Fish finder on inflatable boat

[Zim]

Hi there!

I just ordered a Sea Eagle SE8 inflatable boat, and I was thinking of getting a fish finder to toy around with too. Can I just use any fish finder with an inflatable boat?

After a bit of research, I realized that I will probably have to use a suction cup for the transducer, since no air is allowed between the transducer and the water. I guess that rules out placing it inside the boat. So the real question is, I think, will any suction cup stick to the boat? Are they that effective?

Thanks for any advice :albino:

[kutthroatkilla]

Hi there!

I just ordered a Sea Eagle SE8 inflatable boat, and I was thinking of getting a fish finder to toy around with too. Can I just use any fish finder with an inflatable boat?

So the real question is, I think, will any suction cup stick to the boat? Are they that effective?

Both Sam-K and myself own the same unit by Eagle. It's the Fish Easy 245DS with suction cup mounting it works great and I've had no problems. We have a good thread by VooDoo about this...search under forum posts. I wouldn't recommend the one I have (and Sam-K has) because of its using so many batteries. VooDoo's unit it sweet! The suction cup mounting works, because I've fished like this for over 2 years and have done very well using it. I would seriously look at the Humminbird brand. I have one that I would give to you for free. It's a PhiranaMax20 by Humminbird with a suction cup mounting system. They are so easy to use.

[A9]

Be careful though. I hear the suction cup mounts do not work that great on the surfaces of inflatable boats. I can't confirm it for you, but it's something you should keep in mind and perhaps try to get answered

[Zim]

Thanks for the answers, that was quick!

The thing about sticking to surfaces of inflatable boats is exactly what I am worried about! I'm hoping someone in here has tried it already. And also what to do, if a suction cup is not an option.

I was thinking of getting something like this: http://www.washingtonlakes.com/Forum/vi ... php?t=2568

Thanks!

[A9]

I don't think you have a lot of options if that doesn't work. You might have to buy one of the wooden transoms those inflatables can often be outfitted with then get something like a fishfinder with a clamp mount ...

[dilbert]

Are you going to have a trolling motor on the boat? You can get an adapter to mount a regular transducer on your trolling motor.

At Bass Pro Shops
At Cabelas

[kutthroatkilla]

Thanks for the answers, that was quick!

The thing about sticking to surfaces of inflatable boats is exactly what I am worried about!

I can't guarantee anything, but they suction cup to about 95% of surfaces. Mine goes onto wood. You'd have to check it out first hand before buying a unit, or make sure you could return the unit if it didn't end up working. I've talked to a lot of fishermen and they love their portable units.

KTK

[Zim]

dilbert: Didn't order a motor yet, but maybe some day :bounce:

Are there any shops near Seattle with a good selection of fish finders? Preferably including the one I linked above. I've only seen them online so far. I'm not from around here, so I don't know where to find stuff like that :-)

[kutthroatkilla]

Are there any shops near Seattle with a good selection of fish finders? Preferably including the one I linked above. I've only seen them online so far. I'm not from around here, so I don't know where to find stuff like that :-)

Outdoor Emporium is good, check out West Marine and Joes Sports as well. All 3 carry fish finders for a reasonable price. Portable units are a little harder to find, but they usually can special order them for you real quick. A good resource would be Brandon at Bellevue's West Marine store - the guy is solid and knows his stuff]

[trout slayer]

I got a eagle cudda 242 from sportsmans warehouse and it came with a cup and the unit dont have to be mounted to the fish finder stand you can either mount it or prop it up so you can see it so there is no screwing to do. i think i paid 69.99 or sumthin and it works great.....

[Zim]

Thanks for all your replies! I'll get one and see how it goes.