Forward-Looking Sonar Installation in Fort Lauderdale & South Florida
The only sonar on the market that builds a true 3D image ahead of your vessel in real time, with every single ping.
Farsounder’s Argos series scans the water ahead of your bow out to 1,000 meters (1/2 nautical mile) at speeds up to 25 knots, giving you crucial seconds to navigate safely through unfamiliar waters, coral reefs, and debris fields. Unlike a traditional depth sounder that only reads what is directly below, Farsounder paints the seafloor and detects in-water obstacles before you reach them. Our NMEA-certified technicians handle the complete installation and integration with your existing bridge systems.
See What Is Ahead, Not Just What Is Below
A standard depth sounder tells you how much water is under your keel right now. By the time it warns you of a shallow patch, you are already on top of it. Farsounder changes that by projecting a real-time 3D image of the water ahead of your bow, mapping the seafloor, suspended obstacles, and depth changes before you reach them. Whether you are threading a reef pass, running a shallow inlet, or cruising unfamiliar waters at night, Farsounder gives you the seconds that matter.
Real-Time 3D Imaging
Scans the water ahead in real time, mapping obstacles, depth changes, and seafloor features as you move, with a single ping.
Up to 1,000m Detection
Detects obstacles up to 1,000 meters (1/2 nautical mile) ahead, giving you time to adjust course before you reach them.
Integrates With Your Bridge
Displays alongside your charts, radar, and AIS targets through SonaSoft and seamless NMEA integration.
The Argos Navigation Series
Three models, one technology. Every Argos sonar generates a true 3D image ahead of your vessel in real time. We help you match the range and speed to your vessel size and the itineraries your guests demand.
Argos 350
The entry point to true 3D forward-looking sonar. Ideal for smaller yachts and vessels that cruise coastal and shallow waters.
Argos 500
The mid-range flagship. Detects objects in the water column out to 500 meters ahead for mid-sized vessels with more demanding itineraries.
Argos 1000
Maximum range at navigationally significant distances. Built for larger yachts and commercial vessels that need the most response time possible.
Bottom mapping range up to 8× water depth · Max depth detection 85 m (~278 ft) · Operating frequency 61 kHz
The Technology Behind The Picture
FarSounder’s phased array technology transmits a wide beam of sound and builds the entire 3D image from a single ping. The system is not limited by multipath interference, roll and pitch, surface effects, or ship motion, so navigators can clearly distinguish the seafloor from dangerous in-water obstacles.
Phased Array, Single Ping 3D
A unique phased array transmits a wide beam of sound, generating the complete 3D image ahead with a single ping. No waiting for a scan to finish, and no limitation from roll, pitch, or ship motion.
No Moving Parts
One static transducer module builds the full 3D picture through software. No gimbals, no motors, nothing to wear out. Just a stainless steel housing and marine-grade urethane array face.
Wet-Mateable Connector
An underwater connector lets a diver install or remove the module while the vessel is afloat. Minimal maintenance keeps the system running haul-out after haul-out.
True Target Motion
Targets are displayed with real motion and multi-ping stabilization, so the bridge team sees exactly what is ahead and how it is moving, without the clutter of multipath interference.
Sonar Over Charts & Local History Mapping™
FarSounder overlays real-time forward-looking sonar data right on top of your nautical chart, so the bridge team sees a color-coded picture of the bottom ahead and where the vessel has already been, at a glance.
Sonar Over Charts
Forward-looking sonar data is painted directly onto your ENC chart, so depth and obstacles read in context with your route.
Local History Mapping™
Builds a 3D map of the seafloor where you have recently sailed. The wide field of view maps a far larger swath per pass than a standard echosounder.
Designed and Manufactured in the USA
Commercial-grade Argos sonars trusted worldwide since 2005, now installed and serviced by VMAG across South Florida.
Key Benefits of Farsounder Sonar
Real-time 3D forward-looking underwater imaging that shows what is ahead of your vessel, not just below, generated with a single ping.
Detects obstacles up to 1,000 meters (1/2 nautical mile) ahead at speeds up to 25 knots, giving you time to navigate reefs, debris, and shallow water safely.
True Target Motion with multi-ping stabilization highlights navigation hazards before they become a danger to your vessel.
Seamless integration with your existing navigation systems, charts, radar, and AIS targets through SonaSoft and NMEA connectivity.
