Thread: Rain and fishing electronics don't mix well

I think I may have over thinked this and I have read here that the newer and expensive sonar units are waterproof. But to be on the safe side as I would not won't to replace a sonar and yes mine are older models but still working good. I am going to keep some gallon ziplock storage bags to cover my sonars in case I am caught in a hard rain. I can place these over the sonars and zip up each side at the bottom to keep the rain out and still be able to see and use them some in the rain and best of all they are cheap. They also make 2 1/2 gallon ziplock storage bags that might cover the 7-8" sonars. I just think that it is better to be safe than to take chances.

Well......I leave my Humminbirds on the boat uncovered....been in the rain with them...heck I soap them down and wash them when I wash the boat for thirty years now.....never a problem so its not just the new ones that are sealed. They are designed and built to be used in wet invironments.

Originally Posted by yikess

The rain ruined my Gen-1 Lowrance HDS-7 and Lowrance wouldn't repair it. I hope someone starts a class action lawsuit against them so I can join in. When you try to file a claim with them they will tell you thy no longer service that generation but will offer you a discount on a new unit for another $800. No thank you. I've learned my lesson. They are a disgrace to the fishing electronics industry.

Same reason no one in my family owns a Lowrance anymore...

All of my Lowrance/Eagle depthfinders have been used in the fog, rain, & snow .... over the years since back in the 1970's ... and they all died of old age (avg 15yrs service). My boats have always been stored outside, under tarps or boat covers, but I don't leave the electronics attached when stored or when traveling to/from any lake.

... cp

Originally Posted by "G"

I leave mine on....have for years....no problems....I even wash them when I wash the boat.

x2!

I put mine in a neoprene tablet sleeve....its cheap and works perfect, zips up around the gimble bracket pretty well. It is not so much to keep rain out but to keep the screen looking nice when not in use

I was just trying to find out how to protect my equipment, not trying to get a debate on which one is good or bad. All the sonars have came a long ways since way back in the early 70's when I got my first flasher which is still in the shed somewhere. All brands have gotten better and better the past few years with down imaging, side scan, GPS, underwater camera, and there is no telling what will come out next year.

these also work extremely well http://www.cabelas.com/product/Boati...3Bcat104587380