Looking to add a graph to my PA14 for this upcoming winter. Will make finding them piled up on rocks a bit easier.
Not really too brand loyal, but Garmin would be ideal incase I wanna ever go down the Live rabbit hole.
Currently a bone stock boat that's never seen a battery or ducer, so the hull is unmolested.
Would prefer a unit that has SI/DI and trying to keep it under 1k for the entire kitten kaboodle (battery included).
Now, I have never installed electronics on a kayak. But, I have seen some of the brainiacs that have so it can't be that difficult.
Let me know if any of you guys have any advice or anything on the market you're looking to get rid of.

Bonus points: I will provide the drink of your choice and a few hours of cheap entertainment if you're in the North Dallas area and would like to lend a hand.

Shoot me a message if you have any pointers or anything for sail/sell/sale.

[url=]https://texasfishingforum.com/forum...-trigger-on-the-garmin-73sv#Post14324122[url/]

Gilly1991: Save yourself some grief and buy "marine grade tinned wire" to hook up your unit. It's harder to find and costs more, but you only have to buy it once. I buy mine online from bestboatwire. You can buy marine wire in any size, color and 25 or 100 foot lengths. You won't have corrosion problems down the road. IslandJim

What he said. It makes a BIG difference

My opinion; the most important factor in selecting the graphing unit is how easily the transducer fits in the Hobie PA transducer well. I see, your preference is a unit with DI and S1 under 1000K.

What year is your PA14? I understand that Hobie updated the transducer well design starting with their 2020 models PA 12 and 14 models. This updated design retracts the transducer up into the hull when not in use.

For side imaging transducers, I believe the Hobie/Berleypro Guardian transducer shield is standard with the updated retractable Lowrance transducer well. It is designed for Lowrance side imaging transducers (have seen it adapted for Garmin side imaging transducers)

I believe there are different Berleypro transducer shields depending on your side imaging transducer and your specific kayak. If your transducer well is of the pre-retractable design; and you really want side imaging, you would get a different transducer shield to protect it. The other option (which I don’t recommend) would be to hang it off the side of the kayak and deploy it with a swing arm.

Here’s one of the Berleypro shields designed for the older/pre retractable transducer well designs.

Honestly, I don’t think SI is that necessary for most kayak fishing.
Often times with kayak fishing; less is more. The fewer contraptions you have hanging over the side of the kayak and/or under the hull; the more enjoyable your day will be.

On the attached videos, you can see the updated Hobie transducer well design. There is a retraction and deploy mechanism that is designed for the Lowrance 3in1 side imaging transducer. By pulling a cord, the transducer retracts above the hull line (protected against rocks/concrete/etc). Releasing the cord, and the side imaging transducer deploys below the hull line for side imaging.

If your PA14 has this transducer well design, I’d get the brand of fish finder and transducer that accommodates the design the best

If you have an older PA14 (pre-retractable transducer well design) and want side imaging, you’d get a different Berleypro transducer shield.
See video.

Thank you, sir!

I went with an older 2014 PA. Was next to perfect when I got it, and couldn't pass up the price.
Completely understand the less is more thing with the kayak. I like to travel light in mine. Nothing is more frustrating than not having enough room because you packed too much chit.
Butttt, the way I see it is if I am going to go through all the work to install DI, I might as well get one that has both. I will certainly look into the older shield!

On the flip side, if I install electronics on this thing, I will no longer have any excuses when I skunk.


I'll end up pulling the trigger here in the next few weeks and start in this project.