Lowrance Elite 4 DSI/GPS Combo

Considered the scupper hole mounting for the transducer. Sounded plausible at first until I looked at the carpeted bunks/cradles on my trailer. That would be a major no-go unless I could quickly/easily remove the transducer/mounting hardware before sliding my boat on the trailer.

Karl, how about a rudder mount? I thought of going that route myself but didn't pull the trigger on the DI.

http://www.adventureislanders.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=131#p666

Lee
That foam block looks crafty.  What did you use to hold the foam to the yak?

Marine Goop sir.

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Nudling,

That rudder mount looks slick. Thanks for the picture and link!

 

I did a quick temporary install of the FF on my new AI yesterday.  Best thing was, I did it in the harbor parking lot!    I just used some velcro straps, zipties, and a 1" RAM ball mount.  Ran the wires under the front hatch and used the leftover Duct Seal from my Outback install, and was on my way!    It worked just fine in the ocean btw 

Hrm, have you taken it through some kelp or anything yet?  My fiance's Mark 4 shows individual strands of kelp.  Serious detail. 

Just looked up the price of the AI after i took a shower an changes my pants came back an wtf that thing is rediculously expensive.

Hrm, have you taken it through some kelp or anything yet?  My fiance's Mark 4 shows individual strands of kelp.  Serious detail.

It did!  Really cool looking strands of kelp.  Would have taken a picture, but I was trying to avoid kelp    I missed a shot of the FF with a nice bait ball and a bunch of fish arches too, that would have been a good one to show off the features 

Fully recognizing that this is an old thread...

What is your opinion of the Elite 4 DSI after a good season of fishing?

One thing I have heard is that if you are stopped, the DSI will not function as well (since it is shooting lines more than circles).  What is your experience with that?

Thanks!

When I installed my DSI transducer I used about 5" of pool noodle and split it in half then cut my hole and used marine silicone. It worked very well all last season approximately 65 fishing trips. I like the look of this duct seal, does it harden and how long should it last or is it just temporary? These questions have probaably allready been answered.

Well, it was supposed to be temprary, but i've just kept it that way for so long I guess i'm sticking with it for now.  The duct seal remains fairly inert from cold to hot days, and has never hardened on me.  I have probably fished it this way at least 40 times with thousands of miles traveling upside down in hot and cold days.  Never once fell off, lost shape, or failed on me in any way. However I think that Lee's method would work just as well, and hold up a lot longer if well gooped in place.  If I ever come across a thick enough foam pad for cheap enough, i'll likely go ahead and install it.

Also the DSI units will work down to 250 ft. (in clear fresh water), but will have reduced capacity in denser saltwater. Add this to the loss through the hull and you may be talking about a major decrease in sensitivity. 

This is true! Using some pvc to mount a DSI transducer alongside my kayak, I was disappointed at the results once I got to 150+ft depth. Honestly, it was nearly worthless once I got to 250-300ft...it wouldn't show anything; not even bait that was approx 20ft below my yak. And of course, I spent a good 4hrs trolling for salmon in 250-320FOW...the whole time my Elite 5 was useless (and difficult to see the screen unless you change the background to white, which essentially makes it a B&W unit). But it was pretty dang sweet in 50FOW near kelp...I could see individual strands of kelp etc. 

However I think that Lee's method would work just as well, and hold up a lot longer if well gooped in place.  If I ever come across a thick enough foam pad for cheap enough, i'll likely go ahead and install it.

I use a foam gardening pad.  Like $2 at Homer Depot.

If I had it to do all over again, I would not purchase another DSI.  If all your fishing is in 60 feet or less, then it's great.  I am not happy with the results in 60+ feet of water.  Obviously this varies with salinity, temperatures, water table movement, but by and large, all we get is a depth when fishing 60+ feet of water.

When I set up the Hobie Oasis I plan to pick up this weekend, I'll be putting my humminbird non-DSI on it.

Like any good tool, using it for it's general purpose will achieve desired results.  The Elite 4/5 DSI unit is not intended nor designed for deep water use.  It's sweet spot is 100 FOW or less, depending on fresh vs. salt vs. clarity.  Currently, Lowrance does not offer a standard & DSI unit smaller than the Elite 7.  I am completing the installation of my Elite 7 today or tomorrow and am eager to get it on the water to help post results of it's performance.  I have been very happy with my Elite 4 (non-DSI) in all water conditions I have had it in.

I, too, find that the white background works best in direct sunlight.  For me, it really allows the colors & clarity to pop out!

It's hard to knock a unit when it's being used for purposes other than those it was "designed" to operate within.

I don't think anyone is "knocking" the unit.  Most people gave positive reviews, and I said exactly what you said, with different words. 

Maybe "knocking" wasn't an approprioate term.