Raymarine FishFinder L265 User manual

Distributed by
Any reference to Raytheon or
RTN in this manual should be
interpreted as Raymarine.
The names Raytheon and RTN
are owned by the
Raytheon Company.

FishFinder L265
Instruction Manual
Raymarine

iv
Contents
Echo sounding – How it works (inside front cover)
FishFinder L265 – Features and functions i
For information and service ii
1Introduction 1
About the FishFinder L265 1
System Components 2
Standard Equipment 2
Standard Transducers 2
Optional Accessories 2
2Installation 4
About the Transducer 4
Selecting the Correct Type of Transducer 5
Assembling the Transducer Bracket 6
Positioning the Transom-Mount Transducer 7
Mounting the Transom-Mount Transducer 9
Mounting the Optional Sidelooker Transducer 10
Installation Notes – Thru-Hull or Low-Profile Transducer 11
Installation Notes – In-Hull Transducer 13
Installation Notes – Trolling Motor Transducer 13
Mounting the Display Unit – Standard Mount 14
Dismounting the Display Unit 15
Mounting the Display Unit – Flush Mount 15
Installing the Transducer Cable 18
Installing the Transducer Cable – Sidelooker Option 20
Making the DC Power Connections 20
3Operating Instructions 23
Controls on Display Unit 23
Turning the Power On and Off 24
Setup Memory 24
Lamp/Contrast Menu 25
Selecting Displays 24
Operating Pages 27
FishFinder Page 28
Choosing a Frequency 32
Fish Indications 33
Bottom Indications 35

v
Performance Modes 36
Zoom Page 37
A-Scope (Bottom Coverage) Page 39
Digital Page 41
Sidelooker Page 42
4Setup Instructions 46
The Setup Menu 46
Range Setting 47
Sensitivity Setting 48
Chart Speed Setting 49
Zoom Setting 50
Frequency Setting 52
System Setup Display 53
Simulator 54 Deep Alarm 55
Fish Symbol 54 Fish Alarm 56
White Line 54 Buzzer 56
Sidelooker 55 Depth Units 57
Shallow Alarm 55
Setup Instructions for Sidelooker 57
Resetting the Unit to Factory Defaults 59
Default Settings 59
5Maintenance andTroubleshooting 60
Cleaning Instructions 60
Troubleshooting Suggestions 60
How to Contact Raymarine 64
6Specifications 68
General Information 68
FishFinder Functions 69
Connector Diagrams 70
Glossary of Terms 71
Warranty 73

vi
List of Figures
Figure Page
Unit in Use Inside front cover
Front Panel i
1-1 Typical Installation 1
2-1 TransducerTypes 5
2-2 Assembling theTransducer Bracket 6
2-3 Transducer Mounted onTransom 7
2-4 Transducer Bracket, SideView 7
2-5 Correct Mounting Position 8
2-6 Mounting the Transducer 8
2-7 Installing the Sidelooker Transducer 10
2-8 Installing the SidelookerTransducer on aTrolling Motor 14
2-9 Installation on Bracket 15
2-10 Dimensions 16
2-11 Flush-Mount Installation 17
2-12 Disassembling fromBracket 17
2-13 Installing Cable onTransom 19
2-14 Cable for Sidelooker Transducer 20
2-15 DC Power Connections 21
3-1 Display Panel 23
3-2 Lamp/Contrast Menu 25
3-3 Selecting Display Pages 26
3-4 FishFinder Page 28
3-5 Fish Indications 34
3-6 Bottom Conditions 35
3-7 Zoom Page 37
3-8 A-Scope Page 39
3-9 Digital Page 41
3-10 Sidelooker Feature 42
3-11 Sidelooker Page 43
4-1 Moving Through the Setup Menu 46
4-2 Range Settings 47
4-3 Sensitivity Setting 48
4-4 Changing the Chart Speed Setting 49
4-5 Chart Speed Setting 50
4-6 Zoom Settings 51
4-7 Frequency Setting 52
4-8 Reaching the System Setup Display 53
4-9 System Setup Display 54
4-10 Sidelooker Range Settings 58
4-11 Sidelooker Sensitivity Settings 58
5-1 Sample Mailing Label 67
6-1 Connectors 70

