Depth/Fish Finder

[DocG2828]

Have a 06 Maxum 1800mx. Been doing some light fishing with it and we use it on the Ohio River. When we anchor, we like to get as close to the bank as possible to stay out of the way of traffic. Therefore, a depth finder would be really handy. I've seen many depth/fish finder combos for about 100 bucks that I"ve had my eye on. Also saw a depth finder that was basically built like a gauge. Problem is....with this boat, there's no good place to put an actual fish finder. The dash is humped and the windshield cuts down fairly low, leaving pretty much no room to mount one there. Other side has glove box. Anyone ever install one and have it loose...where it could be "clamped" to the windshield when stopped or puttering around. <br /><br />What about the wristwatch style ones? I'm guessing those have the tow behind transducers right? How fast can ya go with those?<br /><br />Anyways, trying to find a solution. Depth is most important...fish finding just seemed like a bonus. Looking to spend 100-150 bucks. Any suggestions?

 

[jtexas]

Re: Depth/Fish Finder

Do you have any room on the dashboard? Most units include a template for making a cut-out for in-dash installations. Or there are a number of aftermarket mounts available - try iboats, basspro, cabelas...might find a suction cup or clamp on type of thing.<br /><br />The best value for under $150 IMHO is the eagle fishmark 320. The wristwatch style can't be used while under way.<br /><br />The one you saw that looked like a gauge is called a "flasher" - one of those would probably meet your requirements - pretty much depth only, and maybe find one that takes less space.<br /><br />If you're fishing in less than 12 or 15 feet of water, it'll be more of a "fish habitat finder" anyway - I've found that I can catch fish that show up on the fishfinder in deeper water, but not so much in shallower.

 

[DocG2828]

Re: Depth/Fish Finder

Hmmm....maybe I'll either stick with the gauge style depth finders or I've come across the Humminbird Fish Finder 535 Portable. Has a suction cup transducer, battery powered, and a quick-disconnect mounting system. This way maybe I could install the mount somewhere else on the boat and when we're powering down and just idling around looking for a good spot along the bank to stop, we could pull that out, attch to the mount, and stick on the transducer. Says its good to trolling speeds. <br /><br />Anyone familiar with suction-cup transducers and/or this particular model?

 

[DocG2828]

Re: Depth/Fish Finder

Oh, I don't think the dash is large enough to mount it on the angled part nor the flat part on the top. Such a tiny boat. Probably barely have room in the dash to cut out a hole and mount the "gauge" style one.

 

[whofan]

Re: Depth/Fish Finder

I think if you were to find a ram mount for your fish finder you could mount it anywhere.<br /> Ram mount takes very little surface space to mount. It in turn elevates the graph on adjustible arm. <br /><br />This one is for Lowrance products but Ram makes a model for just about any graph.<br /> <br />Iboats mall;<br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/mall/index.cg...t_time=1149679645&view_id=39273&page_number=1 <br /> <br /> R A M Universal Lowrance/eagle Electronics Mount <br />Fishfinder Mount, 1-1/2" Ball<br />Fishfinder Mount, 1" Ball <br />R-A-M Universal Mount for Eagle and Lowrance. Includes one RAM-202 base with ball, and one RAM 201 … * <br />List price:<br />$43.99 <br /><br />Starting at:<br />$37.39 <br /><br />In stock

 

[DocG2828]

Re: Depth/Fish Finder

I went to our marine store yesterday and did some looking around and test fit a few models on our model boat. If I get a fish finder that is more vertically shaped than horizontal....it'll fit pretty nicely next to the steering wheel on the vertical part of the dash. It sticks out about as far as the steering wheel, and about 2 inches away leaving space to spin the wheel without a hand making contact with the wheel. Doesn't obstruct any switches or gauges either. <br /><br />Anyone see any problems with a mount like that? Also, I could use the cupholder to mount one, would be out of the way and fits great. But I hate to give up my driver's cup holder.<br /><br />Looking at getting a Humminbird PirhannaMax 20. Has the features that we'll need and is a good size for our mounting locations. A RAM mount just might give me the ability to squeeze it onto the top of the dash.

 

[edl55347]

Re: Depth/Fish Finder

I also have a Maxum 1800MX. I had a Hawkeye depth finder installed in the dash. It is about a 2" diameter guage. It works well. The transducer is on the transom just to the right of the engine.

 

[rook]

Re: Depth/Fish Finder

I RAM mounted my fish mark 320 but it tends to bounce and move alot in bumpy water after 4 or 5 trips and I took it off and mounted it directly. It's a great concept but didn't work out for me. By the way the Eagle fishmark 320 is an awesome graph for the money just got mine on ebay for $130.

 

[dakotarmx]

Re: Depth/Fish Finder

hi doc today i bought the pirahna max .for 99 bucks .hooked it up this evening .havent used it yet ,but i played with it .easy controls ''simple '' great lookin screen .im impressed .so far i played with the eagle a bit but didnt like the features .i like to keep it simple .pirahna max is the way to go for the price ..

 

[DocG2828]

Re: Depth/Fish Finder

Picked up a pirahna max 20 for 89 bucks at ****s Sporting Goods over the weekend. Have yet to install it. Seemed to have plenty of features for what we were looking for. The size was very important as well and this unit will fit on our dash somewhere. <br /><br />Now for the fun of locating the best spot for the transducer.<br /><br />Thanks for the input guys!

 

[dakotarmx]

Re: Depth/Fish Finder

good luck doc