I have the Interphase SE 200C aboard my 40'
trimaran. It uses twin transducers that provide 180 degree horizontal sweeps and horizon to below me in vertical mode. Yes, the range is depth dependant. In 20 feet of
water I have 75-100 feet of range. In deep water, forward range is under a 1000'. It takes minimal time to learn the adjustments. It plugs into the video port of my
Raymarine E-series, and I also have purchased a
cockpit display (yet to be installed) from Interphase.
The
danger of these things is that they are so cool you feel compelled to have one and play with it. Eventually, though, you stick it in vertical mode, set the
alarm, and forget about it until a reef, whale, or thick
school of
fish gets in the way. You can then switch over to horizontal mode to figure out your escape options.
Pictures of the
transducer installation are in my gallery. The view is of the leading edge of the "mini keel", a projection below the main
hull which protects the
centerboard. The furthestmost forward transducer is the DSM 30
fishfinder. There is no apparent
interference between the transducers as one operates at 200, the other 50.