New member

New member and just upgraded to a new 2015 14' PA. Thinking about a fishfinder/Chartplotter combo as an add-on. I was looking at the Lowrance Elite 4 HDI. Do you guys find the screen is big enough to see clearly? Assume with all the dashboard on my PA I can mount it fairly close to me, but still interested in hearing what other's have to say. Different transponders listed as well, recommendations on that?
Trying to get some time down in VA beach and the Outer Banks areas to fish. If there are others down there that can provide a little guidance, that would be great. Thanks.

Welcome aboard Dabbie.

Based on personal experience I would not recommend the Lowrance Elite 4 at all... Not one little bit.

Firstly mine (albeit the chartplotter version with a card slot) was so not waterproof it wasn't funny. The first unit crapped out after about 5 trips nearly taking the Navionics card with it. Then I had to return it to the UK for warranty service (it was a gift sourced there). The supplier in the UK whinged a bit but eventually after several mths sent a replacement which I decided not to use on the kayak due to its lack of waterproofing.

I used that unit for the second time on my boat just this weekend... And guess what - it doesn't work any longer!

I reckon I have had no more than ten (yes, that's 10) total trips out of the two units. What a load of rubbish they have been.

Oh, and yes, you are right the screen is too small to be usable unless you can pick the device up and hold it nearer to your eyeballs.

And did I mention that, for all its supposedly fancy technology, it didn't seem any better at detecting fish than the old Eagle Cuda FF that it replaced?

As to a better product to use - I am not sure yet but I may go for a Humminbird next time because they seem to have a better system for connecting the power cable but I am not going to spend up large on a GPS chartplotter version this time: I am going to get the cheapest FF unit I can to fix to my kayak and will eventually buy a handheld GPS CP unit for navigation so that I can (hopefully) keep the GPS at least away from as much saltwater as possible and thus reduce my risk of loss of more $.

Sorry to kick off with such a negative response to your first thread but I guess reporting first hand experiences, the good and the bad, is what these forums are about.

Hope you find something suitable.

Past experience of "waterproof" marine electrical equipment means installation in an exposed area leads to leaks. That lowrance seems to be especially well known for leaks. They really are designed for boats with cuddys or dodgers. I reckon kayak use is just too damp for most electronics unless you cover it in a secondary housing.

But I live in Scotland so may be biased!!

cosybike...I agree with your observation...and my experience with both Lowrance and Humminbird units is Humminbirds units are superior in waterproofing.

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Dr.SteelheadCatcher
Warrenton, OR

Thanks for the info guys, and sorry for the delayed response on my part - been traveling on business. Will do some more research.
Thanks!