looking at getting ff

Looking at getting an effective low cost ff. I mainly want it for depth and structure. Fish the delta mostly. Saw this 1 searching around,,NorCross HawkEye F33P Fish Finder....dont want alot of weight, want to use AA type batteries..Any wisdom is appreciated.

How much are you looking to spend ? As you absolutely dead set on a AAA powers model ?

Having never used that model, I can't offer a review. I'd hazard a guess that you'll be very disappointed though. Especially since there are 12v models in that ballpark price range that will vastly outperform the HawkEye.

I got the lowrance elite 3x, it retails for 100 anywhere. I kept it simple because i want to spend my time fishing, and not messing around with electronics. Its color, shows depth, temp, structure. That's pretty much all i need. Everything else i can Do on my phone. I have a overkill 12v battery for it, but you can rig it with a battery holder that takes ix AA batteries. This unit does require mounting, and installation just like any other, for the transducer. I did mine with the shoot thru hull approach using marine goop. Does not show accurate temperature.

I found more fish with my cheap Piranhamax than I ever have with my expensive FF

I found more fish with my cheap Piranhamax than I ever have with my expensive FF

That's just what I didn't want to hear... I just bought a new FF.

I found more fish with my cheap Piranhamax than I ever have with my expensive FF

That's just what I didn't want to hear... I just bought a new FF.

My experience is the opposite. I used to use a Humminbird 170 and felt like I was fishing in the dark. Depth and temperature worked great, but locating fish was a bear. I upgraded to a Lowrance Elite and was amazed what I'd been missing all that time. As far as the OP, I'm not advocating a $500 FF or anything, but for the same price as you're going to pay for the Hawkeye, you can find a great used price on a much higher caliber fish finder. Just my .02

I found more fish with my cheap Piranhamax than I ever have with my expensive FF

That's just what I didn't want to hear... I just bought a new FF.

My experience is the opposite. I used to use a Humminbird 170 and felt like I was fishing in the dark. Depth and temperature worked great, but locating fish was a bear. I upgraded to a Lowrance Elite and was amazed what I'd been missing all that time. As far as the OP, I'm not advocating a $500 FF or anything, but for the same price as you're going to pay for the Hawkeye, you can find a great used price on a much higher caliber fish finder. Just my .02

+1

sorry new keyboard....I appreciate your alls feedback. My goal is to have a ff before fall striper run. Fahrenheit840 appreciated your comments. I was leaning your direction doing research. Why reinvent to wheel when this forum has all this great insight. Thank you

Chattich ....didnt consider buying used ff...thanks

I can answer any questions you might have pertaining to the Lowrance line of FF/GPS units if any questions come about.

Bill

Chattich ....didnt consider buying used ff...thanks

Its a great way to go for a good deal, especially if you're looking for a model that's a year or two old. Just be an aware buyer if you're going the used route, especially from Craigslist or eBay. If you find one in the Classifieds on here, that's definitely your safest bet. Don't take any sellers word for anything and make sure to hook it up and play around with it before exchanging any cash. Also, be sure to check for signs of salt damage or corrosion on all of the terminals or exposed wires.

Good luck !

One thing to keep in mind pertaining to value vs. cost ... used models (generally) won't be able to undergo warranty exchange/support from the manufacturer since mo manufacturer (that I am aware of) acknowledges Craigslist as a "vendor" for their products.

I'd go with the 3X Lowarnce myself.  Run you about 130$ for a charger, battery and a fish finder.  But if you wanted cheap buy an old/used Hummingbird off someone in the group.

There is a member RIGHT NOW selling a very lightly used Lowrance Elite 4 CHIRP unit.  Jump on it!

missed several deals on ff from the fellow kayakers..Having this issue called work interrupting my ability to fish and grab good deals...Thinking I am not the only one with this problem.
I am going to buy a more expensive unit rather than save a couple of bucks..Also going to go with 12v battery instead of looking for AA type unit. Don't want to ruin a good day because I saved a couple of bucks...Thank you again for the input..very helpful...now if I can only get on the water soon.