Fish Finder for a new Hobie Outback
 

I have not bought a FF in years.
I've had Garmin and Lowrance in the past.

I'll be fishing mostly freshwater with some La Jolla YT trips also.

I don't need all the bells and whistles but want a good solid performer.

Any suggestions?

Depends or what you can afford and what size screen you need based on distance of were you will mount it and how good your vision is due to age. Lawrence Hook4, Hook5, Elite 5TI, Elite 7TI, or HDS series. There are some great rebates and get the West marine extended warranty. It really depends on the size of your wallet.

Do you know if the transducer mount that comes in the Outback can be modified to house transducers other than Lowrance and Hummingbird?

If not check out....
 

Berley Pro, they make adaptors for the lowrance ready Hobies.

If you have the Lowrance transducer ready Hobie then all the transducers should fit except the Total Scan transducer. Hobie does have an adapter plate, but all that does is mount it on the outside and then it is hanging below the level of the rest of the kayak keel and it's exposed to rocks or boat ramps (I personally don't like that at all).