Humminbird PiranhaMAX 170 review

[RustyShackleford]

I just installed and used my first fish finder. It is a Humminbird PiranhaMAX 170 with transducer included. Installation was a breeze, with the exception that one of the screws broke. I was installing it on a flange that sticks off from my pontoon. I ended up going with a bolt,washer,nut install instead. The transducer cable is plenty long, as is the power cable. Note, the instructions recommend installing a 1A inline fuse, but one is not included. The connectors are solid, as is the mount. The unit is easy to disconnect and remove from the mount, so you don't have to leave it onboard. The screen is VERY visible, even in direct sunlight. I was out fishing from 6AM to 3PM and there wasn't any time that I could not see the display clearly. It appears to detect fish very well, shows the contours of the bed very well, and even shows the plants. The depth measurement seems to be spot on. I did not purchase mine through iboats, but they do carry it for the same price. Coming in at only $100, I'd say it is a great little fish finder for the price.

http://www.iboats.com/Humminbird-PiranhaMAX-170-Fish-Finder-with-Transom-Mount-Transducer-4-Mono-Display/dm/*******.654088850--session_id.930587224--view_id.480739

 

[rksnow1]

Re: Humminbird PiranhaMAX 170 review

Thanks for the review, It was very helpful. I was looking at this depth finder as well for my SeaRayder F14 Jetboat, but wasnt sure if it will work. The description wasnt to helpful on the site. Few quick questions if you can help. Does this come with a thru-hull transducer as well? Most of the jet drive boats I see use a thruhull transducer, not sure if a regular transducer is affected by the jet. Do you know the minimum depth it will detect? I saw it it a 4" screen but what is the overall size of the unit and mounting bracket roughly. I originally was looking for just a depthfinder but rather have the fishfinder as well if I can make it work. thanks again

 

[RustyShackleford]

Re: Humminbird PiranhaMAX 170 review

Thanks for the review, It was very helpful. I was looking at this depth finder as well for my SeaRayder F14 Jetboat, but wasnt sure if it will work. The description wasnt to helpful on the site. Few quick questions if you can help. Does this come with a thru-hull transducer as well? Most of the jet drive boats I see use a thruhull transducer, not sure if a regular transducer is affected by the jet. Do you know the minimum depth it will detect? I saw it it a 4" screen but what is the overall size of the unit and mounting bracket roughly. I originally was looking for just a depthfinder but rather have the fishfinder as well if I can make it work. thanks again

It comes with a transom-mount transducer, but I think I remember the manual saying that they will trade you for a thru-hull transducer if you need one. I will check the manual again. There doesn't seem to be any minimum depth. I watched it while I berthed my pontoon and it went all the way down to 1'. The base for the mounting bracket is about 3" wide by 2.5", if I remember right. Pretty small footprint. It can spin 360deg too. I have it mounted on a front corner of my console so I can see it, and I can also turn it about 90deg and someone sitting on the couch in front of me can watch it too. I can take a pic for ya. I don't know the overall dimensions, but I can check next time I go out.

This also measures water temp, btw. Also, it works up to about 8MPH.

 

[RustyShackleford]

Re: Humminbird PiranhaMAX 170 review

Yeah, the manual says you can exchange the transducer at little or no cost.

 

[s freud]

Re: Humminbird PiranhaMAX 170 review

Thanks for the review. Hope to be in the market for one of these soon once I save up some money in my boat fund.

 

[RustyShackleford]

Re: Humminbird PiranhaMAX 170 review

Thanks for the review. Hope to be in the market for one of these soon once I save up some money in my boat fund.

I was wishing I had one with GPS, but I like gadgets so I am going to have a separate GPS mounted on the other corner of my console. Some are pretty cheap, but one of my buddies is giving me one since the battery is crap and I just have to take him to lunch for it. Aside from maybe upgrading to one that works at higher speed, I dont really see any reason to upgrade from this.