Fishing buddy sonar

[jigman 2003]

I'm considering buying one of these portable units to take on fly-ins. Seems like 12 double AA batteries should weight a lot less than 2 six volts. Anybody use one? Good points, bad points, etc.

[jigman 2003]

I'm considering buying one of these portable units to take on fly-ins. Seems like 12 double AA batteries should weight a lot less than 2 six volts. Anybody use one? Good points, bad points, etc.

[prov1900]

When they first came out, a long, long time ago, my buddy had one that he affixed to his float tube. It worked great. Couldn't tell you about battery life though. If it were me, I would take my Vexilar along. That thing doesn't use batteries at all.

[prov1900]

When they first came out, a long, long time ago, my buddy had one that he affixed to his float tube. It worked great. Couldn't tell you about battery life though. If it were me, I would take my Vexilar along. That thing doesn't use batteries at all.

[Rcrouse]

Took one to Canada and it pretty muched sucked. Cant use it while moving, have to take it out of and replace it with each move. Not user friendly if more than one guy wants see it.
Came home, returned it and bought a portable Lowrance. Eight "D" batteries have lasted for two seasons (weeks). Its pretty much left on for eight hours a day.

[lassh]

I agree with Rcrouse. My Dad brought one up on a fly-in and it was not worth the weight and hassle. I caught a lot of fish while he was fiddling with that thing. A regular depth finder is preferable. There are several models that use D or C cells. Get a black and white one so it doesn't draw as much amperage.

[RAW]

I got one when the first came out too. Returned/replaced twice the first week before getting a refund. Ordered a eagle portable, can't rember the modle, long time ago but it still works fine. This unit was a 5 in diag. screen sonar that mountes on a black box via gimbal mounts. It takes 8 D cell batteries. We used 3 sets of batteries. We did shut it down on long runs and when anchored to try to conserve. Might have made it with 2 sets if we started conserving early. If I was to do it again, I'd ask the pilot to drop off extra batteries on the mid week check flight.

Rich

[Rcrouse]

As a test, I used last years batteries and they lasted the week.
I turned the unit on for ice fishing last weekend and the batteries were still good. The unit is a Fish Easy 2.