1
1 – Introduction
About the FishFinder L265
The FishFinder L265 is a system that uses sound waves (“sonar”) to
detect fish and show the bottom of a lake or sea. The system includes a
transducer and a display unit, connected by a cable. The transducer
sends high-frequency sound waves down into the water. These sounds
strike fish, the bottom, or other objects in the water, and return as echoes.
The FishFinder then interprets these echoes and presents a display.
The FishFinder L265 can handle many different jobs:
• detect the presence of fish below the boat
• trigger an alarm when fish are found
• measure the depth of the water
• set alarms for minimum and maximum depth
• show the shape of the bottom
• determine whether the seabed is hard or soft
We are sure you will find the FishFinder L265 to be one of the most useful
devices on your boat.
Fig. 1-1
Typical Installation
Introduction
PWR
SETUP
CLEAR
FishFinder 265
Display Unit
Optional Thru Hull
Transducer
Transducer mounted
in quick release
transom bracket
PAGE
Raymarine
L265

2
Introduction
System Components
The FishFinder L265 consists of a compact display unit connected to a
transducer. The transducer is attached to the boat and extends into the
water.
Standard Equipment
When you unpack your FishFinder L265, you should find the following
standard equipment in the carton. If any items are missing, please notify
your Raymarine dealer immediately, or contact the Customer Service
Department at Raymarine at 1-800-539-5539, ext. 2333. Please provide
the serial number of the FishFinder when reporting any missing items.
Description Part No.
FishFinder L265 display unit
(including attached yoke bracket) E61006
Quick-release swivel-mount bracket
(with mounting hardware) M78945
DC power cable M99-146
Instruction manual G627295-2
10 x 3/4”ss mounting screws (qty. 4) -
Standard Transducers
Depending on which model of the L265 you have purchased, the box will
include one of the transducers listed below:
Description Part No.
Transom-mount transducer (including
mounting bracket and hardware) M78890
Low-profile thru-hull transducer (Valox plastic) M78922
Bronze thru-hull transducer M78921
Optional Accessories
Optional accessories and parts can be purchased directly from
Raymarine. For prices and ordering information, please call the Parts
Department at [phone] ext. 2333.

3
Description Part No.
Sidelooker transom-mount transducer M78930
Sidelooker transducer for trolling motor mounting.
Companion with M78928 downlooker depth
transducer, with 12 ft. (3.6 m) cable
and hardware M78929
Extension for transducer cable (15 ft, 5 m) M99-140
Extension for transducer cable,
for Sidelooker transducer (15 ft, 5 m) M99-139
Flush-mounting kit (with hardware and
mounting template) M99-137
Fairing block for M78921 thru-hull transducer
(Lexan plastic) M99-141
In-hull/trolling motor transducer (for installation in
fiberglass hull only, or mounting on trolling motor,
including hardware for either installation) M78928
Angled in-hull transducer (for installation in
fiberglass hull only, where deadrise angle is
10°to 22°) M78946
Replacement transom-mount transducer
mounting bracket kit M99-148
Soft storage/carrying case M99-114
Transducer switch box (select between two L265
FishFinder displays, using one transducer) M99-136
Introduction

4
2 – Installation
The installation process has four parts:
•Mounting the transducer
•Mounting the display unit
•Connecting the cables for the transducer and power supply
•Calibrating the display unit
About the Transducer
Several different kinds of transducers can be used with this unit. The
transom-mount style, used most often, and in-hull types are shown in Fig.
2-1. All of these transducers measure the water depth. An optional
transducer, the Sidelooker, detects objects by looking out to the sides of
the boat.
Since the transducer is very important to the operation of the FishFinder,
it is vital that the transducer be mounted correctly. The transducer will
give the most reliable readings if it looks into water which is smooth and
undisturbed. If you place the transducer so bubbles or turbulence flow
across the face of the unit, the system may give inaccurate readings.
There are three important rules when mounting any type of transducer:
•The transducer should be continuously covered by water when the
boat is moving. (If the transducer is mounted near the side of the
boat, it may be exposed when the boat is turning.)
•The transducer should be placed where turbulence or bubbles will not
pass directly over the face of the unit. Don’t place the transducer
behind any running strakes, intakes, or thru-hull fittings which create
turbulence.
•The transducer should be mounted where it will not be affected by the
wash from the propeller(s).
Selecting the Correct Type of Transducer
Before you begin the installation, double-check to be sure you have the
correct type of transducer. Each kind of transducer is designed for a
Installation

