Kayak fish finder size

[68camaro]

Looking at fish finder for kayak, can't decide on 5" or 7" size (I am not getting sidescan). For a kayak is one size better than other - my uses are in ponds small - medium lakes, narrow rivers. If it matters I am looking a Simrad Go XSE (5 or 7") and competing Lowrance Elite Ti models.  Is 5 or 7" overkill? Would 4" suffice???

 

Also I would like to pick up trolling motor that supports Xi5 or Autopilot capability?

 

Thanks

[Hawkeye21]

On 4/22/2017 at 2:52 PM, 68camaro said:

Looking at fish finder for kayak, can't decide on 5" or 7" size (I am not getting sidescan). For a kayak is one size better than other - my uses are in ponds small - medium lakes, narrow rivers. If it matters I am looking a Simrad Go XSE (5 or 7") and competing Lowrance Elite Ti models.  Is 5 or 7" overkill? Would 4" suffice???

 

Also I would like to pick up trolling motor that supports Xi5 or Autopilot capability?

 

Thanks

 

There's usually plenty of room on a fishing kayak so get whatever size you want.  When it comes to displays I always prefer the biggest I can afford.  I went with the 7" because it has GPS mapping, sonar and down scan so I can see all three on the screen at once.  I usually always keep the sonar and down scan on side by side.

 

If all you're going to using is sonar then you probably don't need to have anything bigger than 5" though.

[J Francho]

Not getting SI is a mistake. You're missing a lot without it.  I use a Helix 5 on my Commander 140.  Sometimes I would like the larger screen, especially when running a DI/SI split or navigating to a waypoint.  FOr the most part, the 5 is fine.

[clayton86]

I've got the dragonfly 4 and wish I coulda got a 5 or 7 sometimes it's a little hard to see the little screen. 

[scotty918]

My 2 cents...  If you are deciding between a couple of fish finders that are different screen sizes, always pick the bigger screen size.  I've never been on my kayak and thought, "I'd sure like to be looking at a smaller screen right now".

[Darren.]

I'd go as big as I could afford, personally.

[Angry John]

I got the helix 7.  I would not like a bigger one, but I think its just right.  Larger units use more power so if you plan on using a TM then total power will effect your battery size and that can get heavy fast...

[Montanaro]

Get the biggest that won't tip your yak!

[Caliyak]

On 4/22/2017 at 0:52 PM, 68camaro said:

Looking at fish finder for kayak, can't decide on 5" or 7" size (I am not getting sidescan). For a kayak is one size better than other - my uses are in ponds small - medium lakes, narrow rivers. If it matters I am looking a Simrad Go XSE (5 or 7") and competing Lowrance Elite Ti models.  Is 5 or 7" overkill? Would 4" suffice???

 

Also I would like to pick up trolling motor that supports Xi5 or Autopilot capability?

 

Thanks

Ok, maybe because I am on a budget and simple, but I went with the Garmin Echo 100. I wanted to stay small. All I need it for; temp, depth and bottom structure. I fish small ponds and reservoirs. i did not see the need for all the extra programs and images. So if you want to stay small, stay small. What do you want and can afford? go with that. 

[68camaro]

Thanks all, I didn't buy kayak yet but last night I jumped the gun and bought Rhino rack universal loader, Boonedox loading wheels w/ pro angler extension and the BerleyPro Lowrance total image transducer protector for Pro angler. I figure I should have all this within two weeks when I will have time to go buy kayak. As you can see I am in all likelyhood getting the Hobie Pro Angler 12. I will test at shop putting on Jeep and if I can do it without breaking back I will get.

 

I have not settled on Simrad or Lowarance, SI or not, and 5 or 7". But I want to decide and get before I pick up kayak so I can put on right away. My thoughts are to get SI and 7" since there may be times I would want it so better to have than not. 

 

Any idea's on what battery I should get for this or does it come with own? 

 

 

 

[MattMurr]

I have a helix 5, works great but if I were to buy a new one it would be bigger... probably the 7"

[WestBranch]

5 hours ago, 68camaro said:

 

I have not settled on Simrad or Lowarance, SI or not, and 5 or 7". But I want to decide and get before I pick up kayak so I can put on right away. My thoughts are to get SI and 7" since there may be times I would want it so better to have than not. 

 

 

I have the lowrance hook 4 with chirp. And if I were to get another one, I'd definitely get SI. Sonar and DI basically just shows me what's under me in a under 20' of water.

A bigger screen end wouldn't hurt either.

[Alan Reed]

I went with Garmin 73 SV and I thinks 7inch is a really good size for a kayak.