FF Extended Warranty?

I'm strongly considering an HB 597ci HD. The online place I found it offers a 3 year extended warranty for an additional $50. Would it be a good idea to get it? I'm not one that usually pays for warranties.

Do you plan on doing beach launches? Sand is death to electronics .... If you are as rough on gear as I am get the coverage!
The 597 is a GREAT unit but it sucks a lot of juice. I have a 9AH battery and I'm thinking about getting a back up battery. 9AH is good for a couple days tops.

Like FG said, if you are hard on gear, plan on using it alot or in saltwater and surf launches get the extended.

Thanks. As this is my first ff, I was up in the air on the warranty. I plan on using it in both fresh and salt. I would feel better being covered for any mishaps. I also plan on having a couple rechargeable batteries on hand.

Thanks for the advice

Do you plan on doing beach launches? Sand is death to electronics .... If you are as rough on gear as I am get the coverage!
The 597 is a GREAT unit but it sucks a lot of juice. I have a 9AH battery and I'm thinking about getting a back up battery. 9AH is good for a couple days tops.

Mind if I ask what battery you're using?

I think the brand is Werkner. It is just a sealed lead acid bartery. $30 bucks or so. Bought a $5 water proof tupper ware box and wired in a 3 amp fuse.

Here is a  link to the most popular type of battery used. There are a alot of different brands and places to purchase them. Shop around

http://www.batteriesplus.com/products/100085-1/102629-SLA-Sealed-Lead-Acid-Batteries/102645-Werker/12V/1.aspx

The specs list the HB 597ci HD as drawing 615 mA of power.  A 7 Ah battery theoretically should run it for about 10 hours.  Set your warning voltage on the 597 to a low number.  I have an HB that draws 650 mA and I get at least 7 hours from my 7Ah battery and I run my display at maximum brightness.  If you turn down your display brightness you will extend your battery life. 

Rinse off the unit and the connections after each trip with fresh water.  I hose off my connector base and rinse the unit under the tap.  HB says their units are good for 30 minutes submerged.  While I wouldn't want to test that, a thorough rinse does no harm.  The use of dielectric grease on both sets of contacts will help preserve the unit as well. 

Thanks again for all the great info. Unless you have any advice on a ff around the $500 mark, I think I'll pull the trigger on the 597ci HD.

Very glad I found this forum.

The 597 is great and the standard transducer inside the hull has worked great for me.

One other question.......

What RAM mount would I need for a Hobie Outback? Any other additional mounting accessories I'll need?

Thanks!

... What RAM mount would I need for a Hobie Outback? Any other additional mounting accessories I'll need? ...

Here are some ideas, your needs may vary ...
http://www.demonick.com/kayak/FF.GPS/Mount.html