Kayak Sonar Question

[Caver]

I was thinking of installing a sonar/depth finder on my kayak, but I have a stupid question. If you dump your kayak will you destroy the display? I just don't want to invest all that money and then tip the thing if it's not waterproof.

[WookieeJedi]

Most units are waterproof, so a dumpover isn't the end of the world. One thing to look for is a screen panel almost flat with the rest of the console. If those two are different heights, water will collect there and ruin the LCD in bright sunlight. Mine is a Lowrance Max-4, and it gets wet every time out, not dumped, but wet. A deer feeder battery will run it for 3 days on one charge. It is a handy thing to have.

[cajun_flipper]

I thought about putting a sonar on my yak until I really thought about it. The purpose of my kayak is to

A) Fish inland marshes from unimproved areas (like putting in ditches in Leeville, LA)

Fish small, shallow rivers that are not able to handle regular boat traffic

C) Enjoy a more primitive form of the sport to enjoy the serenity and challenges without modern help.

Because 90% of my kayak fishing is done in less than 5ft of water, I opted to leave my kayak modifications to a camouflage spray paint job and some upgraded bow lines. I also didn't want to deal with the wiring, weight, or the fact that it takes up more space (which is limited in a yak already). Depending on what you have you're kayak for and what you do with it, it may be a wise investment. Some guys hit major lakes and waterways with them. If that's you, then by all means, get a depthfinder. I've never had one fully submerged, however I have had days in my bass boat where waves break over the bow and soak the display unit. Never seemed to hurt it. I'm running a hummingbird. Not sure what model.

[Caver]

I appreciate your posts guys this helps a lot.