T&T: Forward Looking Sonar

[Les Dobbe]

I have an Interphase iScan 180.
I have used in the PNW, throughout BC, AK and WA.  It was not a tool I 
had intended to monitor while underway.  It cannot handle the turbulence 
or is it quick enough to really identify something while underway, like 
a container or log.
The intended use was for, scanning potential anchorages and low speed 
passages through suspect areas.  I had planned that its utility would 
really come to play in the shallow waters of the tropics.  In the 
interim I was able to call the iScan to duty numerous times in the dark 
and hopefully deep waters of the many bays and anchorages between 
Seattle and Glacier Bay.  The usual MO was to pull into an anchorage and 
do a lap around the area and a 360 of my potential anchor point. With 
large tide shifts I wanted to make sure that a 15' drop didn't leave me 
perched on something.
In the tropics it has been great identifying forward depths. I cannot 
even imagine threading our way through the Bahamas, drafting 6+ feet 
without it.   With or without a ripple on the water we sometimes have 
difficulty determining whether the white or dark spot ahead is 5' or 
25'.   We are currently in GA and 13,000 miles later without incidence, 
knock on wood.
It is just another tool that to us has a very specific and defined utility.
No connection just a satisfied customer. 
(as an aside I have hooked up our on board camera system to the 
Interphase screen to gain more utility when not using the sonar function)

Les & Rosemary Dobbe
"Voyager" Selene 5334
Brunswick GA