Any Fishfinder Except Humminbird.

[cyclops2]

All 3 in a row of Humminbirds have moisture inside screen. Most developed between 2 to 3 years. So no Birds anymore.

Who makes ones that have a long lasting seal ? I need a simple finder for fresh water, in depths to 150' maximum.

Rich

[Wayne P.]

I have read about other brands with water/moisture issues. There are no absolutes. I have only experienced it with another brand.

[Crestliner2008]

I had a Lowrance X-135 for 6 years without any issues what so ever.

[crappie25]

I had a older portable hummingbird unit that feel in the water you could see it working on the bottom, had no trouble out of it.

[McAlpine]

more importantly than the brand is how you are getting moisture inside your screen? These are made to be on a boat, in the rain etc. If you are letting your electronics sit outside for 2-3 years, you cant expect anything to stay sealed as the seal will rot.

[JIGFISHERMAN.]

more importantly than the brand is how you are getting moisture inside your screen? These are made to be on a boat, in the rain etc. If you are letting your electronics sit outside for 2-3 years, you cant expect anything to stay sealed as the seal will rot.

Agreed. That seems VERY odd. I've seen units that are 10 years old that do not have this issue.

Me personally I can't wait till I can afford to swap out my Lowrance w/Humminbird electronics.

[Al Wolbach]

I prefer Lowrance units, however I have had a moisture problem with them. I believe most moisture problems are due to mounting location and maintenance/storage issues rather than brand name.......................Al

[jmb27]

I had an issue w/the connection for my old Lowrance unit as I fish from a jonboat and need to disconnect the unit after fishing. Humminbird has a better connection (read: no pins that have to align perfectly).

As others have stated, the moisture issue is very likely the seal rotting and is a storage issue as opposed to a brand issue. Perhaps, you can store the unit inside or at least have it covered better.

[slonezp]

Currently have one HB and one Lowrance on the boat. No problems with either going on 8 years.

[cyclops2]

Well I have never used a cover on any of them. I thought the gaskets were at least as good as a car gaskets sitting in the sun year around. I fish nearly everyday May 15 to Sept 15.

Anybody use, other than Lowrance & Humminbird ? Any moisture problems ?

Life isn't fair

Do you always cover both ? Are they in open sunlight mounts ?

Anybody know why this post has such thick letters ?

Can I go back to normal ?

[McAlpine]

Cyclops, the units are removable for a reason. When you get your boat home, take them off and put them in the house.

I keep mine inside year round, they travel in the back of my SUV to/from lake with plastic covers. They go on the boat when it goes in the water and come off when it comes out. Takes about 10 seconds.

They are like new still today. Additionally; for the cost of electronics today I don't think one can be too careful.

I keep my boat inside during the winter and a cover on it when it is outside the rest of the year. Before I had a boat with a cover, I would take a plastic grocery bag and tie these over empty posts when I took the units out if the boat was going to sit awhile to assist with corrosion.

Ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

[stanlje2]

I had a Lowrance that did the same. Running two birds now with no issues.

[Sam]

Cyclops, since you did not illustrate where you live, all we can do is give you some suggestions to consider n a macro basis.

Please consider the following:

1. Contact Hummingbird about the problem. You may have to write to them if their customer service is on par with Lowrance.

2. Try to find a Humminbird dealer close to your home and ask them about the problem.

3. Try to locate a Hummingbird repair facility or individual close to your home.

I have two Lowrance Units and we are fortunate to have Marine Electronics of Hartfield, Inc. as our Lowrance dealer and repair shop.

In fact, if I ever decide to go with the side imaging units I will take my boat to Marine Electronics to purchase the uint and have them install it as they guarantee the unit and the installation.

What bothers me is that moisture inside the unit can damage the electronics so it is imperative you have the repairs made ASAP.

I store my units in my Man Cave in my house and so far no problems.

My friends tell me the new Lowrance side imaging units allow moisture into the chip area where you insert the map. That bothers me as you are spending over $1500 for a unit that is not 100% secure.

And yes, click on the big "B" on on the second line of your post to remove the darker type.

Please let us know what happens as we all have problems with our units from time to time.

[McAlpine]

Cyclops, since you did not illustrate where you live, all we can do is give you some suggestions to consider n a macro basis.

Please consider the following:

1. Contact Hummingbird about the problem. You may have to write to them if their customer service is on par with Lowrance.

2. Try to find a Humminbird dealer close to your home and ask them about the problem.

3. Try to locate a Hummingbird repair facility or individual close to your home.

I have two Lowrance Units and we are fortunate to have Marine Electronics of Hartfield, Inc. as our Lowrance dealer and repair shop.

In fact, if I ever decide to go with the side imaging units I will take my boat to Marine Electronics to purchase the uint and have them install it as they guarantee the unit and the installation.

What bothers me is that moisture inside the unit can damage the electronics so it is imperative you have the repairs made ASAP.

I store my units in my Man Cave in my house and so far no problems.

My friends tell me the new Lowrance side imaging units allow moisture into the chip area where you insert the map. That bothers me as you are spending over $1500 for a unit that is not 100% secure.

And yes, click on the big "B" on on the second line of your post to remove the darker type.

Please let us know what happens as we all have problems with our units from time to time.

Another reason to buy Humminbird over Lowrance. I had heard of the bad support from Lowrance and good support from HBird before I bought so to make sure, I just picked up the phone and called both to ask about their units.

Humminbird - Easily got a person on the phone. Told them I was not an owner yet but had lots of questions. Very helpful technician with lots of answers and even emailed me documentation.

Lowrance - Tried several times, only once was I able to even get a person after many tries and this "technician" didn't know much. More like a phone answering service if you ask me. Emailed them and got a form letter back after a week. These guys stink.