Why Install Farsounder With Voyager Maritime Alliance Group
As an NMEA Master Dealer based in Fort Lauderdale, VMAG has spent over 30 years installing and integrating marine navigation systems on yachts and commercial vessels across South Florida. We do not just bolt on a transducer. We integrate Farsounder with your existing bridge, charts, and multifunction displays so the sonar data shows up exactly where you need it. The same crew that installs your system is the one you call later.
NMEA Master Dealer
The highest level of certification in the marine electronics industry, recognized for technical excellence.
Full Bridge Integration
We integrate Farsounder with your existing navigation systems and multifunction displays, not just the transducer.
South Florida Wide
We come to your marina or shipyard across Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties.
Farsounder Sonar Installation Across South Florida
Voyager Maritime Alliance Group installs and integrates Farsounder forward-looking sonar throughout Broward County, Miami-Dade County, and Palm Beach County. We service vessels from 30 feet to over 164 feet for private owners, charter fleets, and commercial operators, with jobs worldwide on request.
We install FarSounder forward-looking sonar in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Pompano Beach, Hollywood, Dania Beach, Hallandale Beach, Aventura, North Palm Beach, Palm Beach, and Key Largo.
Farsounder Sonar FAQ
What is forward-looking sonar and why do I need it on my yacht?
Forward-looking sonar scans the water ahead of your vessel in real time and shows obstacles, depth changes, and seafloor features before you reach them. Unlike a traditional depth sounder that only reads directly below the boat, Farsounder gives you time to react to reefs, debris, and shallow water, which is critical for safe navigation in unfamiliar waters. It fills the gap left by radar, charts, and FLIR by showing you what is under the surface ahead of your bow.
How far ahead can a Farsounder sonar see?
Farsounder offers three Argos models: the Argos 350 detects out to 350 meters, the Argos 500 out to 500 meters, and the Argos 1000 out to 1,000 meters (1/2 nautical mile). The Argos 1000 operates at speeds up to 25 knots, giving you real time to respond before you reach a hazard. Each system generates a true 3D image of the water column and seafloor ahead with every single ping.
Does Farsounder have moving parts? How is it maintained?
No. A single static transducer module is installed on the bow at least one meter below the waterline, and advanced software algorithms build the 3D image from that one array. There are no moving parts. The module uses a marine-grade urethane array face and stainless steel housing, and an underwater wet-mateable connector allows a diver to install or remove it while the vessel is afloat. Minimal maintenance keeps it working haul-out after haul-out.
What is Local History Mapping and Sonar Over Charts?
Local History Mapping (LHM) builds a 3D map of the seafloor everywhere your vessel has recently sailed. Because the sonar has a wide horizontal field-of-view, a single pass maps a much wider swath than a standard echosounder. Sonar Over Charts overlays that real-time forward-looking sonar data on top of your nautical chart, so you see a color-coded picture of the bottom ahead and behind at a glance.
Can Farsounder integrate with my existing navigation system?
Yes. Farsounder is designed to integrate with many popular bridge systems and multifunction displays, so the sonar data can appear alongside your charts, radar, and AIS/ARPA targets. It supports standard S57/S63 chart data and runs through SonaSoft processing software. Our NMEA-certified technicians handle the complete integration with your existing bridge setup.
Is Farsounder suitable for commercial vessels as well as yachts?
Absolutely. Farsounder is used on private yachts, charter vessels, commercial craft, Coast Guard vessels, and even in polar regions since 2006. The real-time obstacle detection is especially valuable for vessels operating in unfamiliar ports, shallow approaches, or debris-prone waters. It substantially reduces the probability of a collision with a submerged object.
Do you install Farsounder sonar in Miami and Palm Beach?
Yes. Voyager Maritime Alliance Group installs and integrates Farsounder forward-looking sonar across all of South Florida, including Broward County, Miami-Dade County, and Palm Beach County. We service vessels from Fort Lauderdale, Miami, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Pompano Beach, and the Keys.
Who installs forward-looking sonar on yachts in Fort Lauderdale?
Voyager Maritime Alliance Group installs and integrates FarSounder Argos forward-looking sonar on yachts in Fort Lauderdale and across South Florida. We handle the full installation and bridge integration. Call (954) 463-5910 to schedule.
Where can I get 3D sonar installed on my boat near me?
VMAG installs FarSounder forward-looking sonar across Fort Lauderdale, Miami, West Palm Beach, and the rest of Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties. We come to your vessel at the marina or shipyard. Call (954) 463-5910.
See What Is Ahead With Farsounder Sonar
Our team at Voyager Maritime Alliance Group can help you choose the right Argos model for your vessel and integrate it with your existing bridge. Get a free vessel consultation today.
