Distributed by

Any reference to Raytheon or

RTN in this manual should be
interpreted as Raymarine.
The names Raytheon and RTN
are owned by the
Raytheon Company.
FishFinder L265
Instruction Manual

Raymarine
Contents

Echo sounding – How it works (inside front cover)

FishFinder L265 – Features and functions i
For information and service ii

1 Introduction 1
About the FishFinder L265 1
System Components 2
Standard Equipment 2
Standard Transducers 2
Optional Accessories 2

2 Installation 4
About the Transducer 4
Selecting the Correct Type of Transducer 5
Assembling the Transducer Bracket 6
Positioning the Transom-Mount Transducer 7
Mounting the Transom-Mount Transducer 9
Mounting the Optional Sidelooker Transducer 10
Installation Notes – Thru-Hull or Low-Profile Transducer 11
Installation Notes – In-Hull Transducer 13
Installation Notes – Trolling Motor Transducer 13
Mounting the Display Unit – Standard Mount 14
Dismounting the Display Unit 15
Mounting the Display Unit – Flush Mount 15
Installing the Transducer Cable 18
Installing the Transducer Cable – Sidelooker Option 20
Making the DC Power Connections 20

3 Operating Instructions 23
Controls on Display Unit 23
Turning the Power On and Off 24
Setup Memory 24
Lamp/Contrast Menu 25
Selecting Displays 24
Operating Pages 27
FishFinder Page 28
Choosing a Frequency 32
Fish Indications 33
Bottom Indications 35

iv
 Performance Modes 36
Zoom Page 37
A-Scope (Bottom Coverage) Page 39
Digital Page 41
Sidelooker Page 42

4 Setup Instructions 46
The Setup Menu 46
Range Setting 47
Sensitivity Setting 48
Chart Speed Setting 49
Zoom Setting 50
Frequency Setting 52
System Setup Display 53
Simulator 54 Deep Alarm 55
Fish Symbol 54 Fish Alarm 56
White Line 54 Buzzer 56
Sidelooker 55 Depth Units 57
Shallow Alarm 55
Setup Instructions for Sidelooker 57
Resetting the Unit to Factory Defaults 59
Default Settings 59

5 Maintenance and Troubleshooting 60

Cleaning Instructions 60
Troubleshooting Suggestions 60
How to Contact Raymarine 64

6 Specifications 68
General Information 68
FishFinder Functions 69
Connector Diagrams 70
Glossary of Terms 71
Warranty 73

v
List of Figures
Figure Page
Unit in Use Inside front cover
Front Panel i
1-1 Typical Installation 1
2-1 Transducer Types 5
2-2 Assembling the Transducer Bracket 6
2-3 Transducer Mounted on Transom 7
2-4 Transducer Bracket, Side View 7
2-5 Correct Mounting Position 8
2-6 Mounting the Transducer 8
2-7 Installing the Sidelooker Transducer 10
2-8 Installing the Sidelooker Transducer on a Trolling Motor 14
2-9 Installation on Bracket 15
2-10 Dimensions 16
2-11 Flush-Mount Installation 17
2-12 Disassembling from Bracket 17
2-13 Installing Cable on Transom 19
2-14 Cable for Sidelooker Transducer 20
2-15 DC Power Connections 21
3-1 Display Panel 23
3-2 Lamp/Contrast Menu 25
3-3 Selecting Display Pages 26
3-4 FishFinder Page 28
3-5 Fish Indications 34
3-6 Bottom Conditions 35
3-7 Zoom Page 37
3-8 A-Scope Page 39
3-9 Digital Page 41
3-10 Sidelooker Feature 42
3-11 Sidelooker Page 43
4-1 Moving Through the Setup Menu 46
4-2 Range Settings 47
4-3 Sensitivity Setting 48
4-4 Changing the Chart Speed Setting 49
4-5 Chart Speed Setting 50
4-6 Zoom Settings 51
4-7 Frequency Setting 52
4-8 Reaching the System Setup Display 53
4-9 System Setup Display 54
4-10 Sidelooker Range Settings 58
4-11 Sidelooker Sensitivity Settings 58
5-1 Sample Mailing Label 67
6-1 Connectors 70

vi
1 – Introduction
About the FishFinder L265
The FishFinder L265 is a system that uses sound waves (“sonar”) to
detect fish and show the bottom of a lake or sea. The system includes a
transducer and a display unit, connected by a cable. The transducer
sends high-frequency sound waves down into the water. These sounds
strike fish, the bottom, or other objects in the water, and return as echoes.
The FishFinder then interprets these echoes and presents a display.
The FishFinder L265 can handle many different jobs:
• detect the presence of fish below the boat
• trigger an alarm when fish are found
• measure the depth of the water
• set alarms for minimum and maximum depth
• show the shape of the bottom
• determine whether the seabed is hard or soft
We are sure you will find the FishFinder L265 to be one of the most useful
devices on your boat.

Raymarine
PWR

FishFinder 265 PAGE

Display Unit SETUP

CLEAR

L265

Optional Thru Hull

Transducer

Transducer mounted
in quick release
transom bracket Fig. 1-1
Typical Installation

Introduction 1
System Components
The FishFinder L265 consists of a compact display unit connected to a
transducer. The transducer is attached to the boat and extends into the
water.

Standard Equipment
When you unpack your FishFinder L265, you should find the following
standard equipment in the carton. If any items are missing, please notify
your Raymarine dealer immediately, or contact the Customer Service
Department at Raymarine at 1-800-539-5539, ext. 2333. Please provide
the serial number of the FishFinder when reporting any missing items.
Description Part No.
FishFinder L265 display unit
(including attached yoke bracket) E61006
Quick-release swivel-mount bracket
(with mounting hardware) M78945
DC power cable M99-146
Instruction manual G627295-2
10 x 3/4” ss mounting screws (qty. 4) -

Standard Transducers
Depending on which model of the L265 you have purchased, the box will
include one of the transducers listed below:
Description Part No.
Transom-mount transducer (including
mounting bracket and hardware) M78890
Low-profile thru-hull transducer (Valox plastic) M78922
Bronze thru-hull transducer M78921

Optional Accessories
Optional accessories and parts can be purchased directly from
Raymarine. For prices and ordering information, please call the Parts
Department at (800) 539-5539 ext. 2333.

2 Introduction
 Description Part No.
Sidelooker transom-mount transducer M78930
Sidelooker transducer for trolling motor mounting.
Companion with M78928 downlooker depth
transducer, with 12 ft. (3.6 m) cable
and hardware M78929
Extension for transducer cable (15 ft, 5 m) M99-140
Extension for transducer cable,
for Sidelooker transducer (15 ft, 5 m) M99-139
Flush-mounting kit (with hardware and
mounting template) M99-137
Fairing block for M78921 thru-hull transducer
(Lexan plastic) M99-141
In-hull/trolling motor transducer (for installation in
fiberglass hull only, or mounting on trolling motor,
including hardware for either installation) M78928
Angled in-hull transducer (for installation in
fiberglass hull only, where deadrise angle is
10° to 22°) M78946
Replacement transom-mount transducer
mounting bracket kit M99-148
Soft storage/carrying case M99-114
Transducer switch box (select between two L265
FishFinder displays, using one transducer) M99-136

Introduction 3
2 – Installation

The installation process has four parts:

• Mounting the transducer
• Mounting the display unit
• Connecting the cables for the transducer and power supply
• Calibrating the display unit

About the Transducer

Several different kinds of transducers can be used with this unit. The
transom-mount style, used most often, and in-hull types are shown in Fig.
2-1. All of these transducers measure the water depth. An optional
transducer, the Sidelooker, detects objects by looking out to the sides of
the boat.
Since the transducer is very important to the operation of the FishFinder,
it is vital that the transducer be mounted correctly. The transducer will
give the most reliable readings if it looks into water which is smooth and
undisturbed. If you place the transducer so bubbles or turbulence flow
across the face of the unit, the system may give inaccurate readings.
There are three important rules when mounting any type of transducer:
• The transducer should be continuously covered by water when the
boat is moving. (If the transducer is mounted near the side of the
boat, it may be exposed when the boat is turning.)
• The transducer should be placed where turbulence or bubbles will not
pass directly over the face of the unit. Don’t place the transducer
behind any running strakes, intakes, or thru-hull fittings which create
turbulence.
• The transducer should be mounted where it will not be affected by the
wash from the propeller(s).

Selecting the Correct Type of Transducer

Before you begin the installation, double-check to be sure you have the
correct type of transducer. Each kind of transducer is designed for a

4 Installation
 M78990 M78921 M99-141 M78922
Transom-mount Thru-hull Fairing for Low profile
transducer transducer thru-hull transducer transducer

M78946 M78930 M78928

In-hull Sidelooker Sidelooker
transducer transducer transducer for
trolling motor

Fig. 2-1
Transducer
Types

particular type of use. In this manual we will include detailed mounting

instructions for the transom-mount transducer. We will also include some
general information on the other types. For detailed information on these
other transducers, see the instructions which are packaged with the unit.
Use a transom-mount transducer if –
. . . your boat has an outboard or inboard-outboard engine(s), and if you’re
planning to use the Sidelooker option. This type of transducer must be
mounted ahead of or beside the propeller(s). Do not use this type of
transducer for a boat with a straight-shaft inboard engine.
Use a thru-hull transducer if –
. . . your boat has a straight-shaft inboard engine. This type of transducer
is installed in a hole drilled through the hull.

Installation 5
Use a low-profile transducer if –
. . . you want minimum water resistance on a high-performance boat or
sailboat. The bottom of the boat must be flat, or have a deadrise angle of no
more than 10°.
Use an in-hull transducer if –
. . . you have a high-speed boat or if, for some reason, you cannot use a
transom-mount or thru-hull transducer. The hull may be no more than 1" thick.
Use a trolling motor transducer if –
. . . you want to attach the transducer to a trolling motor. (Not recom-
mended for deep-water operations.)
Use a Sidelooker transducer –
. . . for searching for fish or structure on either side of the boat. This type
of transducer is attached to the bracket of the transom-mount transducer,
or to the shaft of the trolling motor.

Assembling the Transducer Bracket

Fit together the two parts of the transducer bracket as shown in Fig. 2-2.
When the installation is complete, the parts snap together as shown.

LIKE THIS! NOT THIS!

Attach the Bracket is installed
two parts upside down

Fig. 2-2
Lower the transducer
and snap in the Assembling
release clip the Transducer
Bracket

6 Installation
 Fig. 2-3
Transducer
Mounted on
Transom

Allow a clearance Transducer in

of at least 10 released position
inches (254 mm)

10"
(254 mm)

Fig. 2-4
Transducer
Bracket,
Side View

Positioning the Transom-Mount Transducer

Begin by finding the best location for the mounting bracket. Here are the
rules:
• If your boat has one propeller (outboard or inboard-outboard), mount
the transducer about 18” (455 mm) to the side of the centerline of the
boat. See Fig. 2-3. Choose the side that is on the downstroke of the
propeller. (This is usually the starboard side of the boat.) This will
reduce any interference caused by air bubbles.

Installation 7
 Average transom angle– Vertical transom – Sloping transom–
no wedge necessary place wedge this way place wedge this way

2 to 5 2 to 5 2 to 5

For fiberglass hull – 1/8" to 1/4" (3.2 to 6 mm)

For aluminum hull – 1/4" to 3/8" (6 to 9 mm)

No! No! No!