5
Installation
particular type of use. In this manual we will include detailed mounting
instructions for the transom-mount transducer. We will also include some
general information on the other types. For detailed information on these
other transducers, see the instructions which are packaged with the unit.
Use a transom-mount transducer if –
. . . your boat has an outboard or inboard-outboard engine(s), and if you’re
planning to use the Sidelooker option. This type of transducer must be
mounted ahead of or beside the propeller(s). Do not use this type of
transducer for a boat with a straight-shaft inboard engine.
Use a thru-hull transducer if –
. . . your boat has a straight-shaft inboard engine. This type of transducer
is installed in a hole drilled through the hull.
Fig. 2-1
Transducer
Types
M78922
Low profile
transducer
M78990
Transom-mount
transducer
M78921
Thru-hull
transducer
M78946
In-hull
transducer
M78930
Sidelooker
transducer
M99-141
Fairing for
thru-hull transducer
M78928
Sidelooker
transducer for
trolling motor

6
Use a low-profile transducer if –
. . .you want minimum water resistance on a high-performance boat or
sailboat.The bottom of the boat must be flat, or have a deadrise angle of no
more than 10°.
Use an in-hull transducer if –
. . .you have a high-speed boat or if, for some reason, you cannot use a
transom-mount or thru-hull transducer.The hull may be no more than 1" thick.
Use a trolling motor transducer if –
. . . you want to attach the transducer to a trolling motor. (Not recom-
mended for deep-water operations.)
Use a Sidelooker transducer –
. . . for searching for fish or structure on either side of the boat. This type
of transducer is attached to the bracket of the transom-mount transducer,
or to the shaft of the trolling motor.
Assembling the Transducer Bracket
Fit together the two parts of the transducer bracket as shown in Fig. 2-2.
When the installation is complete, the parts snap together as shown.
Fig. 2-2
Assembling
theTransducer
Bracket
Installation
Lower the transducer
and snap in the
release clip
Attach the
two parts Bracket is installed upside down
NOTTHIS!LIKETHIS!

7
Fig. 2-3
Transducer
Mounted on
Transom
Installation
Positioning the Transom-Mount Transducer
Begin by finding the best location for the mounting bracket. Here are the
rules:
•If your boat has one propeller (outboard or inboard-outboard), mount
the transducer about 18”(455 mm) to the side of the centerline of the
boat. See Fig. 2-3. Choose the side that is on the downstroke of the
propeller. (This is usually the starboard side of the boat.) This will
reduce any interference caused by air bubbles.
Transducer in
released position
10"
(254 mm)
Allow a clearance
of at least 10
inches (254 mm)
Fig. 2-4
Transducer
Bracket,
SideView

8
123
Insert screws 1 and 3
1/4" from the bottom of
slots, and screw 2
1/4" from the top of the
slot to allow room for
adjustment. Correct
alignment
If screws are inserted
this way, it won’t be
possible to make the
height adjustment.
Incorrect
alignment
Fig. 2-6
Mounting
the Transom-
Mount
Transducer
Fig. 2-5
Correct Mounting
Position
Vertical transom –
place wedge this way
Average transom angle–
no wedge necessary Sloping transom– place wedge this way
For fiberglass hull – 1/8" to 1/4" (3.2 to 6 mm)
For aluminum hull – 1/4" to 3/8" (6 to 9 mm)
Rivets on the hull are
creating bubbles.
Lower the transducer
a bit.
The bow of the transducer
is above the bottom of the
transom, creating
cavitation.
The rear of the transducer
is too high, creating
cavitation.
2 to 5 2 to 5 2 to 5
No! No! No!
Installation

9
•If the propeller can be turned to steer the boat, allow at least 2" (50 mm)
beyond the swing radius of the propeller. This will prevent the
propeller from damaging the transducer when it is turned. After
installation, check the clearance by turning the wheel so the propeller
swings toward the transducer. There should always be a 2”(50 mm)
clearance.
•If your boat has twin propellers (outboard or inboard-outboard), place
the transducer near the centerline of the boat.
•
Do not mount the transducer behind any hull fittings, intakes, or other
parts which extend from the hull. These may cause turbulence or air
bubbles.
•The bracket has a quick-release mechanism. This may reduce
damage by allowing the transducer to flip up if it hits any debris or the
bottom. See Fig. 2-4. Allow enough clearance above the transducer
so that it can swing upward completely. This is about 10" (254 mm)
measured from the bottom of the transom.
•If considering the Sidelooker option, look for a mounting location
where the Sidelooker array will not be blocked by the engine housing
or other mounted hardware.
•If the boat will be carried on a trailer, be sure the transducer will not
hit any rollers, bunks or fittings on the trailer.
Mounting the Transom-Mount Transducer
1. On a boat with a fiberglass hull, the leading edge of the transducer
should extend 1/8" (3.2 mm) to 1/4" (6 mm) below the bottom edge of
the hull. See Fig. 2-5. On an aluminum hull, the transducer should
extend a bit more –1/4" (6 mm) to 3/8" (9 mm). If the boat will be
operated at high speeds, the transducer may be mounted closer to
the centerline of the hull.
2. The lower surface of the transducer should tilt down toward the rear
at a slight angle (2°to 5°). The mounting bracket includes a wedge.
Depending on the angle of the transom on your boat, you may need
this wedge to get the correct angle for the bottom of the transducer.
3. Looking at the rear of the boat, be sure the bracket is vertical (perpen-
dicular to the water line).
4. Hold the bracket (and the wedge, if used) against the transom and
trace the positions of the screw slots.
Installation

