humminbird 385ci??

hello fellow anglers! i have been looking at this site for some time now and new to this kayak fishing. i finally pick one up 2 day ago( 2011 ok trident 13) and will be in monterey this saturday for my first kayak class with MBK. to get to the point i am looking to purchase a fish finder and would like some advice if the 385ci is worth the $499 price tag? any feedback will be greatly appreciated. thanks in advance and hope to hook with you guys when im all set up

Any combo depth/gps are so worth having. I have the 385 that's black and white. I stuck with black and white because of reduced power consumtion over the color units. However, I hear the color units show the bait and squid better.

thanks for your input. man i can already hear my wife( this new hobby of mine being a money pit) hah ha. there is still alot of stuff i need to be ready out there so will start with fish finder and wetsuit for now then vhf,etc

I assume you're looking at the 385ci kayak combo? I would honestly recommend looking at the regular 385ci non yak kit, it is listed $100 cheaper than the kayak kit, and the only thing you are getting for that extra $100 is a 7ah battery, a dry bag, and a thru-hull transducer mount.


That being said, I just recently bought the 385ci, and I absolutely love it.

I used the 385 ci kayak version last year on both a Tarpon 120 and Hobie Revo and had no problems. If you use the in hull transducer you'll lose the temperature function, but it is a very clean and seamless install. I also purchased the portable kit in cases where I want to transport the unit to another skiff or boat. I recently upgraded to the 597 ci di for the down imaging feature, but wouldn't recommend it for the additional $$.

I got the 385ci kayak combo.   Absolutely love the set up.  Got a ram mount with it, 1/2 hour install, very clean and the color screen is easy to see even in direct sunlight.

I assume you're looking at the 385ci kayak combo? I would honestly recommend looking at the regular 385ci non yak kit, it is listed $100 cheaper than the kayak kit, and the only thing you are getting for that extra $100 is a 7ah battery, a dry bag, and a thru-hull transducer mount.


That being said, I just recently bought the 385ci, and I absolutely love it.

F.Y.I.
If you add up the cost of a battery, charger, Dry Bag, and install kit you will find it is well worth buying the "Kayak Combo" plus this is a great unit - I've had the same unit for several years without any problems - even after several dunkings.

See Ya Soon,
Eric / Yakhopper

Does the color screen significantly reduce battery life?

I have been thinking of upgrading my old Eagle and have been considering the 385ci as a frontrunner as well. Wondering if the color screen is worth the extra $$ over a b&w screen and if there is additional tradeoff in things such as battery...

I assume you're looking at the 385ci kayak combo? I would honestly recommend looking at the regular 385ci non yak kit, it is listed $100 cheaper than the kayak kit, and the only thing you are getting for that extra $100 is a 7ah battery, a dry bag, and a thru-hull transducer mount.


That being said, I just recently bought the 385ci, and I absolutely love it.

F.Y.I.
If you add up the cost of a battery, charger, Dry Bag, and install kit you will find it is well worth buying the "Kayak Combo" plus this is a great unit - I've had the same unit for several years without any problems - even after several dunkings.

See Ya Soon,
Eric / Yakhopper

Me too

Allen

Just want to say thanks again for all the input and feedback. I will be getting the 385ci once i get back home.here in Monterey now getting ready for my kayak fishing class with mbk. Hoping for some sun tomorrow

i upgraded to color and GPS this year and don't see a major (negative) impact on battery life. I use a 7 aph brick

Plus 3 on the 385ci, color tho is the way to go when trying to separate clutter, debris, and the bottom from real fish..this unit is awesome and its a lot easier to distinguish fish bait from the above mention things...i have a 8amp batt. and its good for 3 all day outings which way good enough! get the color if your gonna get it, its well worth it!

I have the 587ci and have enjoyed it very much over the past two years. Color will eat into your battery life but I would not consider a  unit without it. I found the best price by going through Amazon.
Tim

Welcome aboard ginoltk. You're off to a good start there bud having that class with Aaron at MBK. Great
question about the new FF. I want to upgrade also on the combo FF\GPS myself. Let us know when you
find a great deal and I will get one as well.

Jedmo