Portable depthfinders

[Will]

Hi all, I'm going to Canada this spring and would like some advice on the best portable depthfinder ie. suction cup bracket, power cables and lowest cost. On my boat I use a lowrance X-85, would I be smarter just to buy an extra suction cup and transducer along with a power cable and bring my X-85 along? by the way the boats provided will have fully charged batteries for our use.

Thanks in advance
Will

[Chuck Pederson MN]

Hey Will I have an extra transducer mounted on a suction cup. I used it in Canada on one trip and have not used since. I had my LMS350A but I think the transducers are the same. It's a PT-WS wide angle you will still
need a power cord but I can get this to you reasonable if it will work. Let me know. Chuck Pederson

[Grey Wolf]

For about $70 bucks or so I picked up a Lowrance portable box for my X85, included the transducer, suction cup, ortable pack and all. I would have had to pick up a battery and charge as well $20 bucks, but I already had several of them. I use this for Canada exclusively and its great.

[Will]

Grey wolf where did you purchase this at?
Thanks
Will

[big laker]

I think you would be better off spending the money to make your x85 portable. My x85 actually came with everything needed to make it portable. I have been to the Quetico many times and I always brought a cheap portable HummingBird. The last couple years I've mounted the x85 to my canoe, there is no comparison. If your used to the detail of the x85, you won't be satisfied with most of the cheap portable units. Of course a cheap portable is still better than nothing.

[Bob G2]

With the price of the portable cases from the manufacturers (70-80 bucks w/o batteries or transuducer), it is easy to make one yourself. I have made portable cases from plastic pistol cases that sell for around 10.00-15.00. They are lockable, soft foam filled cases that you can store your unit in while not in use. You can purchase small (7-12 amp) 12 volt gel cell batteries at Batteries Plus. Then what I had done is drill a small hole on the side to pass the wiring through. I also drilled a small hole on top of the case, and then through the center of my graph mount. Then you can attach the graph mount to the top of the case with a nylon bolt and wing nut, pass the wiring through and you are good to go. Get either a suction mount, portable mount (like Titelock's) or even a small 1x3 with C-Clamps to mount the transducer to and you are good to go.

P.S.- Note the amp draw of your graph unit to assess your battery needs.

[Gary B]

Will,

If you want to make the X-85 portable, it is very do-able. I do the same with my Eagle Ultra Classic every winter. You'll need a box, mounting bracket, transducer, wiring harnesses with plug ends, and a battery (or use boat battery). It can be done, but..........by the time you put together everything you won't save much over just buying the portable kit. It includes everything you'll need except the battery, and any 12 volt source will work.