The bow of the transducer Rivets on the hull are The rear of the transducer
is above the bottom of the creating bubbles. is too high, creating
transom, creating Lower the transducer cavitation.
cavitation. a bit.

Fig. 2-5
Correct Mounting
Position
1 2 3
Insert screws 1 and 3
1/4" from the bottom of
slots, and screw 2
1/4" from the top of the
slot to allow room for
adjustment. Correct
alignment

If screws are inserted

this way, it won’t be
Fig. 2-6
possible to make the Mounting
height adjustment.
the Transom-
Incorrect Mount
alignment
Transducer

8 Installation
• If the propeller can be turned to steer the boat, allow at least 2" (50 mm)
beyond the swing radius of the propeller. This will prevent the
propeller from damaging the transducer when it is turned. After
installation, check the clearance by turning the wheel so the propeller
swings toward the transducer. There should always be a 2” (50 mm)
clearance.
• If your boat has twin propellers (outboard or inboard-outboard), place
the transducer near the centerline of the boat.
• Do not mount the transducer behind any hull fittings, intakes, or other
parts which extend from the hull. These may cause turbulence or air
bubbles.
• The bracket has a quick-release mechanism. This may reduce
damage by allowing the transducer to flip up if it hits any debris or the
bottom. See Fig. 2-4. Allow enough clearance above the transducer
so that it can swing upward completely. This is about 10" (254 mm)
measured from the bottom of the transom.
• If considering the Sidelooker option, look for a mounting location
where the Sidelooker array will not be blocked by the engine housing
or other mounted hardware.
• If the boat will be carried on a trailer, be sure the transducer will not
hit any rollers, bunks or fittings on the trailer.

Mounting the Transom-Mount Transducer

1. On a boat with a fiberglass hull, the leading edge of the transducer
should extend 1/8" (3.2 mm) to 1/4" (6 mm) below the bottom edge of
the hull. See Fig. 2-5. On an aluminum hull, the transducer should
extend a bit more – 1/4" (6 mm) to 3/8" (9 mm). If the boat will be
operated at high speeds, the transducer may be mounted closer to
the centerline of the hull.
2. The lower surface of the transducer should tilt down toward the rear
at a slight angle (2° to 5°). The mounting bracket includes a wedge.
Depending on the angle of the transom on your boat, you may need
this wedge to get the correct angle for the bottom of the transducer.
3. Looking at the rear of the boat, be sure the bracket is vertical (perpen-
dicular to the water line).
4. Hold the bracket (and the wedge, if used) against the transom and
trace the positions of the screw slots.

Installation 9
5. Remove the bracket. See Fig. 2-6. The screws in the outer slots
should be placed about 1/4" (6 mm) up from the bottom of each slot.
The screw in the center slot should be placed 1/4” (6 mm) down from
the top. (This will allow you to adjust the bracket up or down a bit.)
Drill pilot holes 3/4" (19.1 mm) deep. Use a 9/64" (3.6 mm) drill bit.
To prevent drilling too deeply, wrap masking tape around the drill bit
about 7/8" (22 mm) from the tip. Drill in only as far as the tape
marker.
If you are attaching the bracket to a fiberglass hull, you can minimize
any surface cracking of the gel coat. Before drilling each pilot hole,
drill a shallow hole (chamfer) at each location about 1/16" (1.5 mm)
deep. Use a 1/4" (6 mm) drill bit.
6. Attach the bracket to the hull using the panhead screws with flat
washers. Before you tighten the screws, apply a good-quality marine
sealant to the pilot holes. This will protect the hull from water penetra-
tion. Do not tighten the screws completely yet.
7. Move the bracket up or down so that the leading edge of the trans-
ducer has the clearance shown in Fig. 2-5.
8. Once the bracket is in the correct position, you can tighten the
screws.

Mounting the Optional Sidelooker Transducer

1. The Sidelooker transducer allows the display unit to check the water
to either side of the boat. This is helpful when you are looking for fish
or structure near river banks, or under docks or piers.
2. The M78930 Sidelooker transducer is attached to the same mounting
bracket used with the transom-mount transducer. See Fig. 2-7.
Begin by installing the transom-mount bracket as described earlier.
3. Remove the two screws and brackets covering the paddlewheel.
4. Attach the Sidelooker transducer to the top of the transom mounting
bracket. Use the four panhead screws supplied. The fit should be
snug, but do not overtighten the screws.
5. Run the Sidelooker cable beside the depth cable for the transom-
mount transducer.

10 Installation
 Fig. 2-7
Installing the
Sidelooker
Transducer

Installation Notes – Thru-Hull Transducer or

Low-Profile Transducer
The installation process for these two types is almost the same. Detailed
instructions for this installation will be included with the transducer. In this
section, we will note just a few important points.
1. Earlier we listed three general rules for placing transducers. All of
these rules apply when you are mounting a thru-hull or low profile
transducer. Here are some other rules for selecting the best mount-
ing location:
For planing hulls – Install in the flat planing area near the stern.
Always install forward of the propeller(s) and shaft(s).
For small displacement hulls – Install near the centerline of the hull
and 1/3 of the way forward from the stern. Always install forward of
the propeller(s) and shaft(s).
For large displacement hulls – Install near the centerline of the hull
and 1/3 of the way aft from the bow. Always install forward of the
propeller(s) and shaft(s).
For sailboats – Install forward of the leading edge of the keel, to one
side and near the centerline of the hull.

Installation 11
2. Choose a location where you can easily reach the transducer from
inside the boat. This will allow you to service the unit. Allow at least
6" (152 mm) of headroom above the transducer.
3. When choosing a mounting location, drill a small pilot hole (1/8" or 3.2
mm) from the inside of the hull. Before you drill the hole, be sure you
will be able to reach the large nut on the top of the unit, and that there
will be enough clearance for the cable. If there is a strake or other
feature on the hull, drill from the outside of the hull instead. (This
small hole can be filled easily if the mounting location is not suitable.)
4. The position of the transducer is especially critical on high speed
boats (capable of more than 20 knots). Check the locations of the
transducers on similar boats before installing the transducer in your
own boat. Choose the location which will offer the best performance.
5. If the bottom of the hull at the mounting location is flat, you can mount
the transducer directly through the hull. If the hull rises at an angle
(the “deadrise angle”) of more than 10°, you must include a mounting
block or “fairing.” The transducer must be mounted in a vertical
position. Attach the fairing block to the hull as firmly as possible. This
fairing block must be able to resist the drag of the water against the
hull, and must also be completely waterproof.
6. If the hull of the boat has a core-type hull, you will need to follow
some special mounting procedures. The core material must be
protected from any water which may leak from the inside of the boat.
(If the core material is allowed to remain wet, it may rot and weaken
the hull.)
7. When working with the transducer, support it by holding the body of
the unit. Do not hang the transducer from the cable.
8. It is very important to seal the opening around the transducer using a
high-quality marine sealant suitable for underwater use. After
installation, do not leave your boat in the water for any amount of time
without checking for leaks.

12 Installation
Installation Notes – In-Hull Transducer
Detailed instructions for this installation will be included with the trans-
ducer. In this section, we will note just a few important points.
1. Choose the best mounting location:
For outboard powerboats – Install as far aft as possible
For inboard/outboard powerboats – Install close to the engine(s)
For inboard powerboats – Install forward of the propeller(s) and
shaft(s)
For sailboats – Install near the centerline of the hull and forward of
the leading edge of the keel
2. An in-hull transducer may only be installed in a fiberglass hull which is
no more than 1" (25 mm) thick. The in-hull transducer may not be
installed in wood or aluminum hulls.
3. Use the standard in-hull transducer if it will be installed in a flat part of
the hull, or a section with no more than 10° of deadrise. Use the angled
in-hull transducer if the mounting location has up to a 22° of deadrise.
4. Do not try to compensate for the angle of the hull by fairing the epoxy
adhesive on the face of the transducer.
5. Use the epoxy supplied with the in-hull transducer, or an equivalent
epoxy glue. Do not use any other type of adhesive, including silicone
or RTV adhesive.

Installation Notes – Trolling Motor Transducer

Both Downlooker and Sidelooker transducers may be installed on a
trolling motor. See Fig. 2-8.
Detailed instructions for these installations will be included with the
transducer(s). The Downlooker transducer is mounted on the horizontal
gear case of the motor. The Sidelooker transducer is attached to the
vertical support tube. These installations are simple, but it is important to
keep these points in mind:
1. Keep the Sidelooker transducer fully submerged. The transducer will
only produce an image if it is immersed in water.
2. Keep the Sidelooker transducer clear of weeds or debris.
3. When the position of the trolling motor is changed, the field of view of
the Sidelooker also changes. The Sidelooker can be aimed at interest-
ing echoes, but can also be positioned so that it is looking back at the
hull. Be aware of the position of the Sidelooker transducer.

Installation 13
 Fig. 2-8
Installing the
Sidelooker
Transducer on a
Trolling Motor

Mounting the Display Unit – Standard Mount

You may mount the display unit on any flat surface using the bracket
supplied. See Fig. 2-9. (There is also an optional kit which allows you to
flush-mount the display in a flat panel or dashboard). Follow these
instructions if you are using the standard mounting bracket:
1. The “LCD” type display used on this unit is easier to see from certain
angles. Before selecting a permanent mounting location, make
temporary power connections and turn on the unit. This will allow you
to test the visibility of the display from several different angles.
2. Remove the display unit from the bracket by pressing on the large
button in the center of the bracket. See Fig. 2-9.
3. Mount the base of the bracket using the supplied screws.
4. Slide the display unit back into the bracket.
5. Adjust the display unit for the best viewing angle. You can turn the
display from side to side, and tilt it up or down.

14 Installation
 Raymarine

PWR

To release the
display from PAGE

the base,
press on the SETUP

right and left CLEAR

sides until you The angle of

hear the clicks. FISHFIND
ER
the display
Slide the
L265
265
can be changed.
display out of
the bracket.

The display can

be turned from
side to side.
Fig. 2-9
Installation
on Bracket

Dismounting the Display Unit

See Fig. 2-9. To release the display from the bracket, press and hold
down the left and right sides. You will hear an audible “click,” and the
bracket will slide out.
Mounting the Display Unit – Flush Mount
In order to do this installation, you will need the optional flush mounting kit
(part no. M78931). See Fig. 2-11.
1. Select a mounting location on the dashboard or control panel.
Choose a clear, flat area at least 6" x 6" (152 mm x 152 mm). Be sure
you will also have at least 6" (152 mm) of clearance behind the area
where the display unit will be mounted. It is a good idea to drill a
small pilot hole in the center of the mounting area. Be sure there are
no hidden electrical wires or other items behind the point where you
plan to mount the display unit.
2. A mounting template is supplied with the flush mounting kit. Tape this
over the selected location on the panel and trace around the edges.
3. Make the cutout for the display. Drill a series of 1/2" (13 mm) holes at
the points shown around the edges of the cutout area.

