Buying first FF...To GPS or not to GPS??? That's my question.

...regarding GPS, I suggest getting a compass as back-up. GPS / Fish finder combos are cool until your batteries die on you.

Also consider this....if for some reason you flip your yak out there, all your electronics will be useless unless you take the extra precaution and keep your GPS in a dry bag of course. This is another reason why I suggest getting separate units. You can water proof your GPS but not your FF.

Just my 2 cents.

Unless you have visible landmarks its the only way to find that "Hot spot" again.......Add a regular on deck compass. If you follow your gps tracks you paddle like a drunk because of the time lag, just aim your yak and follow the compass heading for a straight line shot. Also in the heavy fog, if you can't hear the waves, just glance down at the compass for a quick fix.

I agree with using separate units. I always take my GPS (and compass) with me even if I'm just going out for a short paddle. I have a Garmin 60cs and it has been under water several times and it still works great, I just rinse it off after each use.

I rolled in the surf at Linda Mar and the Humminbird worked just fine afterwards. Use a real battery. A 7.2 amp hour sealed battery will get you through the whole day and some. Its a little heavier but worth every ounce.

I have a Cuda S/Map 250 combo. I've rolled it in the surf at least twice and generally not treated it very well, but it keeps on working. My only complaint is that I don't like the little pins it uses for connections. Two+ years of plugging/unplugging and they are getting a little harder to line up properly.

You really should have a backup-up compass or GPS for failures and mishaps. I carry a small one in my PFD with a whistle. It does little good to have one mounted to your yak if you get separated from it.

Ben

I do carry a compass as a backup, should have mentioned it.  Thanks for pointing that out Mooch

I do carry a compass as a backup, should have mentioned it.  Thanks for pointing that out Mooch

same...I have a boy scout compass that I keep in my PFD (along with a whistle and glow stick). Ya never know when shit goes sideways!

I have seperate units. I keep my GPS in a clear dry bag.
Having said that, even though the unit is turned on I have never used it other than to see how fast I am going.
A compass is enough and I almost have never had to use it either. I don't just paddle out willy nilly and fish. I listen for the waves on the shore and notice landmarks, rock outcroppings and really big boilers as I head out and as I fish along the way.
If the fog really starts to come in; so do I.. I also make note of what the tide is doing and if it will change what I observe.
I hate relying on electronics.

My first FF was an pirahna and it was always getting corrosion on the contacts (didn't matter how often I kept em greased) and they end up breaking off in the unit eventually. After 2nd time of replacing cable I chucked it.
I bought the Cuda 350 ff/gps $200 from Cabela's last year with a online coupon and free shipping. I have only applied elec. grease twice all season and this thing is awesome. IM still using the heavy 7amp battery and usually charge it every other trip. I hear the color FF's use a lot more juice, something to consider? guess they are OK if you go with the big battery too?
good luck, aka-Kimo

Once again you guys came through when it comes to helping out a noob like me. After carefully reading everyone’s post and doing research, I decided to purchase a FF with separate GPS unit. Not only is it cheaper but I can also use the GPS on my backpacking trips. I also took everyone’s advice and bought a compass which will give me extra peace of mind while out on the water. Thanks again for all your input and see you guys on the water.

Once again you guys came through when it comes to helping out a noob like me. After carefully reading everyone’s post and doing research, I decided to purchase a FF with separate GPS unit. Not only is it cheaper but I can also use the GPS on my backpacking trips. I also took everyone’s advice and bought a compass which will give me extra peace of mind while out on the water. Thanks again for all your input and see you guys on the water.

good stuff. show us the pimed yak when you are all done

Personally, I like having the GPS/FF combo, as others have said for marking spots and simple navigation to those spots.  However, if I feel like i'm going to rely on my GPS to get me back to the launch, I bring a hand held, which I keep on in a hatch (works fine through hatch).  My hand held is also waterproof, and salt tested with a mistaken drop in the water, so i'm fairly sure between the two GPS's that i'll be able to find my way back home.

I also use the hand held one for marking off any SMC or MLPA boundaries, since its easier for me to plug it into my PC and create the waypoints and routes.

Wow great post.  I did not want to start another thread, cause I got a hobie outback yesterday and now need to make it fishable.  What unit do you use as the handheld?  I like the ff/gps combo with a gps handheld backup

Personally, I like having the GPS/FF combo, as others have said for marking spots and simple navigation to those spots.  However, if I feel like i'm going to rely on my GPS to get me back to the launch, I bring a hand held, which I keep on in a hatch (works fine through hatch).  My hand held is also waterproof, and salt tested with a mistaken drop in the water, so i'm fairly sure between the two GPS's that i'll be able to find my way back home.

I also use the hand held one for marking off any SMC or MLPA boundaries, since its easier for me to plug it into my PC and create the waypoints and routes.