Humminbird Matrix

My PirahnaMax 20 is dead.  It's been dying a slow death since last year...

I'm looking to replace it with a Matrix 17, but am wondering how well the connectors hold up.  Are the cables for the transducer and power as exposed as the PiranhaMax line?

I just ordered a 17 off of Ebay to replace my dead 25 (I dremeled the transducer to death)  I am pretty sure the 17 has the same connections as the 25 which are sealed when the head unti is on. I will still make sure to lube them up every so often though.

I've got a 17- not too old only a few months. The connections are definitely well sealed. a little slathering of that pink marine electronics goopy stuff and it really seems locked.  
The pins are also nice and thick.  My old raymarine had these teeny little pins that ended up breaking off.
I was really suprised with the unit- really seems to actually pick up fish.  i've even managed to see clouds of rockfish- and drop right in on them, was pretty cool

 i've even managed to see clouds of rockfish- and drop right in on them, was pretty cool

My little PirahnaMax could pick up fish, too.  Not bad for $70 (it was an open box on ebay).  Too bad I can't find another at that price...

A timely post...  I was thinking about this model too.

I'm debating between a Humminbird Matrix 17 and 27.  It seems the primary difference is that the 27 has 640 vertical pixels while the the 17 has 320.  

Anyone know whether this makes a noticeable difference at depths of 100 feet or less or should I just get the cheaper 17 version?

Thanks y'all...

Compared to my Matrix 25 the 17 was really nice, I used one on Polepole's triple with my dad, I liked it a lot. I can't really say about it compared to the 27 though.

I would think with a screen that small, 640 vertical pixels wouldn't make that much of a difference.  But I haven't actually tried one.  I'm going to guess that the "native" resolution on the sensors in these things isn't much better than that anyway.  It will just allow you to see the noise better.

The one thing I've noticed on the 17's is that the screw that are on the bottom of the base rust quite easily.  I don't have mine permanently mounted so I can see the screws.  I rinse with fresh water after every use and they are always bleeding rust.  If you're going to mount this permanently, I'd change out the screws to something more rust proof.

I haven't had mine long enough to have problems with the connectors, so I'm no help there.

-Allen

My PirahnaMax 20 is dead. It's been dying a slow death since last year...

Kevin, is it still under warranty?
If so, I'd send it in even if you plan to get a Matrix.  You can just use the Piranha as a back up or for a 2nd kayak.

I just sent my dead Piranha Max 10 back to Humminbird last week for warranty.  I think the problem with the Piranha line is that they're poorly sealed against moisture.  The same moisture that fogs the display probably errodes the circuit board.

The Max 20 is out of warranty (I've had it for since Apr 2004, bought 2nd hand).  I might check and see what it would cost to fix and use it on our Zodiak.

I figure I'll recoupe the cost of the Matrix when I win the Elk tourny...

I'm looking to replace it with a Matrix 17, but

I just picked up a Raymarine ds400.  It costs more but may be worth it-- color (!!   ) submersible (i.e., actually built to take a dunking), very powerful.  I switch it between the yak and my PB.  Very small package and the screen is readable even in full sunlight.  Yowza.

The one thing I've noticed on the 17's is that the screw that are on the bottom of the base rust quite easily

.....try applying some clear nail polish on 'em

I don't have them handy to look at right now, but before you nail polish them, check that the other side is not exposed.

-Allen

The 27 has a higher output, and double the pixel count of the 17. I've found a very inexpensive source for them, and considering that they will also allow a GPS to plug in, the 27 is currently my top choice of units, come the day I actually buy one. In my case, it will be moving between kayak and a small inflatable boat, so I'm trying to come up with a clever means of mounting the transducer.

Regards,
Scott

Scott - You might want to read Ed's comment at the bottom of this thread: http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=586.  His handheld Garmin GPS apparently didn't work well with the Matrix 27.

Hmmm...  maybe I should get one their more expensive units with GPS built in to avoid this potential issue.  Decisions, decisions...

Hmmm...  maybe I should get one their more expensive units with GPS built in to avoid this potential issue.  Decisions, decisions...

The Eagle Cude 240 has a build in GPS (antena is in the unit).  60 degree single transducer.  It says it has a 600' depth.