Depth Sounders Fishfinders
Marine Depth Sounders & Fish Finder GPS Systems - Supply & Installation Australia
At Shotgun Marine Services (SMS) and PMMS, we don’t just sell depth sounders and fish finders - we make sure they’re selected, installed and tuned properly so you can actually see fish, structure and bottom detail the way you should. We supply and install high-performance marine sounders, fish finders and fish finder GPS systems across Australia. From Garmin sounders and LiveScope packages to Furuno and Simrad CHIRP systems, we’ve got the gear and expertise to match your fishing style and vessel. We’re authorised installers and dealers for all major brands - not just a generic online shop - and we custom-design every setup to suit your boat, transducer choice, power system and fishing conditions.
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Why Sounder Selection & Setup Matters
A good marine sounder isn’t just about the screen size or brand name – it’s about how the whole system is matched to your boat and how it’s installed. We regularly see fish finder GPS units bolted in without proper transducer selection, poor mounting angles, or no calibration. The result? Weak returns, messy screens, and that classic question: “Why do I lose bottom at speed?”
If you want clear arches, strong bait schools and solid bottom lock offshore, the setup matters just as much as the unit itself.
Transducer Choice – The Real Game Changer
Your transducer is the heart of your sounder system. A 600W transducer is perfect for estuaries and shallow reef work. Step up to 1kW and you’ll get stronger returns offshore in deeper water. For serious bluewater anglers chasing deep drop species, a 2kW setup gives superior penetration and bottom tracking.
Hull type also plays a role. Fibreglass, alloy, stepped hulls – they all require different mounting approaches. Through-hull, transom mount, tilted element – each option affects how clean your sonar picture will be.
Mounting Position & Sonar at Speed
One of the most common issues we get asked about is losing bottom when running offshore. Nine times out of ten, it’s turbulence across the face of the transducer. If the mounting position isn’t clean, the sonar signal gets disrupted and your screen fills with noise. Correct mounting height, angle and location are critical. When installed properly, a quality CHIRP sounder should hold bottom at cruising speed in most offshore conditions.
CHIRP vs Live Sonar – What’s the Difference?
Traditional CHIRP sonar sends a range of frequencies to give you detailed bottom structure and fish arches beneath the boat. It’s brilliant for reef fishing and deep water work. Live sonar systems like Garmin LiveScope show real-time movement – you can literally see fish swimming, structure in front of the boat and how your lure behaves in the water. It’s a powerful tool in shallow water and active fishing scenarios. For many serious anglers, the best setup combines both – CHIRP for depth performance and Live Sonar for tactical fishing.
Brand & System Differences
Not all marine sounders are created equal. Each brand has its strengths depending on how and where you fish.
Garmin Sounders & Chartplotter Integration
Garmin sounders are popular across Australia thanks to their clean interface and seamless integration with GPSMAP chartplotters. Garmin fish finder GPS systems combine mapping, radar, autopilot and sonar into one tidy network. Add LiveScope Plus and you’ve got one of the most versatile fishing systems available today. Garmin units are a great choice for inshore and offshore anglers wanting strong performance with intuitive operation.
Furuno High-Power & DFF3D Options
When it comes to high-power offshore sonar, Furuno has built a serious reputation. Their 1kW and 2kW sounder modules deliver exceptional depth penetration and bottom discrimination. For game fishing and deep reef work, Furuno systems are extremely hard to beat.
The Furuno DFF3D multi-beam sonar takes things even further, scanning a wide swath of seabed out to the sides of your vessel. It’s ideal for locating structure and bait schools away from the boat rather than just directly underneath.
Simrad Sonar Systems
Simrad sonar systems integrate smoothly with NSS and NSO chartplotters and are popular with both recreational and commercial operators. Known for strong target separation and reliable CHIRP performance, Simrad units suit offshore fishing, cruising vessels and serious trailer boats alike.
As authorised dealers for Garmin, Furuno, Simrad and other leading brands, we don’t push one over the other. We match the system to your boat, fishing style and budget.
Whether you’re upgrading a small centre console or fitting out a serious offshore rig, we can supply and ship marine sounders Australia-wide or handle full workshop installation from our Port Macquarie base.
Fish Finders Done Right – Not Just a Screen on the Dash
A sounder is only as good as the system behind it. Screen size, transducer choice, mounting position and setup all play a huge role in how well your fish finder performs on the water.
We’re authorised service dealers and accredited installers for all major marine electronics brands including Garmin, Furuno, Simrad, B&G and Coursemaster. We’re not just an online store — we’re qualified, experienced marine electricians who assess your boat, hull and fishing style before recommending any sounder setup.
Built for How Aussies Fish
From estuary and inshore fishing boats through to offshore rigs, charter vessels and commercial boats, we deliver consultation-led depth sounder and fish finder solutions across Port Macquarie, the Mid North Coast NSW and throughout New South Wales, with Australia-wide consultations available.
Whether you’re chasing crisp bottom detail in shallow water, better target separation around structure, or reliable readings at speed offshore, we design sounder systems to suit how and where you fish - not a one-size-fits-all setup.
Garmin fish finders are a popular choice with Aussie anglers thanks to their clarity, CHIRP performance and integration with LiveScope, charts and trolling motors. We also install Furuno and Simrad systems where the application demands it.
Professional Installation & Tuning Matters
Correct installation makes a massive difference to sounder performance. We handle screen mounting, transducer selection and placement, power supply, networking and on-water tuning to ensure reliable readings at rest and on the move. This is specialist work - and it’s why we always assess before recommending equipment.
Depth Sounder & Fish Finder FAQ
What’s the difference between a depth sounder and a fish finder?
A depth sounder shows bottom depth, while a fish finder uses sonar to display fish, structure and bait. Most modern units combine both, but setup is key.
Why do I lose bottom reading at speed?
This is usually due to transducer selection or mounting position. We see this all the time and fix it properly.
Do I need CHIRP or live sonar?
It depends on how you fish. CHIRP suits most anglers, while live sonar like LiveScope can be a game-changer when used correctly.
Can you upgrade my existing fish finder system?
Yes. We regularly upgrade sounders, transducers and networking without needing to start from scratch.
Do you install sounders on commercial and charter vessels?
Yes. We specialise in professional sounder installations for commercial, charter and working boats.