of type, and converts it into a different type of signal. Marine transducers typically transmit and receive ultrasonic signals. These signals find the depth of a body of water and the shape of underwater structures, locate fish, and more. Upon receiving the return ultrasonic signal, the transducer converts the information into electrical pulses it then transmits to an electronic display to assist with navigation or fish location. 

What is a marine sounder module? 

A marine sounder works in conjunction with a transducer to send ultrasonic signals through the water. The sounder module keeps track of how many sound pulses are sent out in a given period of time and how quickly they’re returned. This information allows the sounder module to determine the distance soundwaves travel, thereby gauging depth. It can also use this same method to determine the shape of an object of geographic structure under the water. 

What does a chartplotter do? 

The chartplotter’s job is to show you where you are in the water and to help you navigate to where you are going. That sounds a lot like the GPS in your car, right? Yes and no.

While the chartplotter is run by a GPS similar to what is used within on-land devices, there are additional factors at play on the water, so the functionality and ability to process large volumes of complex data is vital. If the size and structure of the body of water you’re navigating is small and uncomplicated, you can simply type in a destination and a route will be generated for you to follow. However, on larger bodies of water with more complexity, you will likely need to enter waypoints and build a custom route.

Like the GPS in your car, a chartplotter uses GPS or GNSS data to measure bearing, speed, and direction to successfully navigate your route. However, the chartplotter begins to differ from the GPS in your car as you start considering its tracking and route navigation capabilities. A critical element that you must navigate while in the water is the underwater structures that can obstruct your route.

Structures like reefs, sandbanks, wreck sites, and other hazards must be avoided. A chartplotter’s ability to generate detailed electronic charts is another area in which this device differentiates itself from other navigational tools. A marine chartplotter will produce two types of charts: a raster chart, which is basically a scanned version of a paper chart; and a vector chart, which is composed of lines, points, and polygons using information pulled from a database. Vector charts are more dynamic, use less memory, and are more user-friendly than raster charts. In addition to being powerful navigational tools, many of these devices include fish finder functionality that detects sound waves underwater and uses the signals to project an image onto the screen to enable anglers to spot schools of fish in the depths.

How do I select the best chartplotter for my boat?

Offshore boating in the ocean or on the Great Lakes demands a higher functioning chartplotter. As mentioned above, if you primarily boat in small, inland areas, a basic chartplotter will likely serve you well. If your boat offshore, you will need to select a unit with greater processing speeds, the ability to easily download updated charts, and the capability to integrate with other tools and systems within your boat.

Generally speaking, smaller screens work well in smaller boats. Similarly, operators of larger boats will likely need a considerably larger screen since they will probably be situated at a greater distance from the chartplotter given the need to manage multiple interfaces.

Most chartplotters can be bracket mounted, which gives you a lot of flexibility. But be sure that the unit you select can be mounted so that it is visible from appropriate angles and can be protected from water—both waves and weather.

Chartplotters vary tremendously in price, from $150 to thousands of dollars. The type of boating you do and the bodies of water you boat on will determine what kind of chartplotter you need (what you want is another question). If you boat on fairly small inland lakes, a chartplotter robust enough for a transatlantic crossing is simply not necessary. However, if you will be boating on large bodies of water, you will need to spend more to ensure you have an instrument powerful enough to facilitate safe boating and ease of navigation.

Whether you select a fairly inexpensive chartplotter or a very expensive unit with all the bells and whistles, make sure that the unit is easy to operate and understand. The following is a selection of chartplotters that are popular among the PartsVu community. Given the diversity within the PartsVu community—from offshore boaters to fishermen who frequent smaller inland lakes—there is a significant diversity of needs. This range is represented within the units featured.

Why should I get a marine GPS unit?

A GPS navigation unit is a necessary addition to any boat. It will get you home should you lose your way exploring unknown waters, traveling many miles offshore, or boating at night. It can also be used to mark the last known position of a crewmember should they fall overboard. This can be a critical tool in case of an emergency scenario. Overall, a GPS unit comes in very handy in the following areas:

• Lakes/Rivers – fishing hollows, water ski spots, campsite locations, swimming holes/coves, meet up points
• Near Shore/In Shore – mark routes, weight points, barrier island spots, shelling locations, dockside restaurants, nearby coastal areas

What are the most popular Lowrance marine navigation units?

Lowrance Hook-5X Chartplotter, GPS, Fishfinder

The world’s easiest fishfinder, HOOK2 5x SplitShot offers simple menus, easy access to key functions and Autotuning sonar. Powered by proven Lowrance® performance, HOOK2 5x features 2-in-1 sonar with wide-angle, Broadband coverage, and DownScan Imaging™, plus a simple and accurate GPS plotter. Features:

• 5-inch SolarMAX™ Screen – Get crisp and clear views of fish and fish-holding structure with the excellent clarity and daylight visibility of a high-resolution SolarMAX™ display.
• Automated sonar settings – You will spend more time fishing and less time dialing in your sonar with HOOK2 Autotuning sonar. Just plug it in and fish. It doesn’t get any easier.
• Easiest-to-use menu operation and Dedicated Keypad – Make the adjustments you want with fewer key presses via a simplified menu layout and dedicated keypad.
• SplitShot 2-in-1 Sonar with Broadband sonar and DownScan Imaging™ – SplitShot 2-in-1 sonar makes it easier to stay on the fish, delivering the best traditional sonar views and lifelike images of fish-holding structure beneath and beside your boat.
• Built-in GPS Plotter – Save waypoints, follow trails and navigate to your favorite fishing spot with a simple and accurate GPS Plotter.
• Easy front-dash or quick-release bracket mounting installation – Pick the best installation option for your boat from simple flush-mount and quick-release-bracket installation options.

Lowrance HDS-12 LIVE with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transom Mount C-MAP Pro Chart

• Active Imaging™ 3-in-1 (CHIRP/SideScan/DownScan)
• LiveSight™ real-time sonar compatible
• Smartphone notifications
• C-MAP Genesis Live onscreen mapping
• StructureScan® 3D with Active Imaging enhancements
• High-performance quad-core processor
• FishReveal Smart Target View
• Full high-definition HDS SolarMAX™ HD multi-touch screen with the widest range of viewing angles – viewable even through polarized sunglasses
• Preloaded high-detail C-MAP® US Enhanced charts with 1-foot contours on 4,000-plus lakes
• C-MAP Easy Routing, Navionics Autorouting capability
• Dual-Channel CHIRP – dual sonar-range coverage from the same transducer
• Live Network Sonar – cover more water and mark fish targets more clearly from a network of CHIRP sonar transducers
• Wireless and Bluetooth® connectivity
• Heat Map feature allows anglers to see trends in water temperature changes to quickly target key fishing areas
• Enhanced Surface Clarity lets you see more fish targets near the surface
• Quick Access Control Bar provides one-touch access to system controls
• Built-in CHIRP and Broadband Sounder™
• SmartSteer™ control for Xi5 Trolling Motor and Outboard Pilot
• Radar and SonicHub®2 audio server connectivity
• NMEA 2000® engine support
• Optional mapping upgrades include C-MAP, Navionics® and more