This guide will show you how to set up Boat Mode in the Fish Deeper app, securely attach your Deeper MAX for kayak, float tube, or boat fishing, and ensure accurate mapping and scanning. You’ll learn why the Flexible Arm Mount 2.0 is essential, how to avoid common pitfalls, and best practices for bathymetric mapping on the water.
Setting Up Boat Mode in the Fish Deeper App.
Boat Mode is designed for use from any vessel (kayak, float tube, or boat) and is essential for creating depth maps while you move.
- How it works? Boat Mode uses the GPS of your phone or tablet (not the sonar) for live mapping. Your phone/tablet records your vessel’s location as you scan, so keep it close to your Deeper MAX during use.
- How to enable:
1. Put Deeper MAX in the water
2. Open the Fish Deeper app.
3. Connect to your Deeper MAX.
4. In settings, select Boat Mode.
5. Start scanning - the app will create real-time depth maps as you move your vessel.
Keep your phone or tablet close to the sonar during scanning. This is essential for accurate mapping, as all position data comes from your mobile device.
Recommended Sonar Settings for Kayak/Boat Fishing.
Select Boat mode in the application. This mode uses your smartphone’s or tablet’s GPS to record your position for bathymetric mapping.
Sonar display. Select Detailed (Raw) mode for the most information on structure, bottom hardness, and real fish arches.
Beam angle selection.
- Wide beam (47°). Best for quickly scanning large areas and locating the general presence of fish. Limitation: Lower detail and accuracy. Not recommended for sizing fish or for bathymetric mapping.
- Note: Wide beam is not suited for scanning shallow water (less than 2-5 m / 7-16 ft). For shallow water, switch to Narrow beam.
- Mid (20°) or Narrow (7°) beam. Use for precise fish identification and bathymetric mapping. Mid/narrow beams show more detail and let you estimate fish size accurately, but cover a smaller area.
- Note: Narrow beams are sensitive to water disturbance - choppy conditions may cause visual artifacts.
Fish Icons. Set OFF for more accurate interpretation. For detailed guidance on interpreting sonar returns, see our online guide: How to read a CHIRP sonar fish finder.
Sensitivity. Start at 70-100%. Reduce if the water is murky or you are only targeting large fish.
Why these settings matter. Use wide beam to quickly find areas with fish or features. Switch to mid or narrow beam for detailed scanning or mapping.
Why Use a Flexible Arm Mount with Deeper MAX?
The Flexible Arm Mount 2.0 is highly recommended for stable, safe scanning from a kayak, float tube, or boat.
The mount keeps your Deeper MAX floating vertically, ensuring that it scans directly down and always remains on the water’s surface.
A stable mount also prevents flipping, submerging, or dragging, which can result in signal loss and unreliable readings.
For boat and kayak anglers, the Flexible Arm lets you scan while you move, making it possible to map large areas and get constant, accurate readings for bathymetric mapping.
Best Practices and Tips for Vessel Fishing
Mounting. Always use the Flexible Arm Mount 2.0. Attach it securely and position your Deeper MAX beside your vessel and away from sources of turbulence (like paddles or engines).
Scanning speed. Keep your vessel speed at or below 5 km/h (3.5 mph) for the most accurate readings and to avoid tilting the sonar.
Phone/tablet placement. Keep your phone or tablet as close as possible to the sonar - ideally within 2 meters (6 feet). This is critical, since Boat Mode uses your device’s GPS for mapping.
Battery and safety. Mount your phone/tablet securely. Bring a power bank if you’ll be on the water for a long time.
Mapping tips:
Move slowly and follow a steady path to build detailed maps.
Avoid sharp turns or sudden changes in direction.
Pause if you see erratic readings - this can happen due to turbulence or the sonar tilting.
Boat Mode GPS & Troubleshooting
Boat Mode uses your phone or tablet’s GPS, not the GPS in Deeper MAX. Your boat’s location will be shown live on the map, and the bathymetric map will be generated instantly as you scan.
If your phone/tablet is too far from the sonar, mapping may be inaccurate.
Troubleshooting:
Make sure your device’s GPS is enabled and set to high accuracy.
Keep your device in a clear location (not in a pocket or metal enclosure).
Keep the Fish Deeper app and your operating system updated.
If you still see issues, try restarting the app or your device.
Summary & Key Reminders
Always use the Flexible Arm Mount 2.0 for safe, stable scanning and attachment.
Select Boat Mode in the Fish Deeper app and keep your mobile device close for accurate mapping.
Vessel speed should not exceed 5 km/h (3.5 mph).