One year on here it is:
First of all the Garmin 160c cannot really be called a "Fish Finder". Despite the photo in my avatar, "arches", or fish are a rarity. What it is usefull for is the location of features, such as drop off's, plateaux, and location of ledges, etc.
The screen is bright, and easy to see, even in bright sunlight. I have mine fixed under the cuddy, so even at around 10 feet away, it's crystal clear. One criticism I have heard of the Garmins is that the image on the screen is a bit pixalated. This is true, but remenber, you get what you pay for. This model is the "entry level" colour screen spec, and at around £160, you have to manage your expectations.
Little Niggles
The first frustrating thing I found with the 160c was it's inability to cope with very steep drop off's. It will continue to show a previous depth, even though you can clearly see that you have gone over an underwater cliff! It can take up to a minute to show the correct depth.
The second niggle, is that when you switch the unit off, it doesn't remember the settings you previously entered, ie; gain, and scroll speed etc, when you come to use it again. The manufacurers claim it will.
Fish ID is a waste of time, switch it off. Concentrate on gain settings, and matching it with your scroll settings. I still have lot's to learn, and learn something every trip.
All wiring, connectors, transducer, manual, etc is supplied, if your not fixing your transducer to your hull, you will need a bracket. A few online tackle dealers sell them, I got mine from
and it's been fine, except the neoprene discs on the clamps don't last 5 minutes.Batteries are not supplied, but the fire alarm 12v 7ah type are perfect (thanks Carl) You will get up to 2 days out of them, if you use sparingly (switch off once anchored)
Overall impressions are good, it's a very useful tool, and despite it's niggles, I would not venture afloat without one.
