Elite-4 or Mark-4

That's pretty slick Craig.  I like the eyes you put on it as well. (last picture) 

What size PVC is that?

I just measured and it looks like 1 1/4 inch (if there is such a thing).  You can see the barcode on the T.  That could be used to verify it.  I had an extra T and some scrap pieces of pipe so I only had to buy the end caps.  Therefore, I don't know the total cost, or if it would be worth it for you to try.  Like I said, I wanted it easily removable and in a way I could test it on both sides.  I only use one rod holder up front so the other was available.  The padeyes were extras I had and I put them on so I could leash my pliers to them.

That's pretty slick Craig.  I like the eyes you put on it as well. (last picture) 

What size PVC is that?

I just measured and it looks like 1 1/4 inch (if there is such a thing).  You can see the barcode on the T.  That could be used to verify it.  I had an extra T and some scrap pieces of pipe so I only had to buy the end caps.  Therefore, I don't know the total cost, or if it would be worth it for you to try.  Like I said, I wanted it easily removable and in a way I could test it on both sides.  I only use one rod holder up front so the other was available.  The padeyes were extras I had and I put them on so I could leash my pliers to them.

I will bet it is 1" PVC, which has an ID of ~1" and an OD of ~ 1-1/4". I know that I used 1" PVC with a sleeve of pipe insulation on top of it, and I could barely get it out of my rod holder well on the Oasis. It really sticks in there, as Craig says. If you want to be a little classier than Craig, I can give you a 1" Ram ball mount that I ended up not using, that was designed to mount on tubing.

http://www.rammount.com/CatalogResults/PartDetails/tabid/63/partid/082065077045066045049048056066085/Default.aspx

That's pretty slick Craig.  I like the eyes you put on it as well. (last picture) 

What size PVC is that?

I just measured and it looks like 1 1/4 inch (if there is such a thing).  You can see the barcode on the T.  That could be used to verify it.  I had an extra T and some scrap pieces of pipe so I only had to buy the end caps.  Therefore, I don't know the total cost, or if it would be worth it for you to try.  Like I said, I wanted it easily removable and in a way I could test it on both sides.  I only use one rod holder up front so the other was available.  The padeyes were extras I had and I put them on so I could leash my pliers to them.

I will bet it is 1" PVC, which has an ID of ~1" and an OD of ~ 1-1/4". I know that I used 1" PVC with a sleeve of pipe insulation on top of it, and I could barely get it out of my rod holder well on the Oasis. It really sticks in there, as Craig says. If you want to be a little classier than Craig, I can give you a 1" Ram ball mount that I ended up not using, that was designed to mount on tubing.

http://www.rammount.com/CatalogResults/PartDetails/tabid/63/partid/082065077045066045049048056066085/Default.aspx

Yes it is 1 inch.  I found the pipe.  As for classy, nothing says classy like pvc.  It is the modeling clay of yak pimpin' artisans like me.    Maybe I will spritz it with a little rattle can black to give it that "finished" look.  You should see my Hobie duck blind.  It is the epitome of pvc craftsmanship.

I think I may even have the 1" PVC and eyes already. maybe not the caps though.  should be a cheap fix.  I'll just need to figure out the cabling. Not sure if i want to poke a hole in or run them into the front hatch.

Shermanator, thanks for the offer but I'd need to travel a little too far to pick it up.   Pretty slick though, I might need to order one.

Craig - I will have to check out your handiwork sometime. There is a reason I know about PVC sizes, and it isn't because  I am a plumber, because I'm not.

Justin - I'm pretty sure I didn't drive to the factory in Seattle to pick up that mount, but whatever. 

I can give you a 1" Ram ball mount that I ended up not using, that was designed to mount on tubing.

Justin - and I'll take back that offer anyway. I remember seeing that mount lying around loose in the garage, and thought it wasn't being used, but I remember now that it was lying there because I'm supposed to have cut the tube that the mount goes on. Better cut that tube and get it mounted before I give my FF away, too. 

I finally pulled the trigger on this

Humminbird 386ci Fishfinder/Chartplotter Combo
Model # 14157515
$299.99 @ Westmarine w/free shipping

That's a very nice unit!!  TFT = bright screen in sun, 500 watts RMS power means you can get bottom reading down to at least 400 feet in the salt.  Good choice!!

I finally pulled the trigger on this

Humminbird 386ci Fishfinder/Chartplotter Combo
Model # 14157515
$299.99 @ Westmarine w/free shipping

I will be purchasing a new FF before the ORC.  After you get a chance to use it a bit I'd love here how you like it.

I finally pulled the trigger on this

Humminbird 386ci Fishfinder/Chartplotter Combo
Model # 14157515
$299.99 @ Westmarine w/free shipping

I will be purchasing a new FF before the ORC.  After you get a chance to use it a bit I'd love here how you like it.

I should do a review of it.  Unfortunately I'm not planning on getting on the Yak for at least another month   Stupid Ice!

I finally pulled the trigger on this

Humminbird 386ci Fishfinder/Chartplotter Combo
Model # 14157515
$299.99 @ Westmarine w/free shipping

I will be purchasing a new FF before the ORC.  After you get a chance to use it a bit I'd love here how you like it.

I should do a review of it.  Unfortunately I'm not planning on getting on the Yak for at least another month   Stupid Ice!

Don't let a little ice stop ya...mount one of these an go! 

I finally pulled the trigger on this

Humminbird 386ci Fishfinder/Chartplotter Combo
Model # 14157515
$299.99 @ Westmarine w/free shipping

I will be purchasing a new FF before the ORC.  After you get a chance to use it a bit I'd love here how you like it.

If you sign up for West Marine's coupons they usually have a $50 off purchases over 300 or 10-20% off any one item. Also check with fisherman's, they had a couple of these reduced/on clearance at the sportsmen's show.

Justin, how did you decide which one of the 4 different 385/6 models to go with? Cheapest?

386ci-299.99
386ci DI-399.99
385ci DI-349.88 (499.99 regular price)
385ci advanced dualbeam plus sonar-349.88 (399.99 regular price)

I didn't want a Down Imager for one and I preferred the lower price.

Have you had a chance to test out your FF? I'm looking to buy one soon. Might get this model. Sounds like the Hummingbird is favorited over the Lowrance.

I've only been out once with it.  IT was pretty nice.

Easy to use, it spotted schools of closed mouth Crappie all day.

I tried out the GPS stuff, marking fish and go back to those spots.

I need to get out more but most of the lakes are still frozen over.