I'm assuming you're driving a sub since you're talking about baffles. The basic principle at work here is that you want to cover as much area as quickly as possible without being counterdetected. Covering the area will require you to (1) shut off your damn autocrew and scan the NB sonar yourself, as you can detect a contact at a much greater range than the AC can, (2) make zigzags of at least 60 degrees repeatedly to move the baffled area around so you don't stay blind in any one direction, and (3) maintain speed just under washout (usually around 15 knots for US boats, depending on array and game version). Preventing counter detection, however, may require you to slow down significantly, depending on your opposition and game version. There is no hard and fast rule here, but factors to consider include: the amount of area you need to cover and the amount of time you have to do it in, the likely speed of your enemy (transiting, patrolling), game version (LW/AMI has a steeper NL/speed curve), class of sub (Victors will not be able to counterdetect you first even if they're at 0 knots and you're at 15; an Akula II is another story altogether), and the terrain and acoustic conditions (which affect how much area you'll actually be covering).
Hope that helps a bit.
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