Opinion on Hummingbird 383c FF

[Johnny Hirn]

Hi everyone.
On my hunt for a new kayak, I have com across a few with the hummingbird 383c gps fishfinder. Does anyone have any experience with these? I have only used a lowrance elite chirp model. If for some reason the 383c isn't that great, can I just get a different unit without having to switch tranducers? As of now I like the idea of the price range and gps functions. I would mainly be fishing coastal kelp to offshore saltwater.
Thanks,
Johnny

[KayakDoctor]

Hey Johnny!

I'm new to this forum but I've been rigging, repairing, and refurbishing kayaks for more than I care to remember (11+ years) so I weigh in on these things. This FF is not a current model in the Hummingbird line. However, having said that, I like this FF for a kayak since it has a small form factor (3.5") screen. It may not even be as feature forward as the Lowrance Elite chirp series. I believe the CHIRP technology incorporates what Lowrance calls down scan imaging (DSC). This provides that 3-D look of the bottom instead of a 2-D flat look on the scan. But this FF (The Hummingbird) is also often combined with a portable accessory bag. The price should be competitive since this does not have all those current features. The Hummingbird models that are current that are used by kayakers are the Helix or the Piranha. The Piranha has a smaller screen than the Helix models. Having said that, if this FF does what you need and is priced right, then I wouldn't shy away from it. It will do the job for what you have described.

Finally, you can't really use the transducer from another manufacturer even though the frequencies may be the same in dual scan transducers, you don't want to cut the wires or replace the connectors. The connectors are unique to the manufacturer and the gauge of the wires are all over the place with different manufacturers.

Anyway, I hope this helped. Most important - enjoy.