Fish Finder Question?

[bloodykayak]

I am looking to finally install a fish finder on my kayak. I have an "Prowler Big Game" and would like to use a thru hole transducer in one of the scrubber holes. Does anyone have a reccomendation, if I am goingn to spend the money, I want to make sure I get my moneys worth.

[dorf]

Search the site.
There are plenty of ideas on how do do differnt things.

[Mark D.]

check with humminbird , my big game prowler came with a 383 than was set up with the transducer already mounted into the scupper hole. so far works great . Hopes that helps you .
Mark D.

[dgax65]

Compare all of the major manufacturers. All brands have broadly similar features, but there are some special features that are peculiar to certain brands. You should compare the features of units within each price range.

This site has a useful tool to make basic comparisons between units: Fish Finder Ratings

Color displays provide the easiest interpretation, but they are more expensive, use more power and are sometime hard to read in bright sunlight.

Transducers come in different power ranges/depth capability. You can also choose between single, dual and multiple beam transducers. You don't need a unit that is capable of providing readings down to 5000', as, more than likely, you will be fishing in under 200' (basic inshore fishing-La Jolla). Just remember that you will have some (up to 50%) attenuation from your hull and mounting adhesive. A cheapo transducer rated for 150' in freshwater probably won't be able to see the bottom at 100' in saltwater. A multi-beam transducer would be better suited for shallow waters. A good single or dual-beam transducer will serve the needs of most kayak fishermen.

The screen resolution will, in large part, determine you ability to make out detail. The resolving power of the transducer/signal processor doesn't change that much across a brand's product line. If you look at the Humminbird site you'll notice that the transducers for almost all product lines show a 2.5" target separation. If the resolution for all transducers is 2.5", the thing that will determine your ability to make out detail is the screen resolution. Think of it this way; if you're in 120' of water and you have a PiranhaMAX that has a 240V x 160H pixel display, each pixel is going to represent 6" of the water column. A unit with a 480V x 480H display will have each pixel represent 3" of the water column. With a 640V display, you will actually be able to see detail at the resolving power of the transducer. The greater the screen resolution, the easier it will be to identify returns.

There are three main features that will bump up the price of fishfinders; color displays, chart plotting capability and GPS integration. Higher resolution color displays cost more. They look sexy and make it easier to read, but they aren't cheap. Many FF have internal base maps that are more than adequate for most fishing needs. Adding chartplotting functions usually means having to buy optional map cards/software. Some of these map packages can get a little expensive ($100). You need to decide if you need the highly detailed map and chartplotting functions. Many fishfinders have GPS input or internal GPS antennas. Again, you need to decide if you want a combo unit. A combo allows you to use one unit for both fishfinding and marking spots. There is a great convenience to a combo unit, but there are also some negative issues. If you are running both the FF and bait tank pump off the same battery you might find yourself in a situation where your FF dies while you're on the water. Many FF will shutdown when they reach a low voltage cutoff point (10-10.2VDC). The FF might shut down even if there is still power to run the pump. Not a big deal, unless it's foggy and you only had a combo FF/GPS. Either carry a backup GPS or a compass.

It would be helpful to go to West Marine or Boater's World so you have a chance to see a wide range of fishfinders and actually play with the features. If you can't get to a store, you might want to go to the Lowrance website. Not only do they have full product descriptions and an excellent sonar tutorial, they also allow you to download fishfinder emulators. The emulator runs on your desktop and enables you to operate all of the menu functions of the FF/GPS/Radar/Chartplotter. You can also download the Sonar Log Viewer and demo sonar log files that will allow you to see actual sonar logs.

[bloodykayak]

Thanks for all of the info, I will check out the Lowrance website. I went to the Humingbird site, and am leaning towards the 383C set up.

[speedydk]

I use a 383c on my x13 and love it though I'm still learning how to use some of its features.