garmin versus hummingbird

I'm trying to decide what is the best fish finder for my Ocean Kayak Scrambler XT.   Ideally, I would like one that is both fish finder and gps and of course portable.

I'm trying to decide what is the best fish finder for my Ocean Kayak Scrambler XT.   Ideally, I would like one that is both fish finder and gps and of course portable.

What price range are you looking at?

Under $200

Don't worry so much about the portability-- IF you are willing to make it portable yourself (which is relatively easy). I've had hummingbirds for about four or five years now. I went through my first Matrix17 pretty fast about 18months- it kept getting dunked on surf landings, and i'm really a HOE (hard on equipment), in that i didn't regularly wash it out, or stow it upon landing. This second one i've had since then its in tip-top shape.

I prefer Humminbird and Lowrance(Eagle) brands. But for a GPS FF under $200 your choices are pretty limited.

Eagle has the 250S which is right at your limit.

Another alternative is to find a discontinued model like the  Humminbird Matrix 17 or 717 at a discounted price online. I still use the Matrix 17, I've had mine for 3 years. It's important to use dielectric grease or corrosion-X on the contacts.

I prefer Humminbird and Lowrance(Eagle) brands. But for a GPS FF under $200 your choices are pretty limited.

Eagle has the 250S which is right at your limit.

I own an Eagle 250 and it works fine. I leave it attached and seal the connection with dielectric grease. Just hose it off with the yak after use. It has survived 2 years of saltwater use and surf landings.

scott

How about something simple and portable minus GPS, Humminbird RF35?

All the FF's can be portable with the foam transucer holder setup and a battery in a drybag or waterproof box.

How about something simple and portable minus GPS, Humminbird RF35?

I've got the eagle fish easy 245 (from hook1) and beat the crap out of it and never take very good care of it, and it works solid. Had it for 2 seasons.  Wish other things in my life were that reliable.

It's also cheap - like a little over a hundred bucks.