WESMAR introduced its HD850 precision searchlight sonar with electronic stabilization into the rugged Alaska Bering Sea fishery and as word of its success has spread, the system quickly began operating in fishing fleets around the world, in the U.S., Australia, China, Russia, and Greece.
Among the most unique features of the new HD850 is active stabilization, which places the gyro in the soundome, so that when the transducer scans, the gyro scans with it. Corrections are made in the exact direction the transducer is looking, keeping the sound beam on target. Operating in such violent waters, as mid winter in the Bering Sea, the ability to stay on target is critical.
Drawing upon 45 years of sonar transducer design WESMAR engineers have produced a transducer in which 100% of the surface area points in the direction of the fish, in a sharp narrow beam. Dispersed fish and hard-to-mark fish are detected clutter free. An Omni sonar, with a diffused beam, allows dispersed fish and fish near the bottom to go undetected.
“This equipment has come at a time when fishing companies around the world are asking for product help to meet the ever changing quota reductions and the growing cost of fuel, and still maintain profit levels," says Dennis Soderberg,WESMAR Vice President. “Our customers are reporting the HD850 is marking extremely well and the active stabilization consistently keeps the fish on the screen. Wasting time and fuel is wasting money, sometimes big time.
“One captain said without a system like the new WESMAR, he would have to sit out the storms in the Bering Sea, but with the HD850’s new digital link between the sonar electronics (near the transducer) and the computer console in the wheelhouse, the system operates noise-free for maximum performance even during rough weather,” he continues.
Four conventional screen modes, including an enhanced down sounder, are displayed on the primary monitor. The new trawl screen feature is displayed on a second monitor. It includes four blowups to tackle the challenge of seeing the fish close to the bottom.
The payoff to vessel owners from installation of WESMAR sonars can be quick, says the company. One WESMAR equipped vessel using a WESMAR trawl sonar reported catching $240,000 of Orange Roughy in two tows, paying for the WESMAR equipment five times over in one day!
