Soudner for Kayak

[Terry H]

Hey Hey guys!

Looking at getting a new soudner for my kayak.

Thinking along the lines of this:

Lowrance Elite-5x Colour FishFinder

This one has a combo model, however I don't really need the GPS has I do have a handheld GPS, so the extra cost doesn't seem worth it to me. Especially on the kayak. But I do like the big screen!

Any thoughts?

Anyone have any other ideas/suggestions?

Regards,

[billp]

http://www.jandhproducts.com/

If you look on the site above you may save yourself $30-$40. Not a huge amount but still enought to buy a few more lures.

[Terry H]

Yea cheers. I know a few of the places to get them cheaper.

Just more interested in brands/makes/models.

Believe I got my last one from j&h, their site has changed a fair bit since then though.

[Terry H]

Bump. Any recommendations?

[Terry H]

Also thinkin about a Garmin 400C. I had the 300C before I killed it through not looking after the plugs (and letting them corrode and break off - oops). And was pretty happy with it.

Can get it for $390AUD Delivered.

[elops]

The combo is very handy you can split the screen and mark waypoints,use the trails for drifts ,trolling runs ect. And its right there in front of you no mucking around with the hand held.

[sehrguht]

I have the 400c on the boat and love it, great detail, pretty colours and split screen for seeing different range of view.

only thing is it is not waterproof, only rated to a 7 which i think is a splash not a dunk.

[fishingnut]

Iv been looking at prices on the HDS-5 and 7, nice looking units

[Terry H]

elops wrote:

The combo is very handy you can split the screen and mark waypoints,use the trails for drifts ,trolling runs ect. And its right there in front of you no mucking around with the hand held.

I've got a RAM mount for my GPS. Only issue is its on a large ball system, and my sounder mount is on a small ball. My yak has a small ball installed on it.

I was thinkin I might get someone to knock up a plate of metal so I can attach the sounder and GPS mounts to this plate, and attach that to my mount on the kayak. Much like Lee used to on his adventure. Ie the GPS (handheld) sits right next to the sounder.

[bigtez]

From my experience I would go for the Lowrance or a Humminbird. The main difference I have found is they have much better target seperation. Makes it much easier to tell the difference between fish and interference or sediment. Not really something you notice until you have used a better quality sounder.

[Terry H]

Any particular models bigtez?

I have used the garmin 300c and thought it was alright for the kayak application. Especially for the price point of approximately $350.

[Sparksie]

Hi Terry

The Lowrance you mention...is that the newer models with the higher res. at 480 X 480?

They look pretty good.

[Terry H]

just realised that sucker has two plugs in it... not sure how much power that'd be draining?

[bigtez]

From my quick look around, the Lowrance Elite 5x looks to be good value at around $600. Or if you do a bit of leg work around the local boat dealers there are a few old stock Eagle (rebranded lowrance sounders) Fish Elite going fairly cheap.

I had a HB 777 in my tinny and it was fantastic although a bit more expensive (778 is the current model at $897rrp).