Installation 15
 Countersink 2-25/32"
3/8" (10 mm) (70 mm)
Hole 3/16" (5 mm)

2-21/32"
2-23/32" (67 mm)
(69 mm)

1-13/32"
(36 mm)
5-7/32" (133 mm)

63/64"
(25 mm)
6-3/4"
(172 mm)

5-9/32"
1-3/4" (134 mm)
(44 mm)

4-9/32"
(109 mm)

3-29/32"(99 mm)
4-7/32"(107 mm)
Fig. 2-10
Dimensions

16 Installation
 Gasket

Mounting hole
cut according to
template

Screw holes

Fasten with
threaded studs
and wing nuts Fig. 2-11
Flush-mount
Installation

4. Drill the two small holes for the threaded studs as shown on the
mounting template. Use a 7/32" (5.5 mm) drill bit.
5. Remove the template and draw straight lines between the 1/2" holes.
Cut along each of the lines with a small saw.

Raymarine
PWR

PAGE

SETUP

CLEAR

FISHFINDER

L265

To pry up the cap

insert a small
screwdriver here Fig. 2-12
Disassembling
from Bracket

Installation 17
6. Separate the display unit from the mounting bracket. (See Fig. 2-12.)
Press the large button in the center of the bracket to separate the
bracket arms. The display unit is attached to the arms by two screws.
Each screw is covered by a cap. Locate the small slot beside each
cap and pry upward using a small screwdriver. Remove the caps,
then the two screws and the two wave washers. Save these parts in
case you ever want to use the mounting bracket.
7. Screw the threaded studs into the holes on the rear of the display
unit.
8. Set the display unit into place to be sure that it will fit correctly.
Thread the wing-nuts onto the threaded studs to hold the display unit
in place temporarily.
9. Install the DC power wiring as described later in this section. Finally,
finish the installation. Hold the gasket in place around the opening.
Fit the display unit into the cutout. From the rear, screw the thumb-
screws securely onto the threaded studs to hold the unit in place.

Installing the Transducer Cable

A 20 foot length of cable, with the connector attached, is supplied with the
transducer. During the installation, do not cut the transducer cable or
remove the connector. Do not try to shorten or splice the cable. The
transducer cable includes several wires, along with shielding and
insulation. If the cable is cut, it cannot be repaired. (Cutting the cable
will also void the warranty.) During installation, if you need to drill any
holes for the cable, they must be large enough to accept the connector.
This will allow you to make the installation without cutting the wire.
1. Route the cable up and over the top edge of the transom. See Fig. 2-
13. Secure the cable using cable clamps. (These clamps are
available from your local marine equipment supplier.)
If you do not want to expose the cable on the deck, you may drill a
new hole (3/4" or 19 mm) through the transom for the cable. (Re-
member – this hole must be large enough to accept the cable with the
connector attached. Do not cut the cable!) To seal the opening, use
a feed-thru cap where the cable passes through the transom.
2. Run the cable through the interior of the boat. If the transducer cable
runs near another electrical wire, it may pick up electrical interference
or “noise.” To reduce this, try to keep the transducer cable separated

18 Installation
 as far as possible from all other wires. This is especially important
with wiring for the boat’s ignition, alternator, or tachometer. Also try to
keep the transducer cable away from the antenna and power cables
for VHF or FM radios. It is also helpful to keep the transducer cable
away from the FishFinder power cable. If it is necessary to run the
transducer cable across any wires, make the crossing at a right angle.
3. Be careful not to tear the cable jacket when passing it through
bulkheads and other parts of your boat. Secure the cables in place
using tywraps or lacing twine. Coil the extra cable and tie it out of the
way.
4. If the 20 foot (6 m) transducer cable is not long enough, a 15 foot
(4.6 m) extension cable is available from your Raymarine dealer (part
no. M99-140). When you attach the extension cable, be sure that the
connections are tight and watertight. Use Dow Corning DC-4 or an
equivalent sealing compound to protect the connector assemblies.
Note: To extend both depth and Sidelooker cables, use the M99-139
extension cable.
5. At the rear of the display unit, plug in the transducer cable using the
keyed connector.

Cable feed-thru
cap

Cable clamp

1" (25 mm)

Hull projections
Fiberglass: 1/4" (6mm) Fig. 2-13
Aluminum: 1/2" (13 mm)
Installing Cable
on Transom

Installation 19
Installing the Transducer Cable – Sidelooker Option
1. If the installation includes the optional Sidelooker transducer, there
will be two transducer cables. See Fig. 2-14. The cable from the
Sidelooker includes a “Y” connector.
2. Plug the cable from the depth transducer into the open end of the “Y”
connector.

If extending
this cable only,
use the M99-140
cable.

If adding an
extension here,
use the M99-139
cable.

Sidelooker
transducer Fig. 2-14
Depth Cable for
transducer Sidelooker
Transducer

Making the DC Power Connections

1. The display unit is designed for use on boats with 12V DC power
systems. (The unit can operate as long as the DC voltage is between
11.0 and 16V DC.) The display unit can be wired to a negative-
ground system, or both the negative and positive supply lines may be
“floating” above ground. This unit is not intended for use on boats
with positive ground.
2. The 5-foot power cable (1.5 m) supplied with the display unit should
reach the source of DC power. On a small boat, connect the power

20 Installation
 leads directly to the main battery isolation switch or breaker. On a
larger boat, route the power leads to the DC power distribution panel.
3. It is very important that you connect the power leads correctly.
See Fig. 2-15. At the power source, connect the red wire to the
positive terminal (+), and the black wire to the negative terminal
(-). The negative terminal may also be called “ground” or “earth.”
(The display unit is internally protected if you accidentally reverse
the polarity of the power wires.)
4. Attach the red or positive wire to a 5 amp circuit breaker. If the unit is
connected directly to the boat’s battery, include a 2 amp in-line fuse.
(In-line fuses are available at most marine supply stores.)
5. To prevent any interference or electrical noise, separate the
FishFinder power wiring as much as possible from other devices.
Avoid running the FishFinder power wires near the power wiring for
any radar, radio, or Loran-C units. If possible, wire the FishFinder
power wires to a separate circuit breaker.
6. If you need to extend the power wiring by more than 10 feet, use a
larger wire size. This will allow the wires to deliver the correct voltage
in spite of the longer wire distance. For runs of 20 to 35 feet, use #14
AWG.

DC 12V
connector
to battery

T/D
connector
to transducer

RED

BLACK

DC Fig. 2-15
12V
DC Power
Connections

Installation 21
 If you extend the power wiring, be sure all electrical connections are
solid and durable. Soldering is the best way to make these connec-
tions. Insulate all connections using heat-shrink tubing or electrical
tape. You may also use crimp connectors or a terminal strip, but be
sure to use good-quality marine-grade parts.
7. At the rear of the display unit, plug in the power wires using the keyed
connector.
8. When you press the PWR button, the display unit should turn on. If
the unit will not turn on and you suspect that you may have reversed the
power connections, check the DC power lines all the way back to the
battery. If the polarity is not correct, reconnect the leads properly and
try again.

Final note: After you finish the installation, please remember to fill out the
Warranty Card included with this manual.

22 Installation
3 – Operating Instructions
In this section of the manual, we will explain how to operate the unit.
(Setup instructions are included in the next section.) Below is a drawing
of the display unit.

Power button
Raymarine
PWR
Display area
Page control
pad
PAGE

Set-up button
SETUP

Clear button
CLEAR

FISHFINDER

L265
Fig. 3-1
Display
Panel

Controls on Display Unit

The FishFinder is designed to be easy to use while the boat is moving.
You can steady your hand by gripping the right side of the display with the
fingers of your right hand. This will allow you to use your right thumb to
press the buttons on the display.
Notice that some of the buttons can be used in two ways. They do one job
during a normal display, and a different job when you are setting up the
unit. In this section, we will use the symbols PWR , SETUP and CLEAR to
indicate the power, setup and clear buttons.
PWR This button turns the power on and off.
To turn on the power – Press once to turn the power on.
To enter the Lamp/Contrast menu – Press PWR quickly at
any time to enter the “Lamp/Contrast” menu.
To turn off the power – If you press and hold the button,

Operating Instructions 23
 the display will say “Powering Off.” If you hold the button
for more than 3 seconds, the display unit will switch off.
Page control

<
<
pad Up and down arrows – ( and )
During setup – Use these controls to call up a choice or
move to the next line on a menu.
If the Zoom display is turned on – If the manual zoom
feature is turned on, these will move the zoom display up or
down.
Left and right arrows – (< and >)
During normal display – Use these buttons to go to the
next display.
During setup – Use these arrows to make a choice within
a line on the menu.
SETUP To enter the Setup Menu – Press SETUP at any time.
To go to the System Setup display – Press this button
twice.
CLEAR During normal display – When an alarm is triggered, use
CLR to turn off the buzzer. (The alarm will continue).

During setup – Once you make a change, press CLEAR to

save the change and go back to the normal display.

Turning the Power On and Off

Press the PWR button once to turn on the power. For a few seconds, the
Lamp/Contrast Menu will appear and the panel light will flash on and off.
The light will help you to set up the display in the dark.
To turn the power off, press and hold the PWR button for more than 3
seconds.

Setup Memory
When you first turn on the power, the unit will be prepared to operate
using a number of preset values. These “default” values are stored in the
unit at the factory. (The default values are listed in Section 4.)

24 Operating Instructions
This unit has a memory for some of the settings – range, sensitivity, zoom,
and frequency. (We will explain these in a moment.) When you turn off
the power, any changes you make to these settings will be saved. You can
return all of the settings to the factory default values, and reset the trip log
to zero. To reset the unit, turn it on by pressing the PWR and CLEAR buttons
at the same time.

Lamp/Contrast Menu

Turn lamp
on or off

Adjust
contrast
Fig. 3-2
Lamp/Contrast
Menu
Press PWR The Lamp/Contrast Menu appears when you first press
the PWR button and turn on the power. (You will be able to
see part of the main FishFinder display behind the Lamp/
Contrast menu.)
You can press the PWR button a second time to exit from
the Lamp/Contrast menu and go directly to the FishFinder
mode. (If you do not make any changes to the settings
within 7 seconds, the unit automatically exits from the
Lamp/Contrast menu anyway.)
You can also enter the Lamp/Contrast menu from any of
the other displays by pressing the PWR button for a
moment.
Turn on lamp The display unit includes a backlight which allows you to
read it at night. If you want to turn on the lamp, use either
the < or > arrows on the Page control pad.

Operating Instructions 25
Fig. 3-3
Selecting
Display Lamp/Contrast menu FishFinder page
Pages

Zoom page A-Scope page

Digital page Sidelooker page Note: This will appear

only if the Sidelooker
feature is turned on.

Return to
FishFinder
page

26 Operating Instructions
Adjust contrast You can also adjust the “contrast” of the display. This is a
measure of how light or dark the display appears. Use

<
the control to move from the line for “Lamp On/Off” to
the line for “Contrast.” Use the < or > controls to adjust
the contrast. (The FishFinder unit has a feature which
adjusts the contrast automatically to compensate for
changes in air temperature.)
Save settings When the settings on this display are correct, press the
CLEAR button to save the settings and go to the FishFinder
page.

Operating Pages
This unit has 5 “pages” or normal displays. These can be used to show
different kinds of information. Here is a list of the modes:
Mode Function See page
FishFinder page Standard operating mode, good
general coverage of bottom. page 28
Zoom page Magnified view of smaller section
of bottom. page 37
A-Scope page Detailed view of area under
transducer. page 39
Digital page Numerical display of depth page 41
Sidelooker page View of either side of centerline of boat,
(using optional (used only with Sidelooker transducer) page 42
Sidelooker transducer)

You can step from one of these pages or displays to another using the
< and > arrows on the Page control pad. See Fig. 3-3.
There are two other kinds of displays you can see here:
• The system includes several setup displays which can be used to
change some of the controls used by the unit. See Section 4.
• When the Simulator Mode is switched on, the unit generates its own
display without receiving signals from the transducer. This mode is
used for sales and training.