10
Installation
5. Remove the bracket. See Fig. 2-6. The screws in the outer slots
should be placed about 1/4" (6 mm) up from the bottom of each slot.
The screw in the center slot should be placed 1/4”(6 mm) down from
the top. (This will allow you to adjust the bracket up or down a bit.)
Drill pilot holes 3/4" (19.1 mm) deep. Use a 9/64" (3.6 mm) drill bit.
To prevent drilling too deeply, wrap masking tape around the drill bit
about 7/8" (22 mm) from the tip. Drill in only as far as the tape
marker.
If you are attaching the bracket to a fiberglass hull, you can minimize
any surface cracking of the gel coat. Before drilling each pilot hole,
drill a shallow hole (chamfer) at each location about 1/16" (1.5 mm)
deep. Use a 1/4" (6 mm) drill bit.
6. Attach the bracket to the hull using the panhead screws with flat
washers. Before you tighten the screws, apply a good-quality marine
sealant to the pilot holes.This will protect the hull from water penetra-
tion.
Do not tighten the screws completely yet.
7. Move the bracket up or down so that the leading edge of the trans-
ducer has the clearance shown in Fig. 2-5.
8. Once the bracket is in the correct position, you can tighten the
screws.
Mounting the Optional Sidelooker Transducer
1. The Sidelooker transducer allows the display unit to check the water
to either side of the boat. This is helpful when you are looking for fish
or structure near river banks, or under docks or piers.
2. The M78930 Sidelooker transducer is attached to the same mounting
bracket used with the transom-mount transducer. See Fig. 2-7.
Begin by installing the transom-mount bracket as described earlier.
3. Remove the two screws and brackets covering the paddlewheel.
4. Attach the Sidelooker transducer to the top of the transom mounting
bracket. Use the four panhead screws supplied. The fit should be
snug, but do not overtighten the screws.
5. Run the Sidelooker cable beside the depth cable for the transom-
mount transducer.

11
Installation
Installation Notes – Thru-Hull Transducer or
Low-Profile Transducer
The installation process for these two types is almost the same. Detailed
instructions for this installation will be included with the transducer. In this
section, we will note just a few important points.
1. Earlier we listed three general rules for placing transducers. All of
these rules apply when you are mounting a thru-hull or low profile
transducer. Here are some other rules for selecting the best mount-
ing location:
For planing hulls –Install in the flat planing area near the stern.
Always install forward of the propeller(s) and shaft(s).
For small displacement hulls –Install near the centerline of the hull
and 1/3 of the way forward from the stern. Always install forward of
the propeller(s) and shaft(s).
For large displacement hulls –Install near the centerline of the hull
and 1/3 of the way aft from the bow. Always install forward of the
propeller(s) and shaft(s).
For sailboats –Install forward of the leading edge of the keel, to one
side and near the centerline of the hull.
Fig. 2-7
Installing the
Sidelooker
Transducer

12
2. Choose a location where you can easily reach the transducer from
inside the boat. This will allow you to service the unit. Allow at least
6" (152 mm) of headroom above the transducer.
3. When choosing amounting location, drill asmall pilot hole (1/8" or 3.2
mm) from the inside of the hull. Before you drill the hole, be sure you
will be able to reach the large nut on the top of the unit, and that there
will be enough clearance for the cable. If there is a strake or other
feature on the hull, drill from the outside of the hull instead. (This
small hole can be filled easily if the mounting location is not suitable.)
4. The position of the transducer is especially critical on high speed
boats (capable of more than 20 knots). Check the locations of the
transducers on similar boats before installing the transducer in your
own boat. Choose the location which will offer the best performance.
5. If the bottom of the hull at the mounting location is flat, you can mount
the transducer directly through the hull. If the hull rises at an angle
(the “deadrise angle”) of more than 10°, you must include a mounting
block or “fairing.”The transducer must be mounted in a vertical
position. Attach the fairing block to the hull as firmly as possible.This
fairing block must be able to resist the drag of the water against the
hull, and must also be completely waterproof.
6. If the hull of the boat has a core-type hull, you will need to follow
some special mounting procedures. The core material must be
protected from any water which may leak from the inside of the boat.
(If the core material is allowed to remain wet, it may rot and weaken
the hull.)
7. When working with the transducer, support it by holding the body of
the unit. Do not hang the transducer from the cable.
8. It is very important to seal the opening around the transducer using a
high-quality marine sealant suitable for underwater use. After
installation, do not leave your boat in the water for any amount of time
without checking for leaks.
Installation

