Hello Everyone! New here!

[HighOctane]

Hey guys,

I am fairly new to the kayak community. I recently purchased a Malibu Kayak from a member here and was referred to the BWE boards.

I am looking to upgrade the fish finder that came with the kayak. Its an older model SeaView 628. I have tried it on lakes and looks like it works fine. I am very new to fish finders and really dont know much but I want to change it to a colored model Lowrance FF. I was looking at a couple of fish finders here at the Buy/Sell Kayak fishing gear section and found couple of Lowrance fish finders that I was interested in.


Do I need to change my current transducer? Can anybody guide me through what I need to replace my existing electronics.

[LawDog]

Welcome to the addiction!!!

I'm not familiar with your current ff, but if it's not a lowrance you would need a new transducer to fit the newer lowrance, however, luck has it that a transducer will come with your fish finder if you buy new.

Good luck slayin some fish. Check out the innovations thread and use the search function as a lot of questions have been asked and answered over the years.

[HighOctane]

Originally Posted by LawDog

Welcome to the addiction!!!

I'm not familiar with your current ff, but if it's not a lowrance you would need a new transducer to fit the newer lowrance, however, luck has it that a transducer will come with your fish finder if you buy new.

Good luck slayin some fish. Check out the innovations thread and use the search function as a lot of questions have been asked and answered over the years.

Will do! Thanks!

[Cadillyak]

Welcome. Too late to turn back now. Which Lowrance models caught your eye? Where will u be fishing primarily?

[momo fish]

Stay away from DSI only units as like most I know you will return it of fishing waters deeper than 80 feet. You can get a decent unit for 200 with color that will do the job like elite 4. That to me is the best starter ff.

[YakDout]

Elite 5 hdi runs sales often. Can probably find for 400$ with ducer, and you won't have to upgrade for a long while. Does downscan and traditional sonar and the extra " although it may not seem like a lot, makes a huge difference


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[EDC]

I agree with the elite 4. Good unit. If you have a bit more money you might look into Raymarine

[HighOctane]

Yea i am actually looking at the elite 4x dsi.

i also saw on BPS for $199.99 not sure if it comes with the transducer. I will be fishing lakes and ocean by jetties or codding.

Looks like i am interested in the elite 4 but not sure the difference between dsi and hdi?

Also the ducer would it be a good idea to have it glued inside the hull or get a mount to have it on the bottom of the yak.

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[alanw]

The "X" in 4X means it has no GPS which you might want. The DSI units are only good up to 80 feet or so? I think the consensus here is get the HDI if you can.

[HighOctane]

Ok. Ill probably get a 4 HDI at BPS. Ill let you guys knoe tomorrow what I end up with.

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[momo fish]

Alan is correct. DSI will not work in saltwater more than 80 feet. HDI units will include DSI included so you can switch between the 2 depending on your depth.

Don't get tempted to get DSI based on sales or price. Lowrance is not making these anymore and will be discontinued for a reason.

[chris138]

Elite 4x HDI is great. Got one for my xfactor and it has been a game changer.

[William Novotny]

First off welcome to the board. You will find lots of good info here and meet lots of great people. Second, let me give a bit of advice on the fish finder. Whatever model you go with, make sure it's a chart plotter. In my opinion gps is one of the most invaluable tools we have. Being able to mark your hot spots and returning to them later, or marking a rock pile in a fast drift or planning your trip the night before with gps Coordinates you got from your buddy. In my opinion, gps is more important then color when choosing a unit.

[Rambo]

Welcome to the forum! Make sure you strap down your tackle and gears in case you do flip, don't be another victim of donating tackle and gears to the ocean. I've learned the hard way. But read, learn, and meet new people.

[HighOctane]

So I ended up getting the Lowrance Elite 4 HDI at BPS. As soon as I recieve it, I want to know where to mount the transducer on my Malibu xtreme.

Not sure if the ducer should be outside or would be fine glued in the hull. anybody can refer me to a link of some DIY's how to mount the ducer? and what type of glue/silicon I would need to use.

[octico]

Originally Posted by HighOctane

So I ended up getting the Lowrance Elite 4 HDI at BPS. As soon as I recieve it, I want to know where to mount the transducer on my Malibu xtreme.

Not sure if the ducer should be outside or would be fine glued in the hull. anybody can refer me to a link of some DIY's how to mount the ducer? and what type of glue/silicon I would need to use.

Search the innovations thread I believe I saw a DIY in there. Doing a google search should result in many examples. I installed my son's inside the hull using duct putty. I have the same FF you purchased, but it is mounted outside similar to the first image in this thread EXTERNAL .

[HighOctane]

Ended up with the 5 HDI.. tonight ill be installing thr mount i made. uploadfromtaptalk1403895230221.jpguploadfromtaptalk1403895244150.jpg

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[octico]

Originally Posted by HighOctane

Ended up with the 5 HDI.. tonight ill be installing thr mount i made. Attachment 12757Attachment 12758

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Nice choice!

[JDW]

I'm in a similar boat to High Octane. I have a 2014 Hobie Outback with the Lowrance mount ready. I'd like color and GPS is a must. Do you think it would be worth while to get the one with the maps included (base map or gold)? I don't think so, but I'm curious.

I'll probably go with the same Lowrance Elite 5 HDI. Does anyone have one? Is this the best choice for this price range?

Thanks,

JDW

[tacmik]

If mounting thru hull, putty not goop. no bubbles to worry about and you can remove it and reposition the ducer if you want in about 2 minutes.