Operating Instructions 27
 FishFinder Page
Auto sensitivity on Auto
zoom on
Auto
Auto range on
Fish symbol
features on on
Transducer Boat symbol
frequency
Water surface

Depth markers

Fish depth
Bottom
indication
Fish symbol

Range
Buzzer symbol
Fish alarm set Bottom depth

Deep alarm set Fig. 3-4

Shallow alarm set FishFinder
Page

A moment after you first turn on the display unit, the Lamp/Contrast menu
disappears. The unit then automatically switches to the FishFinder page.
Figure 3-4 shows a typical display. (The FishFinder page is also called the
“chart” or “bottom graph” display.) As time passes, this display scrolls from
right to left. The scrolling image becomes a record of the echoes and the
bottom seen by the FishFinder as your boat moves.
The images at the right side of the display show the most recent echoes.

28 Operating Instructions
Some of these echoes indicate fish, and others show the bottom. As new
echoes are received, the FishFinder “draws” a graph of the bottom. The
bottom graph helps you to tell whether the bottom is rising or falling. It
also allows you to identify the shape or “structure” of the bottom. This
can indicate a reef or shipwreck.
Notice that the scrolling speed of the display does not necessarily match
the speed of the boat. The scrolling speed of the display is called the
“chart speed.” You can adjust this using the “System Setup Display.” (See
Section 4.)
Many of the items on this display appear in the other modes. Since you are
likely to use the FishFinder page most often, we will explain all of these
items here.

Top of display
Auto features on
(AUTO) If any of the automatic features are turned on, the “Auto”
indication will appear here. (These include the automatic
range, auto sensitivity, and auto zoom features.)
Auto range on (R)
The “range” is the maximum depth the unit is set to
measure. When the auto range feature is on, the
FishFinder chooses the correct range setting automatically.
Transducer frequency
The transducer can use two frequencies - 50 kHz for wide
coverage, or 200 kHz for a detailed view. You can also set
the unit to use both frequencies at the same time (“dual
frequency”). (For more on this, see “Choosing the Fre-
quency.”)
Auto sensitivity on (S)
The “sensitivity” controls the ability of the unit to tell the
difference between echoes of different strengths. A higher
sensitivity setting makes it easier to see smaller fish, but
also may pick up background noise. When auto sensitivity
is on, the FishFinder chooses the correct sensitivity setting
automatically.

Operating Instructions 29
Auto zoom on (Z)
The “zoom” can be used to magnify the image from a small
section of the water below the boat. (This is used with the
Zoom display, which we will describe in a moment.) When
the auto zoom feature is on, the FishFinder automatically
moves the zoom window up or down to track the bottom.
Fish symbol on
When the FishFinder sees a fish, it can show this by
displaying a fish symbol. When the fish symbol feature is
turned off, the FishFinder indicates a fish as an arch-
shaped line on the display. For more information, see the
section on “Fish Indications.”
Boat symbol This symbol is always turned on. It indicates that the new
information appears at the right edge of the display, and the
older information moves toward the left.

Center of display
Water surface This symbol (“0”) shows the depth indicated by the top of
the display. Usually, this is the level of the surface of the
water. (If the Zoom feature is turned on, this will show the
depth of the top of the zoom area.) The depth is shown
using the same units as the rest of the display. This could
be feet (FT), fathoms (FA), or meters (M), depending on the
setting you make in the System Setup display.
Depth markers
These markers show depths between the surface and the
full depth range. In this example, the unit is set for a depth
range of 100 feet. This means that each of the depth
markers shows an interval of 20 feet.
Fish symbol This indicates that the FishFinder sees a fish. Generally,
the larger the fish symbol appears, the larger the fish. (The
size of the fish symbol actually depends on a number of
factors. See the section on “Fish Indications.”)

30 Operating Instructions
 If the fish is detected using the narrow 200 kHz beam, the
display will show a filled-in symbol. If the fish is detected by
the wide 50 kHz beam, the display will use a hollow symbol.
(For more on this, see “Choosing the Frequency.”)
Fish depth This indicates the depth of the fish shown by the fish
symbol. This number will be shown using the same depth
units (feet, fathoms, or meters) you have selected on the
System Setup display. The fish depth indicator is turned off
when the fish symbol function is off.

Bottom of display
Bottom indication
This shows the bottom of the lake or sea. You can com-
pare this to the range depth shown in the lower right-hand
corner. (In this example, the checkered pattern shows the
unit is getting a strong echo return from the bottom. See
the information on the White Line feature in the Setup
Instructions.)
Range The “range” is the maximum depth the unit is set to
measure. In this example, this is 100 feet. You can set the
range manually, or the FishFinder can do it automatically.
Bottom depth This is the depth of the bottom shown on the display. You
can select FT (feet), FA (fathoms), or M (meters) using the
System Setup display. If the FishFinder can’t tell how deep
the water is, the last known depth flashes on the display.
This will continue until the unit can see the bottom again.
Buzzer symbol
This symbol shows whether any of the alarms will use the
buzzer. There are three kinds of alarms: shallow, deep, and
fish. If one of these alarms is set, it will always present a
flashing symbol on the display. The Buzzer symbol shows
whether the alarms will also use the buzzer.
If the Buzzer setting in the System Setup display is on
(indicating that the buzzer is enabled for all of the alarms),
this symbol will appear filled.

Operating Instructions 31
 If the Buzzer setting is off (indicating that the buzzer is
disabled for all of the alarms), this symbol will be open.
Shallow alarm set
You can set an alarm to go off if the boat moves into water
which is shallower than a certain depth. If you set this type
of alarm, the “S” indicator will appear on the display. If the
alarm is triggered, the “S” symbol will flash. If the buzzer
has been turned on (in the System Setup display), the
buzzer will also sound. To stop the buzzer, press the CLEAR
button. The “S” symbol will continue to flash until you move
into deeper water.
Deep alarm set
You can set a different alarm to go off if the boat moves into
water which is deeper than a certain depth. When this
alarm is set, the “D” symbol will appear. If the alarm is
triggered, the “D” symbol will flash. If the buzzer has been
turned on (in the System Setup display), the buzzer will
also sound. To stop the buzzer, press the CLEAR button. The
“D” symbol will continue to flash until you move into
shallower water.
Fish alarm set
The FishFinder also has an alarm which will sound when-
ever it detects a fish. When this alarm is set, the fish
symbol appears at the bottom of the display. If the alarm is
triggered and the buzzer has been turned on (in the System
Setup display), the buzzer will sound for a moment.
Before we explain the other pages, there are some general things you
should know about the operation of the FishFinder.

Choosing a Frequency
We said that the FishFinder uses sound waves to “see” through the water
under the boat. The “frequency” is a measure of how fast the sound
waves change or “vibrate.” The FishFinder uses sound waves with two
different frequencies – 50 kHz and 200 kHz. Raymarine uses these two
frequencies because each is better for a particular purpose.

32 Operating Instructions
50 kHz frequency
• Scans a wide area
• Penetrates water well, good for deep water
200 kHz frequency
• Scans a narrower area, but produces a more detailed view
• Good for seeing fish near the bottom or fish close together
• Better for use in very shallow water
“Dual” frequency (both 50 kHz and 200 kHz at once)
• Has the advantages of both frequencies
• Good depth penetration
• Good detail in display
• Using the “Dual 50 kHz” setting, the display is produced using the
signal from the 50 kHz beam, with additional information from the 200
kHz beam.
• Using the “Dual 200 kHz” setting, the display is produced using the
signal from the 200 kHz beam, with additional information from the 50
kHz beam.
If you are using one of the dual frequency settings, you can get some
useful information from the fish symbols. If the fish is spotted by the
narrow 200 kHz beam, the fish symbol will be black or filled-in. If a fish is
detected by the wide 50 kHz beam, the symbol will be hollow.

Fish Indications
Even using advanced sonar technology, it is sometimes hard to detect a
fish in the water. The body of a fish is just a little more dense than the
surrounding water. There is really nothing very solid for the sound waves
to bounce off of. The FishFinder L265 is very good at telling the difference
between a fish and the surrounding water. In fact, Raymarine is the leader
in this technology.
When the FishFinder finds a fish, it can be indicated by a fish symbol on
the display. In general, a larger symbol means a larger fish. This rule is
not always true, though. Let’s say that there are two fish of the same size:
one is close to the surface, and the other is near the bottom. The fish
which is close to the surface will have a larger symbol. This is because
the fish which is closer returns more of the sound waves back to the
FishFinder.

Operating Instructions 33
Actually, the sound waves are usually reflected by the air sac near the
center of the fish, and not by the body of the fish. The size of this air sac
is different for different kinds of fish. This can also affect the size of the
fish symbols on the display. A fish with a large air sac will produce a large
fish symbol, while a fish with a small sac will produce a small symbol.
The symbol also indicates which of the two frequencies was used to locate
the fish. If the fish was spotted by the wide 50 kHz beam, the symbol will
appear to be hollow. If the fish was detected by the narrow 200 kHz
beam, the symbol will be solid.
If the fish symbol feature is turned off, the FishFinder indicates fish in a
different way. See Fig. 3-5. An arch-shaped mark on the display usually
indicates a fish. Again, a larger arch usually indicates a larger fish.
Several arches together show a school of fish.
The return from a fish will have a different appearance, depending on the
frequency used. If a fish is spotted by the wide 50 kHZ beam, the arch will

An arch-shaped image indicates a fish.

The same fish appears differently

50 kHz when shown by the 50 kHz or 200 kHz
transducer beams.
200 kHz

This indicates a group of small fish.

This shows a fish detected in

sidelooker mode.

A shallow arch or horizontal line is

generated when the boat is moving
slowly or stopped.
When the boat is moving very fast, Fig. 3-5
a fish appears as a single vertical line.
Fish
Indications

34 Operating Instructions
be broad. When using the narrower 200 kHz beam, the same fish will
produce a narrower arch.
The shape of the arch is also affected by the speed of the boat. If you are
moving slowly, the arches tend to be longer. If the boat is moving more
quickly, the arches are short and peaked. If the boat is moving very fast, a
fish may be indicated by a single vertical line.

Bottom Indications
The bottom usually produces a strong echo, so it is easy for the
FishFinder to see a lot of detail. The FishFinder can indicate many
different kinds of bottom conditions. See Fig. 3-6. A hard bottom appears
as a thin line. A softer bottom or a bottom covered with seaweed will
produce a wide line, as the sound waves reflect from different layers of the
bottom. An uneven bottom which is covered with rocks or coral produces
a complex display like that shown in the last part of the Figure. The
bottom image is irregular, with long “tails” pointing upward. A wreck
produces a similar image.
When the White Line feature is turned on, the unit can display even more
information about the bottom. In Fig. 3-4, the FishFinder is getting a good

Hard
(Sand)

Soft Rocks
(Mud)

Fig. 3-6
Bottom
Conditions

Operating Instructions 35
echo from the bottom, so the upper layer of the bottom is shown in a
checkerboard pattern.
Notice that the lower layer of the bottom is shown as a solid display. This
indicates a weaker echo. Sometimes this means that the upper layer of
the bottom is soft. Some of the sound waves may reach through this
layer, and may be reflected by a more solid layer below. It is also possible
that the sound waves are making two complete trips - hitting the bottom,
bouncing off of the bottom of the boat, then reflecting off the bottom again.
This can happen if the water is shallow, the bottom is hard, or the sensitiv-
ity is set to a high value.

