lowrance question. - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

echo1er · 07-30-2012, 08:56 PM

So been searching around for a new fish finder since my took a dump.
looking at the Mark 5x DSI

http://www.overtons.com/modperl/prod...i&merchID=4005

now how to take care of the system durning kayaking and after kayaking.
I see some pictures just having it bare to the elements and others with plastic bags over it.

Also do you have a battery box or a dry bag for the battery?

been looking for a video on youtube on how to use the GPS can anyone direct me to the right direction or make a video to show how to use it?

I'm a hands on type of person and like to research as much as before buying stuff.

Thanks in advance.

medina760 · 07-30-2012, 09:26 PM

I don't own one, but about the battery I have mine in a pelican camera box its waterproof. I drilled a hole and installed some plug in connectors. I'm pretty sure your gonna need the Lowrance scupper mount to install the ff. But it depends on what kayak you have.

blitzburgh · 07-30-2012, 09:52 PM

You know this is not a true "fish finder" right? It is a Down imaging unit only. As your depth increases, you will gradually lose definition in the picture.

GregAndrew · 07-31-2012, 07:48 AM

There is no GPS on that unit either, hence the "x".

gupppy · 07-31-2012, 08:59 AM

pelican boxes are expensive. i used a snap lock tupperware i bought off amazon that fits the bill.

PapaDave · 07-31-2012, 09:28 AM

You should really consider getting the model with the GPS, helps to relocate good spots.

Randy214 · 07-31-2012, 10:37 AM

I would go with the Lowrance 5x pro over the DSI unit. Turn off the fish icons and look for activity under the water. Clouds of bait fish...ect. The DSI unit will show more structure detail in shallow water, but I don't think it's the best "fish finder".

As an alternative to the Pelican box, Walmart sells a water proof box for $8 in the camping section.

I have been using a plastic bag over the fishfinder to keep the screen dry during launch. However, I'm not using it to waterproof the unit. The Lowrance units are "sealed and waterproof". You could disconnect it for launch and put it in a water tight bag. Your only issue at that point will be making sure the power/transducer connector is dry before pluggin it in on the water. I recently fried my 570 DSI fishfinder. It slid loose going through the waves and when I snapped it back into the quick connect, the water in the connectors shorted the unit. This has become my only concern with waterproof fishfinders.

A small amount of dielectric grease on the connector pins will also help to water proof the connector and limit corrosion.

After using the humminbird 570 DSI and the 5X Lowrance, I prefer the non DSI 5x pro.

echo1er · 07-31-2012, 11:37 AM

(taking notes) ....
alright awesome reply guys thanks for your input. So what is a good combo to buy that I dont' have to worry about it upgrading. I want a GPS with the unit.

Question about the GPS is it user friendly?

Divad · 07-31-2012, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by echo1er

(taking notes) ....
alright awesome reply guys thanks for your input. So what is a good combo to buy that I dont' have to worry about it upgrading. I want a GPS with the unit.

Question about the GPS is it user friendly?

After watching the video on that FF, it looks like you want the Elite 5 DSI which has the GPS and mapping card slot.

I have the Hummingbird 385ci FF/GPS and it has the sd card that can be taken out and I can update the FF if there is up dates from Hummingbird or the coodinates on the different reefs or secret spots

. Hummingbird has a program that you can download to you computer and edit locations, way points and add things.

I also use the pelican box for my battery. On surf launches I keep the FF in the front hatch. And I too put the dielectric grease on the connections.

gupppy · 07-31-2012, 12:35 PM

i'd get the GPS unit for sure (my next ff will have that function).

user friendly? shouldn't be difficult. manual + 1 hour of fiddling = golden.

mtnbykr2 · 07-31-2012, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gupppy

i'd get the GPS unit for sure (my next ff will have that function).

user friendly? shouldn't be difficult. manual + 1 hour of fiddling = golden.

Ain't that the truth...lol

echo1er · 07-31-2012, 06:17 PM

alright where is a good place to buy a system. Internet or local store. I support my local kayak stores but if I can go cheaper I'll take it.

kobra · 07-31-2012, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by echo1er

alright where is a good place to buy a system. Internet or local store. I support my local kayak stores but if I can go cheaper I'll take it.

