FF Upgrade - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

jorluivil · 04-03-2012, 12:00 AM

I'm considering getting a new fishfinder, not tomorrow or next week but definately in the next few months. With all the HD units that are out now and some of the issues that have been reported like the one with Lowrance what should one look for? I currently have an Eagle Cuda 350, its a great unit for the price and it was a great begginer unit but the screen is just to small.

I want a color screen
I want a decent sized screen
I want something that I can upgrade when software upgrades become available
I'm considering making the transducer a thru hull so I also want something that is compatible with thru-hull transducers like the Airmar units.

JimPat · 04-03-2012, 04:52 AM

I need a head unit to replace my 350, so when you upgrade please keep me in mind.

Jim

rossman · 04-03-2012, 06:21 AM

I agree about the screen size on the 350. I started out with that model too, but I ran across a NIB Lowrance Elite-5 Gold Fishfinder/Chartplotter on Craigslist for a very good price. Incredible upgrade from the 350. The transducer fit and form is identical to the 350 and since I have my transducer wet mounted in a mineral oil bath, it was dead easy to move to the Elite 5. I did a little research into the DSI technology from Lowrance and I cannot see how one could take full advantage of DSI without the full face of the transducer being in contact with the water. For me, a through hull transducer mounting on a DSI type unit just doesn't seem like a good option.

Caffeind · 04-04-2012, 05:26 AM

Hard bottom, soft bottom, banks and bait...
What else do you need to find those flat fish?

Use that 350 till it breaks...by then the next latest greatest technology will be out and you can pick up DSI, SI, HD whatever at clearance $$$.

04-03-2012, 12:00 AM	#1
jorluivil Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 6,856	FF Upgrade I'm considering getting a new fishfinder, not tomorrow or next week but definately in the next few months. With all the HD units that are out now and some of the issues that have been reported like the one with Lowrance what should one look for? I currently have an Eagle Cuda 350, its a great unit for the price and it was a great begginer unit but the screen is just to small. I want a color screen I want a decent sized screen I want something that I can upgrade when software upgrades become available I'm considering making the transducer a thru hull so I also want something that is compatible with thru-hull transducers like the Airmar units. __________________ www.facebook.com/Teamsewer

04-03-2012, 06:21 AM	#3
rossman Marginally Irrelevant Join Date: May 2007 Location: Bahia Asuncion Posts: 936	I agree about the screen size on the 350. I started out with that model too, but I ran across a NIB Lowrance Elite-5 Gold Fishfinder/Chartplotter on Craigslist for a very good price. Incredible upgrade from the 350. The transducer fit and form is identical to the 350 and since I have my transducer wet mounted in a mineral oil bath, it was dead easy to move to the Elite 5. I did a little research into the DSI technology from Lowrance and I cannot see how one could take full advantage of DSI without the full face of the transducer being in contact with the water. For me, a through hull transducer mounting on a DSI type unit just doesn't seem like a good option. __________________ "When beholding the tranquil beauty and brilliancy of the ocean’s skin, one forgets the tiger heart that pants beneath it; and would not willingly remember that this velvet paw but conceals a remorseless fang. " — Herman Melville Y'all come see me now, hear!

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04-03-2012, 04:52 AM	#2
JimPat Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: San Diego (La Mesa) Posts: 54	I need a head unit to replace my 350, so when you upgrade please keep me in mind. Jim

04-04-2012, 05:26 AM	#4
Caffeind Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: OC Posts: 146	Hard bottom, soft bottom, banks and bait... What else do you need to find those flat fish? Use that 350 till it breaks...by then the next latest greatest technology will be out and you can pick up DSI, SI, HD whatever at clearance $$$.