Favorite Yak friendly fish finder?

It's a big 'ole scary world when it comes to sorting through all the various fish finders on the market and I was curious what you all use and why?  Does yours have GPS?  Color vs. black and white? 

Thanks,

SR

Search "Cuda" on this site. The Cuda 250 is a really nice B/W FF/GPS with a lot of reviews on this site. You can't get close to the features it has for <$400. It runs about $250 and goes on sale pretty regularly for less than that.  I just upgraded to the Lowrance M68c which is essentially the same unit, but in color.
Color is nice, but not necessary.

I've got one of the same make as FFTW, only mine is the bottom of the line. It's a Cuda 168. I've had that thing pop off it's mount in the surf a few times, dangling by the chord and still works like a charm. It's almost as if the Cuda models were built with yak fishing in mind. They take a beating and last.  The transducer plug is pretty water tight - I highly recommend a generous helping of dielectric grease. I got mine on clearance at Walmart for like $40. I believe the 242's or something like that are at Walmarts now for around $100.

I've been looking at the Eagle cuda models...gps isn't a priority on a finder with me since I already own one.  I kinda am looking for bombproof...or at least as close to bomb proof as I can find.  I'm learning that the outfitting is half the fun of yak fishing.

I've been looking at the Eagle cuda models...gps isn't a priority on a finder with me since I already own one.  I kinda am looking for bombproof...or at least as close to bomb proof as I can find.  I'm learning that the outfitting is half the fun of yak fishing.

I like the Cuda 250 s/map. Even if you don't need a GPS, it is nice to have it contained in one unit and the Map feature is really cool too.

I started with a Cuda250 smap and while it was nice I though it lacked features, resolution, and the screen was tiny. So small in fact that you need to mount it really close or you can't see it. It always got in the way when bringing in bigger fish and even had a shark smack the crap out of it which almost sent it to it's salty grave. After seeing a lot of good stuff about Humminbirds and taking one for a test spin (friends) I got a Humminbird 580c. What can I say, the difference is amazing. Not only is the screen much bigger but it's got a ton of features that come through really huge. The resolution is really nice and helps identify exactly what you're looking at. Oh, and did someone say Navionics? Yep, it's a bit more change ($350 retail) than other FF's but has been worth every penny. BTW I found mine on an online clearance website for $250. The deals are out there! Just my .02

Z

can you say manufacturer refurbished?

this is the way to go imo
still warrantied with same manufacturers warranty

I kinda am looking for bombproof...or at least as close to bomb proof as I can find. 

Most current models on the market are fairly bombproof. On the Cuda's and Lowrances, you really should plug the NMEA plug as it will readily corrode. A bit of marine grease does nicely.

A bit of marine grease does nicely.

You can also use dielectric grease from the auto parts store. They come in little ketchup packets for .50 or so.

Z

I agree with Z. Use dielectric grease. I use in on all the electrical connections in my car, kayak and anything else that is exposed. It protects against rust and salt and makes the connections easier to make and break. In case you ever want to use the NMEA connector in the future, marine grease might make it difficult.

Jay

Where do you find mfr. refurbed fishfinders?

Where do you find mfr. refurbed fishfinders?

I don't know for sure but I would start at outlet places like Sierra Trading Post.

Maybe Fry's electronics (not exactly sure).

I just bought (haven't run...no battery...no $) a Humminbird 141C. Single 20 degree beam since I'll be mostly fishing shallow water. No PGS as I have a handheld unit so I can use it for multiple types of adventure.

Color was an afterthought, but I got a redhot deal on the finder, so I bit.

Can't wait until it works!

I agree with Z. Use dielectric grease.,,,,,,,,
 In case you ever want to use the NMEA connector in the future, marine grease might make it difficult.

Jay

I agree with you guys. I said marine grease, I meant dielectric grease and there is a BIG difference!

Zee: I looked at the 580 (could not find the 580c) and I like that big screen. But does it give you tides and currents? I didn't think so. Now go change some diapers!


Just yankin your chain Big Daddy

Where do you find mfr. refurbed fishfinders?

 

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