Garmin 1040xs question

[buz]

Those that are using this unit. What transducer are you using for the diving depths? Are you also using side vue? And if so are you impressed?

Thanks

[Cuda23]

So far I'm super happy with the 1040xs. I upgraded for a Garmin 740s and thought I would miss the touch screen but haven't. I've used the Lowrance HDS 10 Gen 2 on a buddy's boat and I believe the Garmin is way better.
Since we free dive we mostly use it for 20'-100' depths.
Im using both the side and down view with the transom transducer that came with the GCV 10 box for finding structure and a traditional thru-hull for fish finding.The thru-hull is just a standard bronze B117. I'll soon be upgrading to the B75W chrip transducer.
Hope that helps.

[MikeDuval]

I own a marine electronics business in CT and have installed 6 of the 1040s in the last month. They seem to be great! Done a couple with the TM150M transducer and the performance is great. Done one with the supplied transducer that does conventional sonar and DownVu. The others I've taken existing transducers and converted them in. My real opinion of the display is, I think Garmin really hit a homerun with this one. The size is nice, features are great and the sonar looks good. I'm about to do one on a good dive friend's boat with the TM150M and the GCV10. I'll give a review once I go on a few trips with that setup

[MRNOSFL]

Mike Duval. Curious if you got the system installed on your friend's boat and if so have you had a chance to use it any yet? Thanks for the feedback.

[kmoose]

I was going to go with the 1040xs but have now set my sights on the 7610xsv. Multi touch, wide format, true dual band conventional chirp, dual band sidescan and downvue all in one transducer. Can even tap in my existing 1K 264n transducer on the additional imput. Too bad they are still waiting for them to arive.

I will say I have a couple of friends with the 1040 xs and for the money I don't think there is anything out there that can match it's capabilities. Both of them are thrilled with the sidescan and downvu.

[MikeDuval]

So here's what my non biased opinion of these units is

Since I originally replied to this thread, my company has installed at least 20 1040's in various configurations. Some with just a CHIRP transducer, some with the supplied transom mount that gives you Sonar with Down Imaging, and some with a CHIRP transducer teamed with the GCV10 module.

In every configuration my customers and friends have loved them. As I stated in my original response, I think Garmin really hit a homerun with these displays. Packed with features and at a really good price

As far as my dive buddy's boat goes, I installed the 1040 on his 22 Privateer with the Medium frequency transom mount transducer (TM150M) and aded the GCV10 Side Vu module

We spent many days diving Watch Hill, Block Island, Montauk, The Race and everywhere in between. The CHIRP sonar portion is phenomenal and perfect for the inshore diving that is done in the Northeast. The definition and target separation we were getting really helped distinguish tightly schooled fish vs. bottom. I really find this to be one of the best tools for us

Yes, you could argue that jumping up to a 1kw CHIRP setup would give you even better performance (which is totally true) but I feel it's unnecessary inshore. If I knew how to post pictures here I could show 2 awesome shots of the screen we got of schooled bass, and 1 where you can actually make out our buddy hitting the bottom at 60 on bass and see his, head, gun, body and fins clearly. One of the coolest sonar images I've ever seen

As far as the Side Vu goes, we didn't use it that much. Not saying it's not worth it but I'd think long and hard about spending the money on it first. Some guys find it an invaluable tool and others barely turn it on. I plan on learning more about the real world use of it this year as all the companies have their own Side Imaging now and it's a topic of interest. I also find Down Vu (or any of the other variations of it from the competing companies) to be a decent structure finding tool, but I rarely use it on my boat. My sonar stays on the CHIRP page 99% of the time. So I wouldn't worry about not having it. I'd put the money towards getting the best Medium frquenct transducer you can get for the output power of the 1040

My one gripe with Garmin is their charts. I personally HATE them! I'm very used to and find that the Navionics charts to be far superior. I dive a lot of the same areas on my 23 Mako that is equipped with Raymarine, and I locate structure faster and easier with Navionics due to their detail. That's just my opinion though. Yell at me if you'd like

After all that, you won't be disappointed with a 1040 and CHIRP transducer. Easy to use right out of the box, screen looks great even in the bright sun, top notch low power CHIRP, ability to add on i.e. radar and NMEA2000 devices and backed by Garmin.

[Capt.Gene]

Is there a great tutorial anywhere on interpreting the screen image when using side scan?
I had a Gen 2 Touch Lowrance and really never got much out of it, or perhaps never had it set up correctly even though it was professionally installed.