Fish Finder

It's about time I buy a fish finder. My experience has shown me that the connections are a weak link. So I would lean toward a unit with good connections. Please give me some input on what units you like or don't and why. I am not really concerned about features I will most likely stick it on auto and forget it. Is sensitivity an issue when shooting through a hull?                  Thanks Mike

You can search and find information and reviews about various fishfinders (i.e. Humminbird Matrix, Eagle Fisheasy 240, etc.).

No matter what type of FF you buy... you need to coat the connections well with Dielectric grease... this is the only thing that will prevent corrosion.  

I have the Eagle Fisheasy 240... like the unit alot.  I permanently sealed the extra receptacle for the temperature/speed transducer with silicone to prevent water intrusion.  With a good coat of grease on the power/transducer plug... no corrosion problems yet.

I've heard the Matrix units have a good connection mechanism but haven't personally seen them.  Others can comment on that one.

For all practical purposes, I don't believe there are sensitivity issues when shooting through the hull.  Any difference in sensitivity, if any, would only be noticed in VERY deep water (like hundereds of feet deep).  The key is getting a good bond with no air between the transducer and the hull.

Erik

What about the transducer will the transom mount work mounted inside or do I need to find a puck?

Most transducers that come with FF's are adaptable to mounting on the transom or inside the hull.  As long as the bottom of the transducer can be glued to flat level spot inside the hull, you should be okay.

I have a Matrix 25 I got on sale at cabela's early this year. and I'm happy with it so far. I glued the transducer to the bottom of my extreme. also it's GPS compatible. Look for close outs.

Mike

That brings up another question better to have GPS in your FF or separate? I was going with separate because if your FF get knocked around or takes a dump your GPS is gone. I think I would feel safer with it in my vest.

I'd go separate for the exact same reason.

Well, not to be contrarian for no reason, I can see the value of a GPS integrated with the sounder/sonar for ease of use just connecting waypoints without having to manage a rod, paddle, who-knows-what-else--so I bought a Matrix 37 and the GPS sensor/antenna. But my handheld Garmin 76c allows me to download maps as well as waypoints plus it is on me in case of trouble. So I think I'll use both and that way have a backup plus ease of use either way.