Performance Modes
This unit has two “performance” modes which can be used to add to
the standard FishFinder Page. These are the Zoom and the A-Scope
Modes. Each presents the raw information from the transducers in a
special way. To display one of these modes, press the Page key on
the unit. See Fig. 3-3.

36 Operating Instructions
Zoom Page
Press

Zoom display Normal

(magnified) display

Top of zoom
area

Line indicates
zoom area

Bottom of
Zoom zoom area
magnification
Fig. 3-7
Zoom Page

The Zoom page gives you a way of enlarging or magnifying a part of the
display area. See Fig. 3-7. (The “zoomed” display is actually larger only
in the vertical direction.) The right side of the display shows the same
information as the FishFinder page. The left side shows the magnified
view. In each case, the new information appears at the right edge of the
display, and moves to the left.
Many of the items on the Zoom page are the same as those on the
FishFinder page. There are a few new items.

Operating Instructions 37
Zoom magnification
This indicates the amount of “zoom” or magnification. You
always set the amount of zoom manually, using one of the
functions on the Setup display. You can choose an x2 view
(double the normal display size), x4, x6 or x8 in the series
of setup screens. See Section 4. You must also select the
area or “window” of the water you want to zoom. See the
next item.
Zoom area When you turn on the zoom feature, it can only enlarge a
part of the FishFinder display. You must decide which part
you want to enlarge. As we said, the right side of the
display shows the normal FishFinder display. The vertical
line at the right edge of this display shows the area or
“window” of the water being enlarged.
When the FishFinder is set for auto zoom, it will choose the
zoom area automatically. The unit always chooses an area
of the water which includes the bottom. The unit then
moves this area up or down to keep the bottom in the
picture. The auto zoom feature is great for bottom fishing.
You may also set the zoom area manually. In the series of
setup screens, select manual zoom. (See Section 4.)
Once you are back to the zoom display, you can move the
<
<

zoom area up or down (using the and arrows on the

Page control pad) to enlarge any selected “window.”
To move to the next display, press the > arrow on the Page control pad.

38 Operating Instructions
A-Scope (Bottom Coverage) Page
Press

Normal A-Scope
display display

A-Scope image
(real time image)

Fish
indication

Bottom
coverage
Fig. 3-8
A-Scope
Page

On the FishFinder display the bottom graph is “drawn” after the FishFinder
receives several echoes. This has the effect of showing a record of the
bottom contour. The A-scope displays raw sonar data directly from the
transducer beam. This gives you a “real time” image of fish and bottom
structure directly below the transducer. This function is very useful in
showing the strength of the echo returned from a fish. Stronger fish
echoes on the A-scope display will appear wider; weaker echoes appear
as narrow bands closer to the horizontal center of the A-scope image.

Operating Instructions 39
The left section of the A-Scope display shows a section of the normal
FishFinder display. All of the features are the same. The right section
shows the A-Scope image.
A-Scope image
This shows the beam of sound waves extending down from
the boat, and spreading as it moves through the water. Any
fish or objects which are positioned under the boat will
appear on the display. This is a “real time” display, so you
can see the fish symbols moving as the fish swim under the
boat.
Bottom coverage
This shows the diameter of the beam of sound waves
where it meets the bottom. This dimension will be shown
using the same units as the rest of the display – feet (FT),
fathoms (FA), or meters (M). If the unit is set at 200kHz
single frequency, the bottom coverage display will reflect
the narrow (16°) beam of the 200kHz frequency setting. All
other frequency selections (200kHz dual, 50kHz dual, and
50kHz single) use the wider (65°) beam for the bottom
coverage display.
To move to the next page, press the > arrow on the Page control pad.

40 Operating Instructions
Digital Page
Press

Depth

Fig. 3-9
Alarms Digital
Page

The Digital page presents the depth in large numbers on the display. See
Fig. 3-9. This display is useful when you are traveling, but not looking for
fish or checking the appearance of the bottom.
Depth The Digital display reports the depth of the bottom.
Alarms Notice that the alarm indications still appear at the bottom
of the display.
To move to the next display, press the > arrow on the Page control pad.

Operating Instructions 41
Sidelooker Page
Press

This feature will only work if an optional Sidelooker transducer has

been installed, and if the Sidelooker feature has been turned on in the
System Setup Menu. The Sidelooker feature is very helpful for certain
kinds of fishing. It allows you to check for underwater structure along
the sides of a stream or river, under the edge of a bank or pier, or into
stumps or weed beds.

Transducer mounted
on trolling motor

Rock

31° beam
Fish
Boat

Fish Rock

Sidelooker
Fig. 3-10
transducer 11° beam aimed
Sidelooker
down at 4° angle Feature
The optional Sidelooker transducer transmits two acoustic beams—one to
the port side of the boat, and one to the starboard. These are displayed
on the left and right halves of the Sidelooker Page. See Fig. 3-10.
Once the Sidelooker feature has been turned on, you can reach the
Sidelooker page easily. Press the < or > buttons on the Page Control
Pad until the Sidelooker Page appears. The unit will present a display
similar to Fig. 3-11.

42 Operating Instructions
 Boat symbol

Side range

Fish echo mark

Bottom/shore
indication

Centerline

Speed
Log/distance
Water temperature

Depth below boat

Fig. 3-11
Sidelooker
Page

The Sidelooker Page, like the FishFinder Page, displays a graph or chart.
The scrolling vertical dashed line represents the centerline of the boat. As
new Sidelooker echoes are received, the new information appears at the
top of the display, and older information moves towards the bottom. There
is no relationship between the chart speed of the FishFinder and the
speed of the boat. (The speed at which the display moves is set by the
entry for “chart speed” in the Setup Menu.)
When the Fish Symbol feature is turned off, any fish detected will appear
as vertical marks. These may be slightly arched towards the center of the
display. The unit can also be set to display fish symbols, but the normal
fish marks are usually more helpful. The Sidelooker transducer transmits
at the 200 kHz frequency. If the unit spots any fish while the Fish Symbol

Operating Instructions 43
feature is on, they will be indicated by solid fish symbols. (You can turn the
Fish Symbol feature on or off from the System Setup Menu. See Section 4.)
Underwater objects such as submerged tree stumps or rocks can also be
detected by the Sidelooker transducer. These objects usually appear as
thicker vertical targets. The Sidelooker sounding beam is transmitted very
close to the surface of the water. In rough or choppy water this turbulence
may appear on the Sidelooker display as “noise” or “clutter.” The Side-
looker will also display noise or clutter when your boat travels at high
speeds or in very shallow water. For best results, use the Sidelooker at
idle or slow trolling speeds.
Here are the special items on this display:
Boat symbol This is pointing forward on the screen to indicate that, on
the Sidelooker Page, the view is from above, as seen from
a bird’s-eye. The boat symbol appears at the top center of
the Sidelooker View.
Dashed
vertical line The scrolling vertical line is drawn under, or behind, the
boat symbol to indicate the division between the information
produced by the left and the right sidelooker transducer
elements.
Side range This is the maximum distance the unit will be able to see
using the current range setting. Remember that the sound
waves move out at a shallow angle, so this distance is
measured sideways. See Fig. 3-10. The units used here
are chosen using the entry for Depth Units in the System
Setup Menu. If you have selected feet (FT) or fathoms
(FA), the distance shown here will be measured in feet. If
you have selected meters (M), the distance shown here will
be in meters.
Fish echo mark
A line or arch-shaped mark shows that the unit has detected
a fish. In general, a larger mark indicates a larger fish. If the
fish symbols are turned on, the unit will indicate fish using
symbols instead. A number beside each symbol shows the
distance from the boat to the fish. Remember that this
distance is measured sideways. See Fig. 3-10.

44 Operating Instructions
 The units used here are chosen using the entry for Depth
Units in the System Setup Menu. If you have selected feet
(FT) or fathoms (FA), the distance shown here will be
measured in feet. If you have selected meters (M), the
distance shown here will be in meters.
Bottom/Shore
Indication This indicates the area where the transducer beam is start-
ing to see the bottom, shore, or some other object. Again,
remember that the beam is looking sideways, so this could
really represent the bank of a stream or structure under a
dock or pier.
Depth This is the depth directly below the boat. Even when the
Sidelooker feature is turned on, the downward-looking
transducer is still used to measure the depth.
The Sidelooker feature has settings for Range and Sensitivity which are
separate from the Range and Sensitivity settings used for the standard
FishFinder Page. See Section 4 for details.

Operating Instructions 45
4 – Setup Instructions
Press

The Setup Menu

Press the Setup button to enter the Setup Menu. To move from one

<
<
display to another, press the and arrows on the Page control pad. To
return to the normal display, press CLEAR . See Fig. 4-1. This means that
you can reach these displays quickly, make a change, then return to the
normal display quickly.

Fig. 4-1
Moving
Through
the Setup
Menu

46 Setup Instructions
Range Setting

Fig. 4-2
Range
Settings

If you press SETUP once, the first menu item allows you to set the range.
See Fig. 4-2. The range sets the maximum depth the unit will be able to
see. Use the < and > arrows on the Page control pad to select Auto or
Manual range. (If you press SETUP while you are looking at the Sidelooker
display, the unit will allow you to set the range for the Sidelooker feature.
See the end of this section.)
Auto range The FishFinder can be set to select the range by itself,
automatically. The unit chooses the shallowest range which
will still include the bottom in the display. If the bottom rises
or falls, the FishFinder will adjust the range to keep the
bottom in the display.
Manual range You can also set the range yourself. (However, if the
bottom rises or falls, the FishFinder will not adjust for this.)
As soon as you select Manual, the cursor will jump down a
line so you can choose the range you want. Use the < and
> arrows on the Page control pad to make a selection.
Here are the choices:
Possible Range Settings (Auto or Manual)
In feet: 5, 10, 20, 30, 50, 80, 100, 150, 250, 400, 600, 1000, 1500, 2000
In fathoms: 2, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 50, 80, 100, 150, 200, 350
In meters: 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 50, 80, 120, 200, 300, 500, 650
If you are done with your setup changes, press the CLEAR button to go back
<

to the normal display. To select the next menu item, press the arrow on
the Page control pad.

