Fishfinder Questions

I want to put a cheap fish finder on my kayak and am having a hard time deciding what to do. I have been looking at the Lowrance elite 3, Garmin striker 4, and Humminbird 197c. Does anyone have experience with any of these FF? Also I have been trying to decide between using a swing arm for the transducer or through hull. I like the idea of having the through hull because it stays out of the way but I dont want to lose sensitivity or water temp.

I want to put a cheap fish finder on my kayak and am having a hard time deciding what to do. I have been looking at the Lowrance elite 3, Garmin striker 4, and Humminbird 197c. Does anyone have experience with any of these FF? Also I have been trying to decide between using a swing arm for the transducer or through hull. I like the idea of having the through hull because it stays out of the way but I dont want to lose sensitivity or water temp.

I can answer most questions you would have on the Lowrance line.  With the Elite 3, you do not want to shoot thru the hull because it is a low RMS power unit.  All depends on water depth you are targeting also.  The 4 & larger is fine to shoot thru with minimal loss.  Yes, you will loose temp too on shoot thru.

Note that the GPS on the Garmin has no map & no way to add a map hence the low price tag of it.

Lemme know if you have any questions.

I want to put a cheap fish finder on my kayak and am having a hard time deciding what to do. I have been looking at the Lowrance elite 3, Garmin striker 4, and Humminbird 197c. Does anyone have experience with any of these FF? Also I have been trying to decide between using a swing arm for the transducer or through hull. I like the idea of having the through hull because it stays out of the way but I dont want to lose sensitivity or water temp.

West Marine had a deal on the Elite 4 HDI for under $140 with a sun cover and Navionics Pro Mapping ($120 value) I think some stores still have them in stock.

They have the Elite 4 Chirp for $199 and I know they are going to have a big sale the day after the 4th.. Locally here in Santa Cruz, a little bird told me that all items marked down are once again going to be an additional 30% off the sale price, meaning 30% off the already low $199 of the chirp, this comes with the 83/200 455/800 transducer.. Great deal, for your "cheap" ff, you'll have the best in the business!!

Good luck searching, IMHO get a Lawrence, you'll be stoked!

As a comparison, the Lowrance Hook 3 is $100 vs last year's model RippinLips is talking about at just a bit more BUT that 30% off will be limited to just the Santa Cruz store because they are having a 'Moving Sale'.  If you can find a Lowrance CHIRP 4 or HDI 4 without breaking your budget you will be WAY happier than the 3.  A lot more screen by % and ability for GPS depending on the model you buy.  I can help decipher the models/features if needed.

As a comparison, the Lowrance Hook 3 is $100 vs last year's model RippinLips is talking about at just a bit more BUT that 30% off will be limited to just the Santa Cruz store because they are having a 'Moving Sale'.  If you can find a Lowrance CHIRP 4 or HDI 4 without breaking your budget you will be WAY happier than the 3.  A lot more screen by % and ability for GPS depending on the model you buy.  I can help decipher the models/features if needed.

  yeah, I mentioned the SC bit, hey, NCKA express one? Ship one to him? Anything is possible.. but you are completely right, spend the extra $ get a 4, something with GPS and chart plotting will make your world a lot happier FishingForTheCure knows his stuff, not to mention mentors me on all my Lowrance splurges I go through from time to time again... Thanks bill!

As a comparison, the Lowrance Hook 3 is $100 vs last year's model RippinLips is talking about at just a bit more BUT that 30% off will be limited to just the Santa Cruz store because they are having a 'Moving Sale'.  If you can find a Lowrance CHIRP 4 or HDI 4 without breaking your budget you will be WAY happier than the 3.  A lot more screen by % and ability for GPS depending on the model you buy.  I can help decipher the models/features if needed.

  yeah, I mentioned the SC bit, hey, NCKA express one? Ship one to him? Anything is possible.. but you are completely right, spend the extra $ get a 4, something with GPS and chart plotting will make your world a lot happier FishingForTheCure knows his stuff, not to mention mentors me on all my Lowrance splurges I go through from time to time again... Thanks bill!

Word

I think you mentioned in your intro post you have a Moken.  I have the same boat and I mounted a transducer through the scupper hole using a Lowrance scupper transducer mount kit.  Unfortunately, it extends a little too far down on the Moken boat.  It' been fine for the 4 or 5 times I've taken it out, but I'm forcing myself to be a little cautious when moving the boat by hand or traveling in very shallow water.  I'm looking at purchasing a Scotty transducer arm mount which should plug into the rail on the boat and could be easily stowed when not in use.

Thanks for the tips. I think ill just wait until I can find a deal on a lowrance 4

Thanks for the tips. I think ill just wait until I can find a deal on a lowrance 4

I'll keep an eye out for you.  What's your budget?

ftp:// I want to keep the whole package close to $250 including the battery and any kind of rigging

Ok, I'll let you know if I come across a deal.  Are you ready to buy if I find one soon?  I'll be at a few stores doing lowrance training to sales staff this week so I can check.

Yes I am ready to buy one right now. That would be awesome if you could find one for me

Also I have been trying to decide between using a swing arm for the transducer or through hull. I like the idea of having the through hull because it stays out of the way but I dont want to lose sensitivity or water temp.

I experimented with all of the popular methods and settled on gooping it inside the hull. Yes, you lose the temp, but it's way, way more convenient.