Find the cheapest price of the unit you want on line, make a copy and take to West Marine. They price match and get their extended warranty.

Divad · 07-31-2012, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by echo1er

alright where is a good place to buy a system. Internet or local store. I support my local kayak stores but if I can go cheaper I'll take it.

Talk to Anthony, he might have connection.

echo1er · 07-31-2012, 07:57 PM

thanks guys.

fsuindustries · 07-31-2012, 08:38 PM

I think we may be able to get you set up. Let me look into it and I will see what I can do! Hit me up, let's talk

07-30-2012, 08:56 PM	#1
echo1er Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 598	lowrance question. So been searching around for a new fish finder since my took a dump. looking at the Mark 5x DSI http://www.overtons.com/modperl/prod...i&merchID=4005 now how to take care of the system durning kayaking and after kayaking. I see some pictures just having it bare to the elements and others with plastic bags over it. Also do you have a battery box or a dry bag for the battery? been looking for a video on youtube on how to use the GPS can anyone direct me to the right direction or make a video to show how to use it? I'm a hands on type of person and like to research as much as before buying stuff. Thanks in advance.

07-30-2012, 09:52 PM	#3
blitzburgh Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Menifee Posts: 2,509	You know this is not a true "fish finder" right? It is a Down imaging unit only. As your depth increases, you will gradually lose definition in the picture. __________________ ”The beauty of the Second Amendment is that it will not be needed until they try to take it.” ~Thomas Jefferson.........maybe

07-31-2012, 09:28 AM	#6
PapaDave Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Menifee, CA Posts: 1,473	You should really consider getting the model with the GPS, helps to relocate good spots. __________________ So long and thanks for all the fish...

07-30-2012, 09:26 PM	#2
medina760 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 123	I don't own one, but about the battery I have mine in a pelican camera box its waterproof. I drilled a hole and installed some plug in connectors. I'm pretty sure your gonna need the Lowrance scupper mount to install the ff. But it depends on what kayak you have.

07-31-2012, 07:48 AM	#4
GregAndrew Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 2,384	There is no GPS on that unit either, hence the "x".

07-31-2012, 08:59 AM	#5
gupppy Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: IE Posts: 171	pelican boxes are expensive. i used a snap lock tupperware i bought off amazon that fits the bill.

07-31-2012, 10:37 AM	#7
Randy214 Junior Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: San Diego Posts: 26	I would go with the Lowrance 5x pro over the DSI unit. Turn off the fish icons and look for activity under the water. Clouds of bait fish...ect. The DSI unit will show more structure detail in shallow water, but I don't think it's the best "fish finder". As an alternative to the Pelican box, Walmart sells a water proof box for $8 in the camping section. I have been using a plastic bag over the fishfinder to keep the screen dry during launch. However, I'm not using it to waterproof the unit. The Lowrance units are "sealed and waterproof". You could disconnect it for launch and put it in a water tight bag. Your only issue at that point will be making sure the power/transducer connector is dry before pluggin it in on the water. I recently fried my 570 DSI fishfinder. It slid loose going through the waves and when I snapped it back into the quick connect, the water in the connectors shorted the unit. This has become my only concern with waterproof fishfinders. A small amount of dielectric grease on the connector pins will also help to water proof the connector and limit corrosion. After using the humminbird 570 DSI and the 5X Lowrance, I prefer the non DSI 5x pro.

07-31-2012, 11:37 AM	#8
echo1er Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 598	(taking notes) .... alright awesome reply guys thanks for your input. So what is a good combo to buy that I dont' have to worry about it upgrading. I want a GPS with the unit. Question about the GPS is it user friendly?

07-31-2012, 12:35 PM	#10
gupppy Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: IE Posts: 171	i'd get the GPS unit for sure (my next ff will have that function). user friendly? shouldn't be difficult. manual + 1 hour of fiddling = golden.

07-31-2012, 06:17 PM	#12
echo1er Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 598	alright where is a good place to buy a system. Internet or local store. I support my local kayak stores but if I can go cheaper I'll take it.

07-31-2012, 07:57 PM	#15
echo1er Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 598	thanks guys.

07-31-2012, 08:38 PM	#16
fsuindustries Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Oceanside Posts: 69	I think we may be able to get you set up. Let me look into it and I will see what I can do! Hit me up, let's talk