Depthfinder for raft

[wildmtwalleye]

All,

New to the board. Fish for eyes in shallowish freestone rivers out of a two person inflatable cataraft (see photo). I would like to install a depthfinder onto this boat to find structure and fish in deeper holes (6-20 foot).

Right now I am leaning towards the helix 5 si. Thoughts on this unit? I am choosing the 5" over the 7" due to size, portability, and battery usage.

How well would this unit perform in shallow water (4-12')? How well does the side imagining perform? I've seen a few photos and YouTube reviews, but I am interested in hearing from someone who owns this unit and uses it in rivers.

Tossed in a little jig porn to sweeten the deal.

[Waxy]

Something like this might work for you?

https://www.westmarine.com/buy/lowra...-kit--17982612

Paired up with either a Hook2 or Elite TI unit with a 5" or 7" screen and you'd have a really nice setup.

Hook2 with a Tripleshot transducer will give you standard 2D, down imaging and side imaging.

Elite TI with a Totalscan transducer will give you 2D, DI and SI as well. There might be some REALLY good deals on these units coming up now that Lowrance has announced the new Elite TI2.

My advice would be to go with the 7" screen if it's in the budget, it's a BIG step from the 5 to the 7 in terms of screen size, especially if you're using a split screen or trying to use SI. SI is pretty much a wasted feature on a 5" screen, there just isn't enough size or resolution to really be able to see anything in my opinion. It's really not any more of a hassle to lug around than the 5" screen, and you'll me more than happy to do it once you're fishing.

I use one of these packs for my portable/ice fishing unit.

https://www.lowrance.com/lowrance/ty...s/ppp-18i-ice/

I have an Elite 7 TI mounted on it and I use a Totalscan transducer or the ice transducer. It works perfectly. Nice sized TOUCH screen, 2D/DI/SI, GPS, base maps, and built in Genesis live mapping. The battery will last 8-10 hrs no problem. I make sure I have a fully charged spare just in case and I just swap them out on really long days or multi-day trips.

Waxy

[last chance]

I would go with a 7" screen. I have the helix 7 di with gps and I just wouldn't be happy at all with a 5" screen.

[wildmtwalleye]

Great info all. I am leaning towards the helix 7 g2n si now.

I can get a new one for 600 or a used one for $515. Any small businesses prices close to that?

[wildmtwalleye]

I went with the 7. Should be here by the end of the week.

Thoughts on attaching the x-ducer to a piece of PVC attached to the frame of the raft? How far should the x-ducer be in the water?

Marking at speed is not a concern since it is a rowed raft, not a motorized boat.

[bfish]

Look at transducer mounts for fishing kayaks. Madfrog Liberator is one that comes to mind. Very easy to adapt to the frame. Most have the ability to lift, if you do knock something or need to run in very shallow riffle.

[That Minnesota guy]

Originally Posted by wildmtwalleye

Great info all. I am leaning towards the helix 7 g2n si now.

I can get a new one for 600 or a used one for $515. Any small businesses prices close to that?

I certainly would not buy used to save a measly $85. The warranty would be worth more than that for me.

[last chance]

Originally Posted by wildmtwalleye

Great info all. I am leaning towards the helix 7 g2n si now.

I can get a new one for 600 or a used one for $515. Any small businesses prices close to that?

600.00 would be a great price on a new one with si.