Fish Finder Selection between 2 models:

Hi, I recently purchased a Hobie Outback and now want to continue getting it set up for fishing with a good FF/GPS unit. I have done some research and narrowed it down to two models:  The Lowrance M68C SMap and the Hummingbird 385Ci. Both have small form factor, color screens and GPS navigation. How about ease of use? Durability? Other considerations?  Thanks in advance1

Not trying to be an asshat, but if you put "M68" in the box after you click the search button, you should get at least 16 reasons that I like the Lowrance. If you search a bit more, I'm sure you'll find at least that many more reasons to not like it. (I think Lee and Demonick had some pretty crappy luck with them)
In other words YMMV.   

(strange, but if you put it in the search box, you get two results. If you click the search button, then type it in the box, you get 16+ results) Guess you have to hold your mouth right.

I don't know much about the Lowrance, but I own the 365i (the grey scale model of the 385ci) and love it. The menus are easy to navigate, the switch fire function really helps to pinpoint structure by switching back and forward between your wide and narrow beam, and having the GPS speed constantly displayed is a handy feature for trolling. I had an issue with mine right out of the box where it wasn't recognizing the transducer. My P-max on one of my other boats uses the same XNT-9-20-T transducer, so I tried swapping them only to find it was the unit it's self. To sweeten the deal the receipt was misplaced, so I had to send it back to Hummingbird for repair. Even with no proof of purchase the repaired it under warranty, and I had it back 2-3 weeks from the day I mailed it off. That was about a year ago now, and it has preformed flawlessly ever since.

BTW: Lee had troubles with and Eagle Cuda, not a Lowrance.

BTW: Lee had troubles with and Eagle Cuda, not a Lowrance.

Same fish with a different shirt on.

Not trying to be an asshat, but if you put "M68" in the box after you click the search button, you should get at least 16 reasons that I like the Lowrance. If you search a bit more, I'm sure you'll find at least that many more reasons to not like it. (I think Lee and Demonick had some pretty crappy luck with them)

I've never had a Lowrance.  The only FF/GPS I've had experience with is a single Humminbird model. 

I've never had a Lowrance.  The only FF/GPS I've had experience with is a single Humminbird model. 

I must be mistaken, but it seems a couple of folks had problems with a Cuda reading poorly then going black and dying in short order after installation.  Glad you were not one of them.

Same fish with a different shirt on.

I keep referring to the eagle and the Lowrance interchangeably as they as essentially the same units from the same manufacturer.

Thanks guys, I ended up buying the Hummingbird 385 ci. I am sure there are pros and cons with each model but this one looked liked it would do all I needed and more. The interface looks pretty good too. Now I just need to figure out how to mount it on a RAM mount and a through hull mount on the transducer. Are there any links or videos of this on this site? I looked around but didn't seem to see any exact examples. I am sure I will figure it out without it but it is always nice to learn from others before cutting too many  holes in one's boat!  Thanks guys.

No holes are necessary for the transducer mount. The most common method used is the foam "puck" glued to the bottom of the yak. http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,4506.0.html

Not sure what yak you have, but a lot of people have been able to sneak their FF cables under the lid of their hatch. There's often a small gap in the seal of the large hatches that allows enough room. Otherwise, use a cable clam, like in the second and third pictures, here- http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,5978.0.html

Good Luck!

Thanks for the  mounting information.  I have a Hobie Outback. I want to mount it right behind the sail mast support, right in front of the Mirage Drive but I have been getting conflicting reports on this. Some say it works just fine while others say the fins will get in the way of the image. Any new data out there? Dave

I have the 385ci mounted right where you're talking about putting yours and it's been great. I have the adventure.

The pedals do periodically block the screen but it's not a TV or a video game anyway. The screen isn't quite in the middle so you may want to experiment with the placement so you have a clear view when the pedal is back on the screen side. It's really well protected in that location and doesn't get in the way or snagged when dealing with big fish or casting a fly line.

It is a bit of a trade off when you want to mark a location or change any of the settings as you have to lean forward and may have to straddle when you do it. That may be easier on an Outback, I don't know.

Hope this helps

Sorry Wayne. I wasn't very clear when I mentioned where I was looking to mount the fishfinder. I was thinking about where to put the transducer. I want a through hull mount with it placed on the floor of the boat just in behind the sail mast support. I have read that some have had signal interference from their mirage drive under the boat while others say it works just fine.  I hate to install it there only to be looking at a distorted image on my turbo fins on the screen. On the other hand if it works it is the logical choice of locations to mount the transducer. 

The nice thing about the "puck" method is that the transducer is not permanently mounted. If your preferred location generates fin interference, it's no problem to glue another puck in a different location, away from the fins.

Hey daveo,
I should've showed you my set up on the outback when we fished the MC channel as a group a few weeks ago. I have no problems at all with interference from mirage drive as I mounted my puck just in front of the sail mast. That way when you open the hatch it's right there. There's still plenty of room up front to store lots of other things. I mounted a 1" diamond base mount inside of the left tray just aft of the "up" handle for the twist n stow rudder. This way you can easily operate the sonar/gps. The only problem is makes it a little tuff to get in and out from the left side, as it's in the way. No worries on that as I just enter and exit from the right side. Hope this helps.
Cheers!

I have read that some have had signal interference from their mirage drive under the boat while others say it works just fine.  I hate to install it there only to be looking at a distorted image on my turbo fins on the screen. On the other hand if it works it is the logical choice of locations to mount the transducer. 

I am one of those who found interference from the mirage fins.  Trolling trashed the imaging because the fins were flapping in and out of the transducer sound cone. 

About mid-page on the link below shows the issue.
http://www.demonick.com/kayak/HMR/Battery.Transducer.Hull/HMR.Battery.Transducer.html

And here is a thread in which such interference is discussed and a FF screen shot (second to last post).
http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,4411.msg48655.html#msg48655

Sorry Wayne. I wasn't very clear when I mentioned where I was looking to mount the fishfinder.

No problem at all. I remember being concerned about this when I installed mine and now that I've seen demonick's screen shot, I'll be taking a closer look at mine... Putting the closed cell cradle in like Pisco said would be great for testing without worry. The humminbird cradle seems very permanent.