Setup Instructions 47
Sensitivity Setting

Fig. 4-3
Sensitivity
Setting

The sensitivity adjusts the ability of the unit to tell the differences between
echoes of different strengths. In general, the sensitivity should be as high
as possible, to detect the fish and show the detail on the bottom. How-
ever, if the sensitivity is too high, the unit will begin to see bubbles in the
water, debris, and other “background noise.” Use a higher sensitivity
setting for deeper water, and a lower setting for shallower water.
If you adjust the sensitivity while you are looking at the Sidelooker display,
this will affect the sensitivity for the Sidelooker feature only.
<

From the menu item for the range setting, press the arrow on the Page
control pad. The next menu item will allow you to set the sensitivity. See
Fig. 4-3. Use the < and > arrows on the Page control pad to select Auto or
Manual sensitivity.
Auto sensitivity
The FishFinder can be set to select the sensitivity by itself,
automatically. The unit chooses the sensitivity setting
which will detect fish, but will also show a minimum of
background noise. If the amount of background noise
changes (due to changing depth or water conditions), the
FishFinder will change the sensitivity to adjust. (You can
adjust the sensitivity of the unit while it is using Auto
sensitivity. Once Auto sensitivity is selected, use
<

the arrow on the Page control pad to go to the next line,

then use the < and > arrows on the Page control pad to
fine-tune the setting. When the FishFinder is turned off,
then on again, the Auto sensitivity setting will return to the
normal or default setting.)

48 Setup Instructions
Manual sensitivity
You can also set the sensitivity manually. If the amount of
background noise changes, the FishFinder will not adjust

<
for this. If you choose Manual sensitivity, press the arrow
on the Page control pad to go to the next line. Use the < and
> arrows on the Page control pad to move the dark bar on
the display. Making the bar longer increases the sensitivity.
If you are done with your setup changes, press the CLEAR button to go back

<
to the normal display. To select the next menu item, press the arrow on
the Page control pad.

Chart Speed Setting

Most of the displays on the FishFinder show a record of the signals the
unit has received. The new information appears at the right (or top) edge
of the display. The older information moves toward the left (or bottom) of
the display. The chart speed adjustment sets the speed at which the
display moves. (Notice that the scrolling speed of the display is not
related to the speed of the boat over the bottom. The speed of the display
is controlled only by the chart speed setting.)
Figure 4-4 shows how the chart speed setting affects the display. In both
cases, the unit is showing the same section of the bottom. Using a faster
chart speed, the display has more space on the display to show this
section, so it can include more detail. Using a slower chart speed, this

Section of bottom shown

at higher chart speed -

Display shows
more detail
Same section shown at
slower chart speed -

Fig. 4-4
Display shows Changing the
longer "history" Chart Speed
Setting

Setup Instructions 49
same information is displayed in a smaller horizontal space.
A faster chart speed setting shows more detail on the bottom. You will
probably want to use a faster setting when you are looking for fish.
A slower chart speed setting shows a longer record of the bottom you
pass over. Any fish detected will stay on the display longer.

<
From the display for the sensitivity setting, press the arrow on the Page
control pad. The next menu item will allow you to set the chart speed.
See Fig. 4-5.
Chart speed This adjusts the speed at which the information moves
across the display. Use the < and > arrows on the Page
control pad to change the chart speed. Making the bar
longer increases the chart speed. If you move the bar all of
the way to the left, the FishFinder will “freeze” and hold the
current display. (The depth indicator will continue to
update.)
If you are done with your setup changes, press the CLEAR button to go back

<
to the normal display. To select the next menu item, press the arrow on
the Page control pad.

Fig. 4-5
Chart Speed
Setting

Zoom Setting
The “Zoom” feature allows you to enlarge or magnify a section of the
normal display. This lets you see a “window” of the echo sounder view in
detail. The Zoom window may be set for four different levels of magnifica-
tion. You can choose settings for x2, x4, x6 or x8 magnification.

50 Setup Instructions
 Fig. 4-6
Zoom Settings

Zoom
magnification Press the > arrow on the Page control pad to select x2, x4,
x6, or x8 Zoom magnification. At this point you may press
CLR to return to the normal display or you may press
<

the arrow on the Page control pad to select Auto or

Manual Zoom.
Auto zoom Once you have set the zoom magnification, you may select
either auto or manual zoom control. Select auto zoom, and
the FishFinder will automatically control the position of the
Zoom window. The auto zoom control constantly tracks the
bottom contour, and adjusts the position of the Zoom
window accordingly with changes in depth. This feature is
particularly useful when fishing for species of fish which
stay close to the bottom. Use the < and > arrows on the
<
Page control pad to select auto zoom. Press the arrow
on the Page control pad to leave this display, and store the
auto zoom setting.
Manual zoom If you select manual zoom, you can choose the position of
the zoom area yourself. Use the < and > arrows on the
Page control pad to select manual zoom.
Once you make this choice, you can set the zoom area
yourself. You do this after you exit the Zoom Settings
display, and you are looking at the Zoom display itself. You
can manually move the Zoom area up or down by pressing
<
<

the and arrows on the Page control page. The

location of the zoom area is shown by the dark vertical line
at the very right-hand edge of the display.

Setup Instructions 51
If you are done with your setup changes, press the CLEAR button to go back

<
to the normal display. To select the next menu item, press the arrow on
the Page control pad.

Frequency Setting
“Frequency” is a measure of how fast the sound waves change or
“vibrate.” This unit uses sound waves with two different frequencies – 50
kHz and 200 kHz. For an explanation on the uses of these two frequen-
cies, see the section on “Choosing a Frequency.”

<
From the area of the display for the zoom settings, press the arrow on
the Page control pad. The next menu item will allow you to make the
frequency setting. See Fig. 4-7.

Fig. 4-7
Frequency
Setting

Frequency Use the < and > arrows on the Page control pad to make
your choice.
You have four choices here:
• 200 kHz, single frequency – The unit will use the narrow 200 kHz
beam. The fish symbols will be solid.
• 50 kHz, single frequency – The unit will use the wider 50 kHz beam.
The fish symbols will be hollow.
• 200 kHz, dual frequency – The unit will use both frequencies, but the
image on the display will be generated using the information from the
narrow 200 kHz beam.
• 50 kHz dual frequency – The unit will use both frequencies, but the
image on the display will be generated using the information from the
wider 50 kHz beam.

52 Setup Instructions
If you are using one of the dual frequency choices, some of the fish may
be revealed by one beam, but not the other. If a fish is detected by the
narrow 200 kHz beam, the symbol for that fish will appear solid. Any fish
which are detected by the wider 50 kHz beam will have fish symbols
which are hollow.
If you are done with your setup changes, press the CLEAR button to go back

<
to the normal display. To select the next menu item, press the arrow on
the control pad.

System Setup Display

Fig. 4-8
Reaching the
System Setup
Display

You can reach the System Setup display at any time by pressing the
Setup button twice. This means that you can reach this display, make a
change, then return to the normal display quickly. See Fig. 4-8. Figure
4-9 shows the items in this display.
<
<

To change one of the items, use the and arrows on the Page control
pad to move up or down in the display. This will highlight an area on the
display where the unit is ready to make a change. (This is like the “cursor”
on a computer.)

Setup Instructions 53
 Fig. 4-9
System Setup
Display

Once you have moved to the correct line, press the < or > arrows on the
Page control pad to change the entry. When you leave the display, the
unit will store any changes you have made.
Simulator This unit has a built-in simulator. When the simulator is
enabled, it presents a realistic display. You can use this
display to learn about the features of the unit without
operating your boat. The information on this display is
generated by the unit itself, and does not come from a
transducer. When this mode is turned on, you will see the
word “Simulation” flashing on the display.
Fish symbol When the unit detects a fish, it can show this using a fish
symbol. A number above the symbol shows the depth of the
fish. The size of the symbol is related to the size of the fish.
In general, the larger the symbol, the larger the fish. (For
more information, see the section on “Fish Indications.”)
When the fish symbol is turned off, the unit indicates a fish
by showing an arch-shaped line. See Fig. 3-5. This kind of
display does not include the depth readings for the fish.
White line This feature controls the way the unit displays strong and
weak echoes. When the white line feature is turned off, all

54 Setup Instructions
 of the echoes are displayed in black. When the feature is
turned on, strong echoes are displayed using a crosshatch
(or “checkerboard”) pattern. A weaker return is shown
using a solid area of black or gray.
This feature helps to show the difference between the
strong echo from the bottom and the weaker echoes from
fish or weeds near the bottom.
Sidelooker This item is used with the optional “Sidelooker” transducer.
This type of transducer sends sound waves out to the sides
of the boat. See Fig. 3-10. If you have installed this
transducer, use this line of the display to turn on the
Sidelooker mode.
Shallow Alarm You can set an alarm to trigger whenever the boat moves into

<
water which is shallower than a limit you set. Use the and
<

controls to move to the line for Shallow Alarm and use the
> arrow on the Page control pad to turn this item on. Once
you do this, the display will ask which depth you want to use
as a limit. Use the < and > controls to set the limit you want.
To turn this feature off, press the < control until the display
indicates zero feet, fathoms or meters.
When the shallow alarm is set, the letter “S” will appear in
the lower left-hand corner of the normal displays. If you
move into shallow water and trigger the alarm, the letter “S”
will begin to flash, and the buzzer will sound. Press the
CLEAR button to silence the buzzer. The letter “S” will

continue to flash until you move into deeper water.

Deep Alarm An alarm can be set to trigger whenever the boat moves
<

into water which is deeper than a preset limit. Use the

<

and controls to move to the line for Deep Alarm and use
the > control to turn this item on. Once you do this, the
display will ask which depth you want to use as a limit. Use
the < and > controls to set the limit you want. To turn this
feature off, press the < control until the display indicates
zero feet, fathoms or meters.
When the deep alarm is set, the letter “D” will appear in the
lower left-hand corner of the normal displays. If you move

Setup Instructions 55
 into deep water and trigger the alarm, the letter “D” will
begin to flash, and the buzzer will sound. Press the CLEAR
button to silence the buzzer. The letter “D” will continue to
flash until you move into shallower water.
Note: You may want to use both the Shallow Alarm and
Deep Alarm features when you are anchored. Set the limits
just a bit to either side of your anchor depth. When set this
way, the unit will trigger an alarm if the anchor drags and
the boat moves into shallower or deeper water.
Fish Alarm This unit has an alarm which will trigger when the unit
detects a fish. Use the < and > controls to turn this item on
or off. The fish alarm feature will work even if the fish
symbols are turned off.
When the fish alarm is set, the fish symbol will appear in the
lower left-hand corner of the normal displays.
Buzzer A buzzer can be set to sound when any of the alarm
conditions occurs (shallow, deep, or fish alarm). For the
shallow or deep alarms, the “S” or “D” symbol at the bottom
of the screen flashes. By pressing the CLEAR button, you can
silence the buzzer for the current alarm condition. The
“S” or “D” symbol will continue to flash as long as the alarm
condition is still present.
If the alarm condition occurs again, the buzzer will sound
again. (For example, this would happen if, after a shallow
alarm you move into deep water, then return to shallow
water.) You can silence the buzzer again by pressing the
CLEAR button.

The Buzzer entry in the System Setup display allows you to

permanently silence the buzzer for all of the alarms. Use
the < and > controls to turn this item on or off. The buzzer
symbol at the bottom of the screen will appear hollow.
Once you do this, if a shallow alarm or deep alarm occurs,
the “S” or “D” symbol will flash, but the buzzer will not
sound. You can enable the buzzer again at any time by
calling up the System Setup display, going to the line for

56 Setup Instructions
 Buzzer, and turning the item on again. The buzzer symbol
at the bottom of the screen will appear solid.
Each time you press one of the buttons on the display
panel, the buzzer will “beep.” The buzzer will continue to
do this, regardless of the setting of the Buzzer option in the
System Setup display.
Depth Units This item sets the units used by the depth display. You can
choose feet (FT), fathoms (FA), or meters (M). Use the <
and > controls to make your choice.

