What FF do you recommend?

I just picked up a used Outback.  1st add on will be a combo FF/GPS.  In looking around the site it sounds like the favorites are Humminbird, Eagle Cuda then Lowrance.

I use Lowrance on my big boats and like them but then I've got a motor charging the batteries.

I assume BW is easier on battery life than color.  I see a few gelpacks and a lot of rechargeable AA battery packs here.  

I've got a surplus in my WAF account currently and a few spare bucks.  What are your recommendations?

Well it depends on $$$ if you can afford a lowrance Id say go with it for number of reasons u own one so ur familiar with the set up

My hummingbird 587ci which has the internal chip spot as well


His Lowrance is much clearer but also cost alot more.
notice the dark level line at about 38 feet...
that is a 1/4 oz Hopkins dead sticked...


Thats my input if you like your lowrance why switch. Ohh Ya we expect a fully pimped out kayaks with pics in the future.

I'd love to see how ya did the wiring on that lowrance, I just got rid of mine because of all the wires and too much hassle with the connectors. My thought was it was going to be too much hassle OTW to take on and off for surf launches,  and more to go wrong with the Beating it will take at sea... 

Looks Good on You though....    Really, looks Very Nice....

I have had good luck with the hummingbirds easy on/off...

 I'm looking into the 385ci...

 I like the idea of the 587ci, Bigger screen, but the battery draw, how long does your  587ci stay running on what size amp/hr?

did you need the navonics chip or is the stock uni maps sufficient?

Thanks?

Danglin has a point.  The Lowrance has 3 different multi pin connections to be plugged in and screwed down.  The Hbird has the slide mount.  Certainly an advantage.

I'm going to do a little homework on power consumption and get back to you.

Battery last all day so far but thats winter all day not summer all day.

No navionics chip not sure if it is worth it for a kayak i gonna have to look more into it thats why I ment with the 587ci due to that. I kinda wounder how in depth the map is on the navionics chip and which one do i get.

I've read some reviews on the nav chips, and there was complaining about accuracy,

could only think it would be worse with us being were so up close and personal with what we do....

I'm sure the uni map is fine...