<POLL> Fishfinder/GPS Brands & Desired Features

I should've been more clear. My problems are completely user error. I need new wiring. The plugs on my wires are slightly corroded so they lose contact if I knock into a a big enough swell.  I just jiggle the wires and it eventually turns back on.  My fault for not being as diligent as I should've been with the maintenance.

I appreciate you being the ear of the consumer! Thanks

Which model unit?  Is yours the older Elite that uses a black cord that is transducer AND power (all-in-one)?

Yep, older Elites

I should've been more clear. My problems are completely user error. I need new wiring. The plugs on my wires are slightly corroded so they lose contact if I knock into a a big enough swell.  I just jiggle the wires and it eventually turns back on.  My fault for not being as diligent as I should've been with the maintenance.

I appreciate you being the ear of the consumer! Thanks

Which model unit?  Is yours the older Elite that uses a black cord that is transducer AND power (all-in-one)?

Yep, older Elites

Sadly, I don't have any spare parts laying around my house for that model otherwise I would have seen what we could do locally.

I think the MFG's underestimate the increased exposure (to the elements) fishfinders receive when installed on a kayak. They should be built to last more than 1 or 2 seasons. Ideally, it should last 5+ seasons of use in saltwater. IMO this is the most critical improvement they should consider...then they can deal with all the other fancy features afterwards.

+1

<bump>

One final check of the pull before I start preparing the info for a brief general-industry presentation next week.

   Final thoughts?  Final poll input?

Huge thanks to all those who put forth input both publicly & privately as well as completion of the poll. 

I'm pretty sure I haven't used anything but Lowrance. I've owned the Elite 4 and used others in this series. Mostly I like the speed at which you can go from one display or function to another. Especially when you're in a school of fish or fishing on a windy day. You're able to do or see anything you need in just a push or two of the buttons.
The Navigation display is great. Like all finders, the different colors and blips on the fish finder part takes some getting used to. (i.e. is that sand, kelp, rock, a school or a whale?
I do wish all sit-on-tops that could possibly be used for fishing came with a recessed transducer mount, thus increasing the quality of your view to the bottom.
Those are the things that come to mind.

Follow-up:

The information was provided, presented and well taken by those who attended the meeting.  I have another meeting tomorrow.  I'll update with whatever info I can following the meeting.

Thanks again everyone for the thoughts, feedback, ideas & hopes-n-dreams!