If you are done with your setup changes, press the CLEAR button to go back
to the normal display.

Setup Instructions for Sidelooker

Some installations include the optional Sidelooker transducer. We
described the operation of this transducer in Section 3. If your boat has
this transducer, there are some extra setup steps required.
The Sidelooker feature must be turned on using the System Setup display.
<
Press the SETUP button twice to reach this display. Press the arrow on
the Page control pad three times to reach the line labeled “Sidelook.”
Press the > arrow on the control to turn the feature on.
The System Setup display includes a line which allows you to set the
Chart Speed. This setting for Chart Speed affects the standard displays,
and also the Sidelooker display.
Once the settings on the System Setup display are correct, press the CLEAR

button to go back to the normal display.

Next, press the > arrow on the Page control pad until you see the
Sidelooker page.
The next job is to set up the range, sensitivity, and chart speed for the
Sidelooker feature. While the unit is displaying the Sidelooker page, press
the SETUP button once. The setup menu for the Sidelooker range will
appear.

Setup Instructions 57
 Fig. 4-10
Sidelooker
Range Settings

Once the Sidelooker feature is turned on, the FishFinder uses two range
settings: one for the standard displays, and a second for just the
Sidelooker feature. The menu item shown here sets the range for just the
Sidelooker. (This will not change the range setting for the other display
pages.)
The range for the Sidelooker uses the Manual setting only. Select the
range you want to use. The maximum range of the Sidelooker transducer
is 150 ft or 45 meters.
<

Press the arrow on the Page control pad to move to the next menu item.

Fig. 4-11
Sidelooker
Sensitivity Settings

This menu item allows you to set the sensitivity for the Sidelooker feature
only. (This will not change the sensitivity setting for the other display
pages.) Choose Auto or Manual sensitivity. If you choose Manual
sensitivity, use the < and > arrows on the Page control pad to adjust the
sensitivity.
At this point, you can press the CLR button to go back to the Sidelooker
display.

58 Setup Instructions
 <
If you press the arrow on the Page control pad, the unit will move to
the remaining menu items – zoom, frequency, and log reset. The zoom
and frequency settings are for the normal displays – they will not change
the Sidelooker feature. The log reset menu will operate normally.

Resetting the Unit to Factory Defaults

It is easy to reset all of the settings on the FishFinder at the same time.
When the unit is off, press the PWR and CLEAR buttons at the same time.
(Release the buttons as soon as the FishFinder begins to operate.) All of
the settings will be reset to the values listed below, and the trip log will be
reset to zero.

Default Settings
When the FishFinder is new, it uses a number of preset “default” settings.
Here is a list:
Function Default - US model Default - Europe
model
Range Auto Auto
Sensitivity Auto Auto
Chart Speed 3 (fast) 3 (fast)
Zoom Auto/x4 Auto/x4
Frequency Dual 200 kHz Dual 200 kHz
Simulator Off Off
Fish symbols On On
White line On On
Sidelooker Off Off
Depth units FT (feet) M (meters)
Shallow alarm Off Off
Fish alarm Off Off
Deep alarm Off Off
Buzzer On On

Setup Instructions 59
5 – Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Periodically check the display unit, cable, and transducer. Be sure all
components are free of corrosion and are securely mounted. Check all
cables for signs of chafing or abrasion. Be sure all of the connections to
the boat’s DC power and ground system are clean and tight.

Cleaning Instructions
Always keep the display unit clean. Use a soft, clean cloth to wipe off the
display panel. Do not use abrasive cleansers, chemical cleaners or
solvents. Use a glass cleaner or a suitable general-purpose detergent.
If you operate your boat in salt water, you will have to protect the hull with
antifouling paint. Use caution when sanding or cleaning the outside of the
hull near the transducer. Harsh cleaning solvents such as acetone may
damage the transducer.
Sea growth can collect quickly on the bottom of the transducer. This can
reduce the performance in just a few weeks. To prevent this, coat the
bottom of the transducer with a thin layer of paint. Use only a water-based
antifouling paint, or a water-based paint specifically designed for transduc-
ers. Apply it with a brush.
If your transducer becomes fouled or stops working because of sand or
sea growth, use a stiff brush to clean it. You may sand the surface with a
fine-grit wet or dry sandpaper (#320 grade or finer), but this will affect the
performance of the unit when the boat is moving at higher speeds.

Troubleshooting Suggestions
If the unit is not working correctly, there may be a simple cause. Before
you call for service help, please check these points:
The FishFinder display unit will not turn on –
1. The unit may actually be operating, but the contrast may have been
set to the “full light” or “full dark” setting. Turn on the unit by pressing
the PWR and CLEAR buttons at the same time to change all settings to
the factory defaults. See the default settings on page 59.
2. If the power wiring includes a fuse, it may be blown. Also check the
circuit breaker or main battery switch.

60 Maintenance and Troubleshooting

3. You may have reversed the power connections. Follow the DC power
lines all the way back to the battery. The red wire should connect to
the positive terminal (+) on the battery or power source, and the black
wire should connect to the negative terminal (-) (also called “ground”
or “earth”). If the polarity is not correct, reconnect the leads properly
and check again.
4. The battery or DC power source may not be producing the correct
voltage. The FishFinder needs at least 11 volts to operate. If the
voltage is lower, check for loose or corroded connections, or a
problem with the power source.

The display unit “freezes” (temporarily or permanently) –

1. Check that the display has not been stopped using the Chart Speed
setting. (If the adjustment bar is moved all of the way to the left, the
display will freeze.)
2. A source of electrical “noise” may be interfering with the unit’s
operation. Both the transducer cable and the power cable for the
FishFinder should be routed as far as possible from all other wiring on
the boat.
To locate the source of the noise, turn on the FishFinder. Next, turn
on each electrical device on the boat, but just supply power to one
device at a time. This may reveal the cause of the problem. Move
the FishFinder, the other unit, or the wiring. A movement of just a few
inches can make a big difference. If it is necessary to cross any
wires, make the crossing at a right angle.
Start the motor in neutral and increase the RPM speed. This can
reveal a problem with the wiring for the boat’s ignition, alternator, or
tachometer. It may help to use resistor-type spark plugs or spark plug
cables on the boat’s motor. You can also try a noise-suppression filter
on the alternator.
3. One of the wiring connections may be loose. All of the connections
should be clean, tight, and insulated. Soldering is the best way of
making these connections. Protect each connection with a piece of
shrink-wrap tubing.
4. The transducer cable may be damaged. Check for any point where
the wiring may be pinched or bent. Look for signs that water has
gotten into the cable. If the transducer cable is damaged, the

Maintenance and Troubleshooting 61

 transducer and cable should be replaced as a unit. Contact
Raymarine for instructions.

The display unit does not see the bottom or fish –

1. Be sure the display unit is not using the Simulation mode. (If this is
the case, the word “Simulation” will flash on the display.)
2. On a unit with the transom-mount transducer, the transducer may
have “kicked up” because it hit an obstruction. See Fig. 2-4. Move
the transducer down into the working position.
3. The unit may be set for Manual sensitivity, and be using a very low
sensitivity setting. To reset all of the values to the factory defaults, turn
on the unit by pressing the PWR and CLEAR buttons at the same time.
See the default settings on page 59.
4. The transducer may not be vertical. Be sure that the transducer is
aiming straight down, or within 10° of vertical.
5. If the transducer is an in-hull type, be sure that it is installed correctly.
The transducer should be “looking” through just one layer of fiber-
glass hull material, no more than 1" (25 mm) thick. The transducer
should be firmly attached to the hull using the correct type of adhe-
sive/sealant.
6. The face of the transducer may be covered or fouled. Use a stiff
brush to clean it. You may also sand the surface with a fine-grit wet
or dry sandpaper (#320 grade or finer), but this will affect the perfor-
mance of the unit when the boat is moving at higher speeds.
7. If the FishFinder is using the Auto Sensitivity setting, it may be
reacting to an increase in electrical “noise.” As the level of noise
increases, the sensitivity automatically adjusts, and the unit can lose
its ability to see the bottom or fish. Check for problems with the wiring
as described in the section on “Display unit freezes.”
8. The voltage from the power source may be low. This affects the
transmitting power of the FishFinder. Check the connections as
described in the section on “The display unit freezes.”

The FishFinder does not display fish arches –

1. Be sure the Fish Symbol feature is turned off. See the instructions for
the System Setup display.
2. The FishFinder will not display arches unless the boat is moving. If
the boat is stopped, fish will appear on the display as straight lines.

62 Maintenance and Troubleshooting

3. The transducer may not be aimed straight down. In order to display
complete arches, the transducer must be vertical.
4. The sensitivity setting may not be high enough. Go to the Setup
Menu, choose Manual Sensitivity, and increase the sensitivity.

The display disappears or is unreliable when the boat is moving at

high speeds –
1. Increased turbulence around the transducer may be “confusing” the
unit. Move the transducer to a location where there is less turbulence
when the boat is moving.
2. If the FishFinder is using the Auto Sensitivity setting, it may be
reacting to an increase in electrical “noise.” As the level of noise
increases, the sensitivity automatically adjusts, and the unit can lose
its ability to see the bottom or fish. Check for problems with the wiring
as described in the section on “The display unit freezes.”

The display unit shows lots of background “noise” –

1. The unit may be set to use the manual sensitivity adjustment, and the
sensitivity may be set too high. See the information on “Setup
Instructions.”
2. The transducer may be mounted incorrectly, or may be fouled. Check
the mounting as described in Section 2. Clean the transducer as
described earlier in this section.

The depth setting flashes often –

Note: Normally, this indicates that the bottom has moved out of range.
1. The transducer may not be installed correctly, or the signal may not
be reaching the display unit. Recheck the instructions in “Mounting
the Transducer” in Section 2. Check the transducer cable for signs of
damage. If the cable is damaged, the transducer and cable should be
replaced as a unit.
2. The voltage reaching the unit may be low, and this may be affecting
the transmitting power. Check for problems with the wiring as
described in the section on “The display unit freezes.”

Maintenance and Troubleshooting 63

How to Contact Raymarine

For marine product and services information

Visit the Raymarine World Wide Web site for the latest information on the
newest Raymarine electronic equipment and systems:
[Link]
For accessories and parts
Many Raymarine accessory items and parts can be obtained directly
from your authorized Raymarine dealer. However, if you are in need
of an item not available from the retailer, please contact Raymarine
Customer Service at 1-800-539-5539, extension 2333 or (603) 881-
5200, extension 2333. Customer Service is available Monday through
Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time or Eastern
Daylight Savings Time.
If placing an order, please have the Raymarine item or part number
ready when calling. (See the Optional Accessory List on page 2 in this
manual.) If you are not sure which item is appropriate for your unit,
you should first contact the Technical Support Department at 1-800-
539-5539, extension 2444 to verify your requirements.

For technical support

Please call 1-800-539-5539, extension 2444 or (603) 881-5200, extension
2444. The Raymarine Fax number is 1-603-634-4756.
Our Technical Support Specialists are available to answer questions about
installing, operating, and troubleshooting all Raymarine products. Ques-
tions may be addressed directly to our Technical Support Department via
the Internet at:
techsupport@[Link]

For product repair service

In the unlikely event your Raymarine unit should develop a problem, please
contact your authorized Raymarine dealer for assistance. The dealer is
best equipped to handle your service requirements, and can offer timesav-
ing help in getting the equipment back into normal operation.