13
Installation Notes – In-Hull Transducer
Detailed instructions for this installation will be included with the trans-
ducer. In this section, we will note just a few important points.
1. Choose the best mounting location:
For outboard powerboats –Install as far aft as possible
For inboard/outboard powerboats –Install close to the engine(s)
For inboard powerboats –Install forward of the propeller(s) and
shaft(s)
For sailboats –Install near the centerline of the hull and forward of
the leading edge of the keel
2. An in-hull transducer may only be installed in a fiberglass hull which is
no more than 1" (25 mm) thick. The in-hull transducer may not be
installed in wood or aluminum hulls.
3. Use the standard in-hull transducer if it will be installed in a flat part of
the hull, or a section with no more than 10°of deadrise. Use the angled
in-hull transducer if the mounting location has up to a 22°of deadrise.
4. Do not try to compensate for the angle of the hull by fairing the epoxy
adhesive on the face of the transducer.
5. Use the epoxy supplied with the in-hull transducer, or an equivalent
epoxy glue. Do not use any other type of adhesive, including silicone
or RTV adhesive.
Installation Notes – Trolling Motor Transducer
Both Downlooker and Sidelooker transducers may be installed on a
trolling motor. See Fig.2-8.
Detailed instructions for these installations will be included with the
transducer(s). The Downlooker transducer is mounted on the horizontal
gear case of the motor. The Sidelooker transducer is attached to the
vertical support tube. These installations are simple, but it is important to
keep these points in mind:
1. Keep the Sidelooker transducer fully submerged. The transducer will
only produce an image if it is immersed in water.
2. Keep the Sidelooker transducer clear of weeds or debris.
3. When the position of the trolling motor is changed, the field of view of
the Sidelooker also changes. The Sidelooker can be aimed at interest-
ing echoes, but can also be positioned so that it is looking back at the
hull. Be aware of the position of the Sidelooker transducer.
Installation

14
Mounting the Display Unit – Standard Mount
You may mount the display unit on any flat surface using the bracket
supplied. See Fig. 2-9. (There is also an optional kit which allows you to
flush-mount the display in a flat panel or dashboard). Follow these
instructions if you are using the standard mounting bracket:
1. The “LCD”type display used on this unit is easier to see from certain
angles. Before selecting a permanent mounting location, make
temporary power connections and turn on the unit. This will allow you
to test the visibility of the display from several different angles.
2. Remove the display unit from the bracket by pressing on the large
button in the center of the bracket. See Fig. 2-9.
3. Mount the base of the bracket using the supplied screws.
4. Slide the display unit back into the bracket.
5. Adjust the display unit for the best viewing angle. You can turn the
display from side to side, and tilt it up or down.
Fig. 2-8
Installing the
Sidelooker
Transducer on a
Trolling Motor
Installation

15
PWR
SETUP
PAGE
CLEAR
265
FISHFINDER
L265
Raymarine
The angle of
the display
can be changed.
To release the
display from
the base,
press on the
right and left
sides until you
hear the clicks.
Slide the
display out of
the bracket.
The display can
be turned from
side to side. Fig. 2-9
Installation
on Bracket
Dismounting the Display Unit
See Fig. 2-9. To release the display from the bracket, press and hold
down the left and right sides. You will hear an audible “click,”and the
bracket will slide out.
Mounting the Display Unit – Flush Mount
In order to do this installation, you will need the optional flush mounting kit
(part no. M78931). See Fig. 2-11.
1. Select a mounting location on the dashboard or control panel.
Choose a clear, flat area at least 6" x 6" (152 mm x 152 mm). Be sure
you will also have at least 6" (152 mm) of clearance behind the area
where the display unit will be mounted. It is a good idea to drill a
small pilot hole in the center of the mounting area. Be sure there are
no hidden electrical wires or other items behind the point where you
plan to mount the display unit.
2. A mounting template is supplied with the flush mounting kit. Tape this
over the selected location on the panel and trace around the edges.
3. Make the cutout for the display. Drill a series of 1/2" (13 mm) holes at
the points shown around the edges of the cutout area.
Installation