Garmin160c

I recently have been searching through post and I would appreciate it if someone on the forum would take the time to answer some questions about this Fish finder. This first question might sound rediculous but I am new to marine electronics, which way should I point the transducer? The manual I believe says to keep the transducer level with water line so wouldn't the sonar read from out in front of the boat instead of downwards? I have been using this fish finder for a couple of months now and can't get a steady read on structure.(It is mounted on my trolling motor also have pics if I need to clarify) Second I have heard not to use the fish ID or auto range and gain setting. What are some basics on setting range and gain when i am in shallow waters?( Normally fish in water 5ft to 25ft Nothing over 30ft or 35ft). I have gathered from other post that I need to use the wide beam in shallow waters. Also any other tips(like when to use what type of scroll,or view or zoom) you could help a brother out with.!

The transducer points straight down, which means the bottom face of the transducer is parallel with the surface of the water. If it's a skimmer transducer, it should be mounted sitting like this:

http://www.shoppingwarehouse.net/ima...ef/5_44744.jpg

Post pics of your install so somebody can verify that you are right. It's important that it be very close to level to get the best images.

I often run manual sensitivity but auto range. It can be a pain when the range jumps, but otherwise you have to change it when you go shallower or deeper.

The most important thing to remember is that images only look like those in the books when you are moving at a constant speed and direction. Slow speeds or zig-zagging result in lots of blobs. Those blobs may tell you that you are on a spot, but they don't tell you much about it.

The zoom feature, IMO is most useful in really deep water or when you are trying to get a close look at something you found on normal settings.

Many of the other settings are just personal preference. When you master the basics, then you can play with them to refine it.

Thanks for the info CatFan. I will post a picture of my setup shortly.

Attachment 52704

This is the back of my boat by the way. So the transducer needs to be turned around in the mounting bracket ?

It doesn't really matter which way it faces. Probably more likely to snag on weeds and stuff facing that way, but the shape is just to make it move through the water smoothly when on a fast boat.

Is it facing the right direction???