Hardware Guide

The right rig, not the
expensive rig.

You don't need a $10,000 permanent installation. Most teams collect Milfoil Finder-grade data on equipment that's already in their boat or a budget-friendly portable unit they can hand off between crews. Here's how to pick.

Three tiers

From portable to professional.

All three tiers produce processable data. The higher tiers give us more fidelity; the lower tiers give you more flexibility.

Tier 01 · Entry

Deeper PRO+ 2

The castable, portable sonar. Tethers via wifi to any smartphone. Perfect for small lakes, rental boats, and teams without a permanent install.

  • • Lakes up to ~80 acres
  • • ~260 ft depth capability
  • • Approx. $250–$350 hardware
  • • Runs on any smartphone
Tier 02 · Recommended

Lowrance HDS / Elite FS

The sweet spot. Most DASH teams already own one. Mid-range side-scan imaging at a price point that doesn't require enterprise buy-in.

  • • Any lake size
  • • Active Imaging HD / 3D transducer
  • • Approx. $800–$2,200 with transducer
  • • Writes native .sl2 / .sl3
Tier 03 · Professional

Simrad NSS Evo3S

Multi-transducer professional rigs for teams mapping dozens of lakes per season. CHIRP + side-scan + structure scan on one multi-display unit.

  • • Unlimited lake size
  • • Multi-beam transducer support
  • • Approx. $3,500–$6,500 installed
  • • Highest fidelity mosaics
Already own a rig?

Compatibility at a glance.

We certify most modern sonar units from 2017 onward. If yours isn't on this list, send us a sample file — we'll check for free.

BrandModel familyOutputStatus
LowranceHDS Live / HDS Pro / Elite FS.sl2, .sl3✓ Certified
SimradNSS Evo3S / NSX / Cruise.sl2, .sl3✓ Certified
DeeperPRO+ 2, CHIRP+ 2Fish Deeper app export✓ Certified
HumminbirdHelix, Solix (MEGA side-scan).son, .sl2 (via convert)◐ Limited · contact us
GarminechoMAP, GPSMAP (Panoptix).RSD (via convert)◐ Limited · contact us
Decision helper

Which tier is right for you?

Pick Tier 1 if…

  • • You manage a single small lake or pond
  • • You don't own a vessel with wiring access
  • • You want to test the service with minimal capital outlay
  • • An HOA board needs one objective scan

Pick Tier 2 if…

  • • You're a DASH team doing 5+ jobs per season
  • • You're a consultant serving multiple lakes
  • • You want professional side-scan imagery at a reasonable price
  • • You need to rescan the same water repeatedly

Pick Tier 3 if…

  • • You run a professional lake management firm
  • • You need highest-fidelity scientific data
  • • You map lakes all season across multiple regions
  • • State or federal grant work demands it