Is it bad if you flip your kayak and your FF gets in the salt?

Wondering if I should hold off on installing my brand new FF. Planning on a trip up to HMB soon as my 2nd every trip with my Outback and almost positive I will flip it and not sure what the effect will be if my FF is submerged in the saltwater. Is there any protective casing you can use to keep it dry?

If the unit disconnects easily you can put it in a dry bag during launch and landing. Always, always make sure that all pin connections are slathered in die-electric grease. While most units are water repellant they are not waterproof. I have rolled with my Humminbird and a brief period in the water was fine.

Mine has been  submerged  several times still works

It is bad if you flip an outback. 

almost positive I will flip it

I like that you're preparing for that, Steph, but I think you need to do whatever is necessary to gain confidence that you won't flip it!

If you feel that flipping is likely I'd strip it down to just the bare essentials and keep practicing somewhere safe until you feel strongly that you likely won't flip. If you can't achieve that within a short period then maybe you need a more stable boat.

Craig's right - dielectric grease is crucial. Don't let the unit become submerged if you can help it, and give it a light rinse after all salt outings. 

 

I've had my Eagle in  both fresh and salt water and it still is in fine shape.
As for "flipping" a Hobie; well that is reserved for us clutzes (ME!) I think I am one of the very few guys ever to go "fins up," twice in one. They will toss you out but they are suppose to be able to stay upright. No one, including myself, don't know how it ever happened. My Outback just went all the way over and chucked me out. I guess I pissed it off. My first time was a long time ago and I just put my hand and body weight in the wrong place then the second time I was pulling anchor at Del Valle and it just went over. Suprised the hell out of me and Stormscrambler. Both times my depth finder was on and it is still alive and kicking.

I have another drenching story on some electronics, but that will be left for another day

Wondering if I should hold off on installing my brand new FF. Planning on a trip up to HMB soon as my 2nd every trip with my Outback and almost positive I will flip it and not sure what the effect will be if my FF is submerged in the saltwater. Is there any protective casing you can use to keep it dry?

Yes.  You may get lucky, but don't count on it.

Keep it in a dry bag and install OTW if surf launching.

Allen

Steph we will need to have a talk if you flip that monster launching inside the harbor! Di grease and a FW rinse as others have suggested. Remove it for launch and landings.

almost positive I will flip it

I like that you're preparing for that, Steph, but I think you need to do whatever is necessary to gain confidence that you won't flip it!

If you feel that flipping is likely I'd strip it down to just the bare essentials and keep practicing somewhere safe until you feel strongly that you likely won't flip. If you can't achieve that within a short period then maybe you need a more stable boat.

Craig's right - dielectric grease is crucial. Don't let the unit become submerged if you can help it, and give it a light rinse after all salt outings. 

 

+1

If you feel your going to flip your yak. Dont go out! Make sure that the WX are ideal for a salt outing. You may want to save your first salt voyage for later. Some more FW practice would be ideal. I'm not saying dont fish the salt. Just saying its a whole different animal and taking your boat for a second outing there might not be the best thing. Look on some of the threads about launching and landing. Practice self rescue, and make sure you go out with people. If you dump it you essentially on your own so prepare for that.

Good luck 

Luckily she has a fairly tough kayak to flip .... but nevertheless, preparation and confidence is the key!

+1

If you feel your going to flip your yak. Dont go out! Practice self rescue, and make sure you go out with people.

HMB is easy. Lots to explore inside the harbor. Take a sabiki with you and look for bait inside the harbor.  Don't force it if you feel uncomfortable. You could practice exiting and entering the harbor.

IMO your greatest danger is yourself  . A fear reaction like turning away from a big swell or PB wake at the last second are among the things most likely to cause you to flip. Try the MBK Tourney - easy launch, you don't have to go far to find fish and there will be plenty of people to back you up.
Judging from all your posts, you are prepared - gear wise. The rest is up to you.

I might have to hit the tourney just to get some fish time in with the fleet  Not too interested in entering the tourney though....

If the unit disconnects easily you can put it in a dry bag during launch and landing. Always, always make sure that all pin connections are slathered in die-electric grease. While most units are water repellant they are not waterproof. I have rolled with my Humminbird and a brief period in the water was fine.

Thanks ravensblack, just bought the grease, stuffs not cheap but id rather have my FF protected then not. Also got 24 shiny pool noodles. Things almost ready for war lol

almost positive I will flip it

I like that you're preparing for that, Steph, but I think you need to do whatever is necessary to gain confidence that you won't flip it!

If you feel that flipping is likely I'd strip it down to just the bare essentials and keep practicing somewhere safe until you feel strongly that you likely won't flip. If you can't achieve that within a short period then maybe you need a more stable boat.

Craig's right - dielectric grease is crucial. Don't let the unit become submerged if you can help it, and give it a light rinse after all salt outings. 

 

  Thanks Eric. You're right I'll be trying out less gear and more practice with self rescue and getting the feel of the yak.

Steph we will need to have a talk if you flip that monster launching inside the harbor! Di grease and a FW rinse as others have suggested. Remove it for launch and landings.

lol that would be a sight. the harbor was quite calm last time i went fishing off the jetty, so hoping for the best. 

Steph,

   So far youre off to a good start!  Keep it up!

Bill

My Humminbirds are bomb-proof. They get salt all over them and I have never had a problem, except for the battery connect. I have never needed the grease either.
They do get a good hose down after every use.
As for flipping, stay shallow until you feel more comfortable.
Isn't your Hobie one of the really stable ones?