im getting a fishfinder, help

Thanks for the help.  I am now leaning towards the Cuda model- save  a little coin- and "good enough" is probably all i need- and for 100 buck less is quite a bit.  I just need to fugure out the battery issue.  So they don't sell these "battery packs" for the AA rechargables? im thinking the one of the Gel cells may be where i will look- unless Cabela's has a good solution when im there next weekend.

If you get a gel cell, make sure you get a charger made for charging gel cells as it will extend the life of your battery significantly. 

Cabela's 12V 8 amp hr gelcel for $30 w/charger (be careful what you ask for)

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-Rechargeable-12-Volt-Battery/700551.uts?WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products

IMHO, if you are going for the Cuda, spend the extra coin and get the 350 (that's coming from the cheapest man alive). It was the first kayak ff that I spent more than $100 bucks for and I have no regrets.
The gps is REALLY useful and it's hard to find a decent handheld for <$100. The tide feature is indispensable (down here at least). Where you are, having predicted current speeds, tides, and fairly decent charts with nav aids is really nice to have. Again, none of that is available on any other ff/gps until you spend BUNCH more coins. (Dang, I must be getting old because I repeat myself alot)

 Cabela's has it for $200, but you should be able to find it easily on the net for $160 or so.

BTW the Eagle Cuda 350 is the same as the Lowrance M56 if you see it for a better price.

I've been using this float charger from Harbor Fright for a while (9 years) and it seems to do alright.

http://www.harborfreight.com/automatic-battery-float-charger-42292.html
(dang,  I must be getting old because I repeat myself alot)

I'm currently using an old dewalt 12v drill battery to power my FF and it works like a champ. I just wired a red and a black roach clip connector to the contacts from the battery, then drop it all in a dry bag. Without the backlight on I can get about 10-12 hours of juice. Also keep in mind the fish finder is more then just looking for fish to show up on the screen. It's the depth, contour and structure below that I wanna be aware of. Have fun and be safe!

Cabela's 12V 8 amp hr gelcel for $30 w/charger (be careful what you ask for)

Nice! Thanks Wali!   

Cuda 350 and the RAM mount is on its way.  im holding off on the battery until next week until im at cabela's- i want to have something to have to get while im there, along with hanging out entirely too long in the "Bargain Cave".  Thanks again for the help and info. 

Cuda 350 and the RAM mount is on its way.  im holding off on the battery until next week until im at cabela's- i want to have something to have to get while im there, along with hanging out entirely too long in the "Bargain Cave".  Thanks again for the help and info. 

Can't go wromg with the Cuda, nice unit. I'm sure you will enjoy the heck out of it.It'll spoil ya.

i was in Ace hardware the other day and happened upon a new battery display- they had a bunch of seal lead acid batteries- in particular a UB1213 for 13.99 and a UB1250 for 17.99- will the smaller unit suffice do you think? i'm not the smartest when it comes ohms and amps and stuff.  Thank you!

The UB 1259 is listed at 5 Amp Hours and  the UB1213 is 1.3 Amp hours. If you know what your FF draws for current (amps) you can figure how long it will last. Obviously, the bigger the better.

For example: If your FF draws 1 amp  you will have 5 hours of usable power (in theory). There is a point that your battery will voltage will drop to the point the FF wont work anymore (Cut-out or drop-out voltage).

Erik

i was in Ace hardware the other day and happened upon a new battery display- they had a bunch of seal lead acid batteries- in particular a UB1213 for 13.99 and a UB1250 for 17.99- will the smaller unit suffice do you think? i'm not the smartest when it comes ohms and amps and stuff.  Thank you!

1.3 Amp hours is not very much life.

If it were me, I'd go for the 5Ah UB1250.

Don't forget to pick up a charger!