<POLL> Fishfinder/GPS Brands & Desired Features

I have a Matrix 12 still. and I believe a Matrix 67.

B.S. detection W/ skunko-meter 

All good ideas (most of you  )

   Please keep them coming.  The Poll seems to be working well.  Please keep this targeted to KAYAK USE for the poll, thoughts, ideas, etc. 

 



A Eagle still going strong for this OG! 

Yeah, but you shoulda seen him ogling my Dragonfly. 

Bump ... Please keep the poll alive & feedback/ideas flowing.

If they're going to market fishfinders to kayak anglers, they should make sure all connections are water tight with no exposed wires/terminals...because saltwater will eventually corrode everything.

I think the MFG's underestimate the increased exposure (to the elements) fishfinders receive when installed on a kayak. They should be built to last more than 1 or 2 seasons. Ideally, it should last 5+ seasons of use in saltwater. IMO this is the most critical improvement they should consider...then they can deal with all the other fancy features afterwards. 

If they're going to market fishfinders to kayak anglers, they should make sure all connections are water tight with no exposed wires/terminals...because saltwater will eventually corrode everything.

I think the MFG's underestimate the increased exposure (to the elements) fishfinders receive when installed on a kayak. They should be built to last more than 1 or 2 seasons. Ideally, it should last 5+ seasons of use in saltwater. IMO this is the most critical improvement they should consider...then they can deal with all the other fancy features afterwards.

Amen!  All brands are currently built with boaters in mind, since that is the primary purchasing audience.  Yes, they get them JIS ratings for immersion but it, typically, is't the initial immersion that kills them, it's lack of proper maintenance & that is one major topic I'm bringing to the table is better longevity, better maintenance instructions & simplicity aid in less maintenance.

Front bezels that are replaceable with the latest fashionable colors and patterns ... because we all have to look good in all situation on the water


-Allen

Front bezels that are replaceable with the latest fashionable colors and patterns ... because we all have to look good in all situation on the water


-Allen

That's just silly 

   Actually, the Raymarine rep who was also at the event I went to yesterday had spray painted the bezel on his unit ... darn bass boat guys have to have glitter on everything.

How about some waterproof caps for the plugs?  Kayakers don't always leave their units attached and having a nice plug for the wires and unit would be appreciated.  Sure, I can go to ACE and sort around and find something that works... but if I pay a couple hundred bucks for something, I'd like to think it the little things would be included.  They can keep the "free towel" and use that $0.20 on plugs 

How about some waterproof caps for the plugs?  Kayakers don't always leave their units attached and having a nice plug for the wires and unit would be appreciated.  Sure, I can go to ACE and sort around and find something that works... but if I pay a couple hundred bucks for something, I'd like to think it the little things would be included.  They can keep the "free towel" and use that $0.20 on plugs 

All the units starting with the (now obsolete) HDI & CHIRP (current model) included wire caps I believe.  The older units did not.  This was something that they took note of & should be in all the boxes now.

Good point thought!

All the units starting with the (now obsolete) HDI & CHIRP (current model) included wire caps I believe.  The older units did not.  This was something that they took note of & should be in all the boxes now.

Good point thought!

Busted!    Now ya know how long it's been since I bought a new FF.  On the plus side, my Lowrance units are still working

All the units starting with the (now obsolete) HDI & CHIRP (current model) included wire caps I believe.  The older units did not.  This was something that they took note of & should be in all the boxes now.

Good point thought!

Busted!    Now ya know how long it's been since I bought a new FF.  On the plus side, my Lowrance units are still working

Not busting your questions because that was one of the first objections/comments I made to the folks at Lowrance a couple years back ... $$$ units & no caps work a couple pennies  I was glad to see that they were in the boxes that I was pawing thru yesterday in a San Francisco store.  Glad to hear your unit is working ... got worried when I saw a comment about being lost in the fog & unit not cooperating.

I should've been more clear. My problems are completely user error. I need new wiring. The plugs on my wires are slightly corroded so they lose contact if I knock into a a big enough swell.  I just jiggle the wires and it eventually turns back on.  My fault for not being as diligent as I should've been with the maintenance.

I appreciate you being the ear of the consumer! Thanks

I should've been more clear. My problems are completely user error. I need new wiring. The plugs on my wires are slightly corroded so they lose contact if I knock into a a big enough swell.  I just jiggle the wires and it eventually turns back on.  My fault for not being as diligent as I should've been with the maintenance.

I appreciate you being the ear of the consumer! Thanks

Which model unit?  Is yours the older Elite that uses a black cord that is transducer AND power (all-in-one)?