I took a trip down to Cabelas today, and I couldn't believe all the depthfinders they had in the bargain cave- and some were indeed very good bargains. The problem is, you don't know why it was returned, and everything is 'as is no warranty' on all bargain cave merchandise. Some of the finders' looked brank new, and some looked like they were a bow mount for a couple of years before some jerk decided Cabelas should buy it back from him. Should I not worry and just utilize the manufacturers warranty if it doesn't work? I wouldn't worry so much about it, but it seems they just have a standard 30% off or so they throw on everything that goes in the bargain cave- including 300yd spools of line with only 25yds left that some yahoo returned. It makes a man wonder about a purchase made there.

Natural
I've thought the same thing about some of their merchandise in the BC... you just have to know what you're looking at and for, and exercise buyer discretion. As you say, there are some good deals there occasionally.

For example, I've seen Kistlers, not damaged but just been on the racks in front for too long, marked down from $225 to $150... standard 30% BC discount but a good deal if you're a fan of Kistlers (some folks here are, some aren't ).

Then again, you see bags of basically **** stuff just put into cellophane sacks and stapled shut, with a ridiculous price on it, and you wonder "who in their right mind would pay that much for THAT stuff?"

Much of the BC stuff is actually new/unused, but for whatever reason was sold, became a return item, and therefore to the BC it goes. Frequently, I've found I can find better discounts on new markdown/clearance items in the front of the store.

LOL at "30% off ... including 300yd spools of line with only 25yds left" - 90% gone but only 30% off retail - what a bargain!!

When you say "'as is no warranty'" you mean the store won't take it back but the factory warranty still applies, right?

Surely they (cabelas) would return a non-working fishfinder to the vendor...and surely they would hook it up to see if it works before putting on their shelf as "nonreturnable"? Otherwise it should be at garage sale prices. I'd ask that question...answer "yes" I'd buy it & take a chance with factory warranty. Make sure it's got all the pieces (mounting hardware etc.) Manuals mostly you can get online.

Natural, I bought a H2oC from the bargain cave for $129.00 reg. price $289.00 no problems. I also puchased a Garmin gps for my wifes car, again no problems. They have a 30 day warranty on all electronic purchases so if you get it home and it does not work you can return it. Hope this helps.

They had a pretty sweet little Raymarine unit in there for around half price. I'm not familiar with Raymarine, but it looked high-end. They also had no less than 7 Lowrance 334-xxx units.

i got a 332 lowrance saved $75.00.. a couple of parts were missing. but they gave me the parts and gave me a gift card for $20.00 for having to come back.they give you a 30 day warrenty and you got the regular warrenty