Squid Trawler Reaping Benefits of WASSP F3X
A squid-fishing trawler operating in the waters around the Falkland Islands is reaping the benefits having installed a WASSP F3X multibeam sonar system.
The 83 metre F/V Igueldo had an acoustic upgrade recently with the installation of a WASSP F3X – installed by one of WASSP’s Spanish dealer’s, Nautical with full support from Furuno Spain. With the F3X installed, the Igueldo began trialing the new system in the deep and often rough waters of the Falkland Islands.
It was soon apparent to the captain that even small amounts of squid were being clearly seen on the sounder and recorded on the 3D Bathymetric map.
“Squid detection is simply perfect, equally as good if not better than any other echo sounder. Also, the 3D vision and the hardness of the sea bottom are very good but needs some fine tuning during the next call of Igueldo to Vigo, our home port,” says F/V Igueldo Captain, Miguel Pouseu.
As with many other Captains, WASSP technical engineers will work with Capatain Pouseu to fine tune the system to suit his specific needs.
“In my personal opinion the F3X represents a real leap forward in WASSP technology. The WASSP team should be very happy and I fully recommend the F3X.”
The latest model in the F3 range, designed exclusively for the commercial fishing industry, the F3X incorporates a number of significant improvements by WASSP’s design engineers.
It offers significantly more power - over 12 times more than previous F3 models - along with a long pulse time that equates to more energy in the water. In addition to more clarity in shallow and medium depths, the F3X with its 80kHz transducer can operate at depths of 1000m with mapping of the seafloor and water column targets such as fish schools shown clearly at 850m.
The F3X also comes with the patent-pending WASSP Interference Management System (IMS) including Advanced Key Pulse (AKP) installed, helping to cut down the interference generated when a number of different sounders and sonar systems are being used.