Look Ahead: How Forward Scan Sonar is Changing Boating Confidence

A forward scan sonar display showing detailed underwater depth and terrain data for safe navigation.

Anyone who’s ever eased into a tight harbor, winding river, or shallow cove knows the feeling — your traditional depth sounder shows what’s beneath your boat, but what about what’s ahead?

That’s where Forward Scan sonar steps in. It’s like adding headlights underwater — giving you a real-time look at the bottom contours and hazards in front of your bow. For powerboaters and sailors alike, it’s a big step forward in safety and peace of mind.

What Does Forward Scan Sonar Do?

Traditional transducers send sound pulses straight down and return the depth below the hull. A Forward Scan system, on the other hand, angles those pulses ahead of the vessel. This gives you a live view of what’s coming your way — rocks, ledges, sandbars, or rising bottom — before you reach it.

In practical terms, that means fewer surprises in new anchorages, smoother entries through narrow inlets, and better awareness when you’re exploring unfamiliar waters.

Why It Matters

Forward Scan sonar is especially useful for:

· Cruisers and sailors entering tight harbors or shallow anchorages

· Center consoles and sportfishers navigating reefs or channels

· Trawlers and cruisers anchoring in new locations with shifting sand or mud bottoms

· Any boater who values awareness and protection against accidental groundings

For sailors, it’s particularly helpful when approaching shoal draft areas under sail — you’ll see a live profile of the seabed ahead, not just what’s directly under your keel.

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Our Recommended Systems

At TPG Marinas, we carry top systems from:

· B&G and Simrad – Their ForwardScan™ technology gives sailors and cruisers a crisp forward profile right on your chartplotter.

· Garmin – Their Panoptix and LiveScope systems provide live, forward, and downward imaging — an excellent option for both cruising and fishing vessels.

· Ray marine – Known for their RealVision™ and ClearCruise™ technologies, offering 3D imaging and obstacle detection with chart overlays.

· Lowrance – Great for smaller boats and anglers, offering high-performance sonar at a smaller scale and lower price point.

Each system can be tailored to your vessel type and preferred electronics suite — whether you’re running a large multifunction display at the helm or a compact plotter on a center console.

When to Add it

If your boat is already hauled for winter storage or about to go on the hard, now’s the time. Installation requires through-hull mounting and careful transducer alignment, so the off-season or commissioning period is perfect for upgrades.

Our TPG Marinas service teams can help select, install, and calibrate a system that matches how you boat — from day-tripping powerboats to long-range cruisers and offshore sailboats.

Let's Have a Look!

Contact your local TPG Marinas Service Department or reach out to Bill Wiggins directly at bwiggins@tpgmarinas.com or (860) 556-2000 ext. 2555 to schedule a quick inspection or discuss your radar options.

About The Author

Bill Wiggins has been sailing for nearly fifty years and working professionally in the marine industry since the 1990s. A licensed 100 Ton Master Captain, lifelong sailor, and experienced rigger, Bill has worked with everything from coastal cruisers to high performance race boats. He currently serves as Service Operations Manager for TPG Marinas, helping owners maintain, refit, and modernize their vessels with safety and reliability in mind.

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