Topic: What is a good model HB for a kayak

[fishbone]

What the best model sonar for a yak? How would the xmitter be mounted (Tarpon 120)?
Thanks

[sonar2000]

A lot depends on your usage of the data.
However you can use the search box at the top of the home page and enter kayak.
This will return a number of thread (forum) posting on just the subject you requested.
I am suggesting the search instead of linking you to each of the posts.
See if this helps.
Chuck

[Humminbird_Greg]

That would depend on what features/functions you want, how much room you have and just how much money you want to spend.  I have only seen a very few who have put any of the larger units on a Yak so you may want to look at the 300, 500 and 700 series units.

[FuzzyGrub]

Most of the 2D transducers can be glued to the bottom (inside) section of a plastic kayaks.  The signals will pass through the single layer of plastic.   The transducer needs to be able lay flat on the plastic with no air gap.  Typically mounted down or near the centerline, just forward of the operator, depending on access for SOT.  For sit inside, sometimes just behind operator to keep away from feet.   If you want SI, that will require an external mount.   The new DI units, should be able to work thru the plastic, but not 100% sure if their higher frequencies would be attenuated. 

I use to run an external transducer: http://joefish.homestead.com/Kayak-Drifter.html but have changed to a 3-beam inside the kayak.  I can use my color 798ci on it (without SI), but usually use one of my old 400TX's. 

Color screens will require larger, heavier, battery packs.   Battery packs need to be securely fastened and at a location that will be easy access, and generally not submerged. 

[sonar2000]

If you do use a battery in the kayak make sure you use a sealed pack. You dont want to spill acid in your compartment or have it mix with other things stored there.
Motorcycle batteries are small, compact, sealed and have enough storage to run the unit for a days outing.
Since the size is small you could have two batteries.
This also reduces the weight over automobile batteries.
Chuck

[Humminbird_Greg]

FuzzyGrub reminded me of something that I should have mentioned: we have an inside-the-hull mount specifically designed for kayaks: MHX-XMK
http://store.humminbird.com/products/305932/MHX_XMK

This is only usable with the XNT DualBeam type transducers.

Install video:
http://www.youtube.com/user/HumminbirdTV#p/u/43/QLDIWtCI-sc

[dizzyfish]

I have side imaging installed on my kayak. I use a HB 987 on an Ocean Kayak Trident 15. Have been using it for kayak fishing for several years now with great results...

http://www.youtube.com/user/dizzyfishuk

Detailed steps on how I set it up (battery, transducer etc etc...)....

http://dizzybigfish.co.uk/kayak-fishing/kayak-mods-pimp-my-yak/side-imaging-sonar-on-a-kayak/

I hope that helps. The new Ocean Kayak Ultra 4.7 has a scupper on the underside which will allow you to use the smaller HB side imaging transducers (700 series).

As has already been mentioned, there is a kit available for mounting 2D fishfinder sonars inside the kayak (or you can just using silkaflx). The HB 385 used to have a kayak fishing kit available with the transducer kit mentioned, a battery and a dry bag for the battery.