64 Maintenance and Troubleshooting

In the event that repairs cannot be obtained conveniently, product service
may also be obtained by returning the unit to Raymarine’s Product Repair
Center using the prepaid UPS shipping tag supplied with the unit. Return
the unit to:
Raymarine Product Repair Center
22 Cotton Road, Unit D
Nashua, NH 03063-4219 USA

The Product Repair Center is open Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to
5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time or Eastern Daylight Savings Time. All
products returned to the Repair Center are registered when they arrive. A
confirmation letter will be sent to you acknowledging the repair status and
listing the product’s reference number. Should you wish to inquire about
the repair status of your unit, contact the Product Repair Center at 1-800-
539-5539, extension 2118. Please have the product reference number or
unit serial number ready when you call. We will do everything possible to
repair the unit and return it to you as quickly as possible.

Raymarine in Europe
In Europe, support, service, and accessories are available from
Raymarine Limited:
Raymarine Limited
Anchorage Park, Portsmouth
PO3 5TD England
Tel: +44 (0) 23 9269 3611
Fax: +44 (0) 23 9269 4642
Technical support is available via the Internet. Questions may be sent
directly to this address:
techsupport@[Link]

Maintenance and Troubleshooting 65

Prepaid Return Service
The return label included with your Raymarine unit provides free ground
shipping to our Product Repair Center for all warranty repairs. This
service is available only to customers within the continental United States.
To return your Raymarine unit for warranty repair, please follow these
steps:
1. Fill out the service information card completely.
2. Pack your FishFinder and the service information card in a suitable
shipping container. It is best to use the original carton, if it is avail-
able.
3. Fill in your name, address and zip code.
4. Attach the label to the outside of the shipping carton. Be sure to
retain the shipping receipt.
5. Give the package to your nearest shipping outlet, or directly to the
driver. Your Raymarine unit will be shipped directly to our Product
Repair Center.

66 Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Maintenance and Troubleshooting 67
6 – Specifications

General Information
Display panel FSTN high-contrast LCD
Panel dimensions 3.6" H (61 mm) x 2.4" W (91 mm)
No. of dots 240 x 64
LCD contrast Adjustable, with temperature compensation
Backlight LCD panel, on/off
Operating modes FishFinder mode (standard mode)
Zoom mode
A-Scope mode
Digital mode
Sidelooker mode
Keys Silicon rubber
Memory backup Non-volatile, no battery required
Power source 11.0 to 16.1 V DC
Power consumption backlight off - approx. 2.0 W
backlight on - approx. 4.5 W
Dimensions (w/o bracket) 5.3" H (134 mm) x 5.2" W (133 mm)
x 2.7" D (69 mm)
Weight 1.1 lbs (0.5 kg)
Waterproofing U.S.C.G., CFR 46
EMI resistance IEC 945

68 Specifications
FishFinder Functions
Range Auto or manual
FT (feet) 5 10 20 30 50 80
100 150 250 400 600 1000
1500 2000
FA (fathoms) 2 3 5 10 15 20
25 30 50 80 100 150
200 350
M (meters) 2 5 10 15 20 25
30 50 80 120 200 300
500 650
Zoom size x2, x4, x6, x8
Chart speed Freeze, slow, medium, fast
White line On/ Off
Alarms Shallow, deep, fish
Fish symbols 5 sizes
Output power 300 W(rms)
Frequency 50 kHz, 200 kHz or dual operation
Transducer beam angle 200kHz: 16° @ -6db
50kHz: 65° @ -6db
Depth units Feet, fathoms, meters
Numerical display 3 digits (under 2.0 ft in ideal conditions)
Sensitivity Auto or manual

Specifications 69
Connector Diagrams

DC power connector

Pin 1 Ground (-)

1 2 Pin 2 12V DC (+)

(Connectors viewed looking

toward rear of display unit.)

Transducer connector
Pin 1 Depth TX+
1 7 Pin 2 Depth TX-
8
2 6 Pin 3 L Select
9 Pin 4 Temp
3 5
4 Pin 5 R Select
Pin 6 Speed signal/voltage +
Pin 7 Shield ground
Pin 8 +12V (sidelooker)
Pin 9 L/R receive
Fig. 6-1
Connectors

70 Specifications
 Glossary of Terms
Aft: Near or toward the rear part of the boat (nautical term).
Background noise: False or meaningless echo returns produced by
bubbles, water turbulence, or debris
Bow: The front of the boat (nautical term).
Cavitation: Air bubbles in the water which affect the readings of a
transducer. These are normally caused by mounting the transducer
at an incorrect angle or location.
Chart Speed: The rate at which echoes scroll across the display.
Cursor: On a setup display, the place where the unit is ready to make a
change or enter new information. This point is highlighted. You can

<
<
move up or down the list or display using the and controls.
Deadrise angle: The slope or angle of the underside of the hull, mea-
sured in the side-to-side direction.
Default value: A value or setting which is pre-loaded into the unit at the
factory.
Fairing block: A block used when mounting a thru-hull transducer. The
fairing block shims the transducer to align it on a perfect horizontal
plane versus the rise of the hull.
Fathom: A unit of depth equal to 6 feet.
Frequency: The rate at which a sound source vibrates, or the rate at
which a sound wave changes.
Fore: Near or toward the front part of the boat (nautical term).
Keel: The center of the hull, running from the bow to the stern.
kHz: “Kilo-Hertz” – a measure of frequency (For example, 200 kHz =
200,000 oscillations per second.)
Kick-up bracket: A bracket which is installed on the transom of a boat
and holds the transducer in place. When the transducer strikes an
obstruction, it is designed to release or “kick up” out of the water to
prevent any damage.

Glossary 71
Knot: One nautical mile per hour (1.15 statute miles per hour).
LCD: “Liquid Crystal Display” - A technology used to produce flat-panel
displays.
Nautical mile: 6076 feet
Port: Left side of the boat, when facing the bow (nautical term).
PVDF: “Poly Vinylidene Fluoride” – A unique polymer plastic that has the
ability to convert sound waves into electrical impulses. PVDF is used
in the optional Sidelooker transducer for excellent detection of fish in
the horizontal direction.
Range: The depth scale for the unit. The maximum distance the unit will
be able to see at a particular range setting.
Sensitivity: The ability of a receiver to distinguish between echoes of
different strengths. In general, use a higher sensitivity setting for
deep water, and a lower setting for shallow water.
Starboard: Right side of the boat, when facing the bow (nautical term).
Statute mile: 5280 ft.
Stern: The rear of a boat (nautical term).
Thermocline: A level in the water where two areas of differing water
temperature meet. Sometimes a thermocline can reflect sonar waves
and present a false display.
Transducer: A device which sends and receives high frequency sound
waves through the water.
Transom: The rear-most part of the boat’s hull, often a flat panel.
White Line: A feature used to help display fish near the bottom. This
feature helps to show the difference between weak returns (including
fish near the bottom) and strong returns (including the bottom itself).
Zoom: A way of magnifying or enlarging part of the display to give a
better view of a section of the water.

72 Glossary
Limited Warranty Certificate
Raymarine warrants each new Light Marine/Dealer Distributor Product to be of good materials and
workmanship, and will repair or exchange any parts proven to be defective in material and
workmanship under normal use for a period of 2 years/24 months from date of sale to end user, except
as provided below.
Defects will be corrected by Raymarine or an authorized Raymarine dealer. Raymarine will, except
as provided below, accept labor cost for a period of 2 years/24 months from the date of sale to end user.
During this period, except for certain products, travel costs (auto mileage and tolls) up to 100 round
trip highway miles (160 kilometers) and travel time of 2 hours, will be assumed by Raymarine only
on products where proof of installation or commission by authorized service agents, can be shown.
Warranty Limitations
Raymarine Warranty policy does not apply to equipment which has been subjected to accident, abuse
or misuse, shipping damage, alterations, corrosion, incorrect and/or non-authorized service, or
equipment on which the serial number has been altered, mutilated or removed.
Except where Raymarine or its authorized dealer has performed the installation, it assumes no
responsibility for damage incurred during installation.
This Warranty does not cover routine system checkouts or alignment/calibration, unless required by
replacement of part(s) in the area being aligned.
A suitable proof of purchase, showing date, place, and serial number must be made available to
Raymarine or authorized service agent at the time of request for Warranty service.
Consumable items, (such as: Chart paper, lamps, fuses, batteries, styli, stylus/drive belts, radar mixer
crystals/diodes, snap-in impeller carriers, impellers, impeller bearings, and impeller shaft) are
specifically excluded from this Warranty.
Magnetrons, Cathode Ray Tubes (CRT), TFT Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD) and cold cathode
fluorescent lamps (CCFL), hailer horns, and transducers are warranted for 1 year/12 months from date
of sale. These items must be returned to a Raymarine facility.
All costs associated with transducer replacement, other than the cost of the transducer itself, are
specifically excluded from this Warranty.
Overtime premium labor portion of services outside of normal working hours is not covered by this
Warranty.
Travel cost allowance on certain products with a suggested retail price below $2500.00 is not
authorized. When/or if repairs are necessary, these products must be forwarded to a Raymarine facility
or an authorized dealer at owner’s expense will be returned via surface carrier at no cost to the owner.
Travel costs other than auto mileage, tolls and two (2) hours travel time, are specifically excluded on
all products. Travel costs which are excluded from the coverage of this Warranty include but are not
limited to: taxi, launch fees, aircraft rental, subsistence, customs, shipping and communication charges
etc. Travel costs, mileage and time, in excess to that allowed must have prior approval in writing.
TO THE EXTENT CONSISTENT WITH STATE AND FEDERAL LAW:
(1) THIS WARRANTY IS STRICTLY LIMITED TO THE TERMS INDICATED HEREIN, AND
NO OTHER WARRANTIES OR REMEDIES SHALL BE BINDING ON RAYMARINE
INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABLE OR
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
(2) Raymarine shall not be liable for any incidental, consequential or special (including punitive or
multiple) damages.
All Raymarine products sold or provided hereunder are merely aids to navigation. It is the
responsibility of the user to exercise discretion and proper navigational skill independent of any
Raymarine equipment.
Factory Service Centers
United States of America UK, Europe, Middle East, Far East
Raymarine,Inc. Raymarine Ltd
22 Cotton Road, Unit D Anchorage park, Portsmouth
Nashua, NH 03063-4219 USA PO3 5TD, England

Telephone: +1 603 881 5200 Telephone: +44 (0)23 9269 3611

Fax: +1 603 864 4756 Fax: +44 (0)23 9269 4642
[Link] [Link]

Sales & Order Services Customer Support

Telephone: +1 800 539 5539 Ext. 2333 or Telephone: +44 (0)23 9271 4713
+1 603 881 5200 Ext 2333 Fax: +44 (0)23 9266 1228

Technical Support Email: techsupport@[Link]

Telephone: +1 800 539 5539 Ext. 2444 or
+1 603 881 5200 Ext 2444
Email: techsupport@[Link]

Product Repair Center

Telephone: +1 800 539 5539 Ext. 2118

Stick barcode label here

Purchased from Purchase date

Dealer address

Installed by Installation date

Commissioned by

Commissioning date

Owner’s name

Mailing address

This portion should be completed and retained by the owner.