Original Fish Finder model for '89 Bass Tracker Pro 17?

[ThaRealBigBen]

I have an '89 Bass Tracker Pro 17 that I've been gradually getting back up-to-speed so to speak. I don't have the original fish finders (both front deck and console) but it looks like most everything else is in place to rig them up (transducers, mounts, wiring, etc.). I have no idea what models were originally sold with the boat, but is there a way to find out and get just the main units that I need? I would be taking a gamble that everything still works, of course. Would other model units be interchangeable with the parts I already have? Would it be even worth my time/trouble? I'm looking to just see what little added functionality I could get without forking out a lot of time or money.

 

[bruceb58]

Just buy a new one. They are way better that ones of that vintage for less money.

 

[Scott Danforth]

For many years in the 80's they were hummingbird flasher units on the Bass Pro stuff. Agreed, buy new (about 5 times cheaper than a working flasher)

 

[ThaRealBigBen]

So, when you guys say "buy a new one", I assume you also mean re-run all the wiring and transducers, etc.? I mean is it even possible to harness the existing transducers and stuff already installed on the boat? Can I even buy just the screen? I'm kind of a noob when it comes to fish finders.

 

[bruceb58]

So, when you guys say "buy a new one", I assume you also mean re-run all the wiring and transducers, etc.? I mean is it even possible to harness the existing transducers and stuff already installed on the boat? Can I even buy just the screen? I'm kind of a noob when it comes to fish finders.

It will take you less than 2 hours to rewire a new one in. I replaced the one that came with my pontoon a couple years ago with a much nicer color display model that also told me speed. Pontoons are super easy to install new depth sounders on.

 

[82rude]

No fish finder made back in the 80,s would ever come close to what you can get today for a lot less.I have one from the 90,s that I paid 500 for and I just bought one for 150 new that's far and away above that old piece of junk .What wasn't even available or if it was it was thousands now cost low hundreds.This is one case where original equipment is a backward step.As bruceb58 states their easy to install and you will not regret it .

 

[Scott Danforth]

the old technology is not compatible with the new technology. re-run the wireing, install the new transducers and go fishing.

most of the Tracker boats had the transducers epoxied inside the hull vs a transom mount. quite easy to glue the next one there.

 

[fishin98]

My opinion would be to just replace everything thing with new color units. Nothing you have on the boat currently would work with today's units. Installing new transducers and wiring would take just a couple of hrs.