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Few of us on here can answer most any question you have on Lowrance units.  You are correct, 83/200 is the way to go for freshwater & some shallower saltwater applications.  If you can find a good deal on a Lowrance Elite HDI unit with 83/200 HDI transducer, go for it!  The most current models will be the Elite CHIRP series (same transducer; 83/200 HDI).  I can make your head spin with techical who-ha but I'll let it ride at this for now. 

Here's a listing for the Elite 4 CHIRP (latest model) with 83/200 HDI transducer for under $300:  Color, 4.3" screen, FF/GPS
http://www.westmarine.com/buy/lowrance--elite-4-chirp-fishfinder-chartplotter--16222895

Bill

Unit will include the display, mount, power cord, transducer (generally), fuse, etc.  You will need a battery, stainless scretws, maybe wire to extend power if needed, electrical connectors/heat shrink, etc.  Sun cover is optional I think.  I'll have to double check that statement though.  One add-on to look at & I really like is the RAM mount.  Google 'elite 4 ram mount' & you should find it.  Works on all the elite 4 & 5 units.

Bill

To install a fish finder, you generally need the following items.
Drill with correct bits (screw-hole size and also the .5" bit for the wire seal)

Wire snips...probably already have those.


Wire terminals (get the female, insulated kind...pic below is not insulated) Maybe $3 for a dozen.


Wire seals to run the cables thru the hull. About $5 at west Marine.


And a battery (12 volts and 7 to 10 amps) Can get one for $20 at Home Depot.


And don't forget the Marine Goop. Costs $7 at West Marine.

Pet getting all technical up in here!    Thanks!

   The wire feedthru's that I HIGHLY suggest are made by Hobie; see link:
http://www.austinkayak.com/products/12509/Hobie-Thru-Hull-Wiring-Kit.html
   Depending on where you are located, places like Headwaters Kayak sells these.  I use them on EVERYTHING now!

   The RAM Mount I was making reference to; see link:
http://www.westmarine.com/buy/ram-mounts--ram-b-101-lo11-marine-electronic-mount-for-lowrance-elite-4-mark-4-series-fishfinders--14292593

   They make one for the Elite 5 which, I believe, uses a larger base/ball; see link:
http://www.westmarine.com/buy/ram-mounts--lowrance-mark-5-elite-5-mount-kit--14292569

   Just looked at the package contents & it looks like the Elite 4 units have a 'sold separately' sun cover.

   When you get to the wiring stage, you will find that the power cable has 2 sets of wire bundles ... one bundlge can be cut off to about 2-3" long; one cannot.  But which one?  Stay tuned for next weeks episode of "Kayak Wiring Roulette"

Check out the Raymarine Dragonfly 4  Chirp.  I am not a prostaff but really like my 7 inch unit.  I was fishing a new area last weekend and it put me top of fish.

http://www.hodgesmarine.com/Raymarine-Dragonfly-4pro-Chirp-Sonar-Gps-W-Downv-p/raye70294-us.htm?gclid=CjwKEAjw9bKpBRD-geiF8OHz4EcSJACO4O7TfrZO4HUTZ1xlVBaN-YDVkxURxbTPpGLb0NM6-dDS8xoC6ifw_wcB&click=19

Also investigate how the transducer will fit on your Viking Reload on whatever you unit you decide on. 

Hey, hey!  This is Lowrance Country!

   J/K 

They do a great job!  You're in good hands!

I'm getting that same one from WM with my tax refund    Going for the 2year warranty too, for peace of mind  You actually can do without buying a RAM mount if money is tight and you are ok with how the usual base mounts to your kayak. I looked it up, your kayak has some sort of pod to mount the FF too, so not sure what options are best for it.  But the RAM is better articulation than the original mount.  Don't forget to use Dialectric Grease on the connections to your FF.  Saltwater and electricity will ruin your connectors, the grease will prevent that from happening.  Buy it at the hardware store, or a auto parts store fairly cheap. You also may want a water proof container to keep your battery in. 

I recently bought a new Lowrance Elite 4DSI online for $150.  I haven't tried it out yet, but it fits the budget, has GPS, and seems that it will work well for the price. 

I'm getting that same one from WM with my tax refund    Going for the 2year warranty too, for peace of mind  You actually can do without buying a RAM mount if money is tight and you are ok with how the usual base mounts to your kayak. I looked it up, your kayak has some sort of pod to mount the FF too, so not sure what options are best for it.  But the RAM is better articulation than the original mount.  Don't forget to use Dialectric Grease on the connections to your FF.  Saltwater and electricity will ruin your connectors, the grease will prevent that from happening.  Buy it at the hardware store, or a auto parts store fairly cheap. You also may want a water proof container to keep your battery in.

Troll ebay for the RAM mount. If you do a good search, you'll usually find one for around $20. Definitely not a requirement, but they're well worth the investment.

Hey dtizz, I have a Viking Reload and I love it. Its light and fast but the best thing is the tackle pod. I have a Lowrence FF and mounted it to the tackle pod with the FF mount that came with the unit I added a small section of cutting board as backing on the inside of the pod for the FF and rod holders. I highly recommend the viking transducer mounting kit, worth every penny!! plenty of room for battery and gear in the pod and the cavity for the transducer fits all the cable easily. do yourself a favor and spring for the kit. It makes it very easy and clean.      David

If you have any questions about rigging shoot me a PM