New lowrance FF - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Tuff guy · 02-05-2016, 03:14 PM

Any thoughts on this unit? Anyone have it or know of any reviews?

http://www.westmarine.com/buy/lowran...aphy--17030388

spyakker · 02-05-2016, 04:02 PM

I just bought that one. Can't beat the price. It's a real nice FF with GPS which was what I really wanted. Only took it out once so far, but love it. Oh, and be sure to buy the warranty!

maquinapescado · 02-05-2016, 06:14 PM

I have the older elite and like. I just don't like how small the screen is. I would like a 5 but at that price, I might get a new model to upgrade.

fishingfool · 02-05-2016, 06:45 PM

Just bought that one from Overton's. LOWRANCE ELITE-4 HDI FISHFINDER/CHARTPLOTTER WITH LAKE INSIGHT PRO CARTOGRAPHY
For 199.99. no sales tax free shiping

acorad · 02-05-2016, 08:49 PM

Where/how are you guys mounting the transducer?

Andy

"Lowrance Elite-4 HDI Chartplotter/Fishfinder with 83/200 455/800kHz Transducer & Nautic Pro Cartography

Q: can I mount the transducer 'in hull'

Asked on 12/28/2015 by Purfler from North East Md

Know the answer? Answer this question
1 answer
- A:Negative. The in-hull transducer compatible with the Elite-4 HDI is the Lowrance PDT-WBL (West Marine # 10856003). It does not support HDI, however.
  Answered on 12/28/2015 by Customer Service"

Dave Legacy · 02-05-2016, 09:01 PM

The users manual for my Mark-4 HDI says the transducer may be used thru-hull.

spyakker · 02-05-2016, 09:16 PM

My hdi I mounted mine inside the hull. I used duct seal to hold it in place. I do notice it is not as sensitive verses having the transducer in the water but I don't like the arms that hang over.

However,I am still experimenting

Quote:

Originally Posted by acorad

Where/how are you guys mounting the transducer?

Andy

"Lowrance Elite-4 HDI Chartplotter/Fishfinder with 83/200 455/800kHz Transducer & Nautic Pro Cartography

Q: can I mount the transducer 'in hull'

Asked on 12/28/2015 by Purfler from North East Md

Know the answer? Answer this question
1 answer
- A:Negative. The in-hull transducer compatible with the Elite-4 HDI is the Lowrance PDT-WBL (West Marine # 10856003). It does not support HDI, however.
  Answered on 12/28/2015 by Customer Service"

Fishin' Magician · 02-06-2016, 06:12 AM

I have that unit in both my Malibu Stealth 12 and X Factor. The Stealth 12 is thru hull and works fine. The X Factor has it installed beneath the kayak in a special niche so is basically transom mounted and is in contact with water. I can't honestly say that I've been able to tell the difference in functionality when used in either one. it's the same head unit, but two different transducers.

I did notice though that during the last time out with the X Factor I was actually seeing fish arches on the FF which I don't normally see when using the Stealth 12. Not sure if it has anything to do with how the transducer is mounted (Andy at OEX installed both).

When I contacted Lowrance about a problem that I was having with the head unit, the service rep told me that the transducers are intended to to be transom mounted, so for it to work properly it should be in contact with water. Take that for whatever you care to. It will work in a thru hull installation, but it may work better if in contact with water.

I'm just sayin'......

Tuff guy · 02-07-2016, 10:08 AM

Ok good advice, maybe I'll go take a look at it

ctfphoto · 02-07-2016, 10:36 AM

Buy from West Marine with the extended warranty. You will use it.

WM has absolutely the best no questions asked warranty in the business.

If you have a warranty with them, then it is like always having a fish finder bank account that can be used at anytime to upgrade.

02-05-2016, 03:14 PM	#1
Tuff guy Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 137	New lowrance FF Any thoughts on this unit? Anyone have it or know of any reviews? http://www.westmarine.com/buy/lowran...aphy--17030388

02-05-2016, 06:14 PM	#3
maquinapescado Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Posts: 326	I have the older elite and like. I just don't like how small the screen is. I would like a 5 but at that price, I might get a new model to upgrade. __________________ Climb, Surf, Fish, Repeat

02-05-2016, 06:45 PM	#4
fishingfool Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Crestline Posts: 37	Fish finder Just bought that one from Overton's. LOWRANCE ELITE-4 HDI FISHFINDER/CHARTPLOTTER WITH LAKE INSIGHT PRO CARTOGRAPHY For 199.99. no sales tax free shiping

02-05-2016, 08:49 PM	#5
acorad Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Agoura Hills Posts: 166	Where/how are you guys mounting the transducer? Andy "Lowrance Elite-4 HDI Chartplotter/Fishfinder with 83/200 455/800kHz Transducer & Nautic Pro Cartography Q: can I mount the transducer 'in hull' Asked on 12/28/2015 by Purfler from North East Md Know the answer? Answer this question 1 answer A:Negative. The in-hull transducer compatible with the Elite-4 HDI is the Lowrance PDT-WBL (West Marine # 10856003). It does not support HDI, however. Answered on 12/28/2015 by Customer Service"

02-06-2016, 06:12 AM	#8
Fishin' Magician Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Newport Beach Posts: 219	I have that unit in both my Malibu Stealth 12 and X Factor. The Stealth 12 is thru hull and works fine. The X Factor has it installed beneath the kayak in a special niche so is basically transom mounted and is in contact with water. I can't honestly say that I've been able to tell the difference in functionality when used in either one. it's the same head unit, but two different transducers. I did notice though that during the last time out with the X Factor I was actually seeing fish arches on the FF which I don't normally see when using the Stealth 12. Not sure if it has anything to do with how the transducer is mounted (Andy at OEX installed both). When I contacted Lowrance about a problem that I was having with the head unit, the service rep told me that the transducers are intended to to be transom mounted, so for it to work properly it should be in contact with water. Take that for whatever you care to. It will work in a thru hull installation, but it may work better if in contact with water. I'm just sayin'...... __________________ Here fishy, fishy, fishy.....

02-05-2016, 04:02 PM	#2
spyakker Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Cypress Posts: 110	I just bought that one. Can't beat the price. It's a real nice FF with GPS which was what I really wanted. Only took it out once so far, but love it. Oh, and be sure to buy the warranty!

02-05-2016, 09:01 PM	#6
Dave Legacy Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Hacienda Heights, CA Posts: 427	The users manual for my Mark-4 HDI says the transducer may be used thru-hull.

02-07-2016, 10:08 AM	#9
Tuff guy Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 137	Ok good advice, maybe I'll go take a look at it

02-07-2016, 10:36 AM	#10
ctfphoto Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: San Diego Posts: 901	Buy from West Marine with the extended warranty. You will use it. WM has absolutely the best no questions asked warranty in the business. If you have a warranty with them, then it is like always having a fish finder bank account that can be used at anytime to upgrade.