Portable Fish Finder / GPS Combo - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Montesdad · 08-19-2008, 07:42 AM

I do the same basic thing with the whole unit removable -
also use a water bath that I made 'tween the mast post
and the drive well and c-clamp the transducer to the inside mast post

Don't use the tub anymore - I attach the bag to the mast post - all goes inside when coming or going from surf and it takes a minute to set it all up.

Billy V · 08-19-2008, 12:10 PM

I don't think you will be happy with the portable Hummingbird strapped to the yak. A more secure mount like PVC in the Sail Mast, or a $25 Ram Mount would serve you better (lots of maneuverability options).

-If its not having wires drilled trough the hull that you are after consider mounting a PiranhaMax 215 ($89) this way:

On the Adventure there is a T-Cleat in the forward section of the well. If you remove the T-Cleat you can drill a small hole behind it that will allow you to pass the FF wires through. When you don't want wires showing through your Yak, just slide them back into the hole and re-install the T-cleat.
-This unit runs for several outings on 8 AA rechargeable batteries that I have in a $6 dry box from Walmart, that is Velcro to the inside of the hull.

Additionally, I always use a 1 qt. freezer bag over my FF and use a rubber band to hold it on. It completely covers the unit and wires. I have taken big waves to the chest while launching and the FF remained dry and still works perfectly. (Still get the West Marine Warranty though)

Sherm · 08-20-2008, 08:24 AM

Just my opinion.... but portable self contained units don't seem to last long. I finally broke down a while back and spent the money on a good fish finder. Color digital display and everything. It's got permanent mounts and I have not taken it off the yak in a couple of years. The finder still works awesome and I have had no problems. Just clean it every once in a while.

I can't get a baggie over mine very easily. However, it's a good unit and I have submerged it a few times and have not had any problems. Took the first wave all the way over my head a couple weekends ago and the finder worked great.

Adam · 08-21-2008, 09:54 AM

THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH FOR YOUR VALUABLE INPUT!!

08-19-2008, 07:42 AM	#1
Montesdad Grey Haired Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: So. Orange County Posts: 53	I do the same basic thing with the whole unit removable - also use a water bath that I made 'tween the mast post and the drive well and c-clamp the transducer to the inside mast post Don't use the tub anymore - I attach the bag to the mast post - all goes inside when coming or going from surf and it takes a minute to set it all up. Last edited by Montesdad; 08-19-2008 at 05:49 PM.

08-20-2008, 08:24 AM	#3
Sherm Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: San Diego Posts: 490	Just my opinion.... but portable self contained units don't seem to last long. I finally broke down a while back and spent the money on a good fish finder. Color digital display and everything. It's got permanent mounts and I have not taken it off the yak in a couple of years. The finder still works awesome and I have had no problems. Just clean it every once in a while. I can't get a baggie over mine very easily. However, it's a good unit and I have submerged it a few times and have not had any problems. Took the first wave all the way over my head a couple weekends ago and the finder worked great. Last edited by Sherm; 08-20-2008 at 08:38 AM.

08-19-2008, 12:10 PM	#2
Billy V Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bay Ho Posts: 1,382	I don't think you will be happy with the portable Hummingbird strapped to the yak. A more secure mount like PVC in the Sail Mast, or a $25 Ram Mount would serve you better (lots of maneuverability options). -If its not having wires drilled trough the hull that you are after consider mounting a PiranhaMax 215 ($89) this way: On the Adventure there is a T-Cleat in the forward section of the well. If you remove the T-Cleat you can drill a small hole behind it that will allow you to pass the FF wires through. When you don't want wires showing through your Yak, just slide them back into the hole and re-install the T-cleat. -This unit runs for several outings on 8 AA rechargeable batteries that I have in a $6 dry box from Walmart, that is Velcro to the inside of the hull. Additionally, I always use a 1 qt. freezer bag over my FF and use a rubber band to hold it on. It completely covers the unit and wires. I have taken big waves to the chest while launching and the FF remained dry and still works perfectly. (Still get the West Marine Warranty though)

08-21-2008, 09:54 AM	#4
Adam Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 27	THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH FOR YOUR VALUABLE INPUT!!