Been looking at different GPS/DS/SI units for my Kayak. Its a ATAK 120 and has the pod so the transducer can be mounted underneath the boat. Any strong opinions on what I need or don't need? Would like to spend less than $1000. What works for ya'll?   

 

Mods- please move if this isn't the appropriate forum, couldn't decide which was best.

I'm using a Helix 5 and 7 for my kayaks.  Both have SI/DI GPS and Lakemaster chips.  I rely on all of it.

 

I use a deployment arm.  Be careful with the exposed TD.

I have a Hook 5 on my Radar, mounted on the pod.

Based on my experience my only wish is for a bigger screen since it's kind of far from where I'm sitting. 
So I'd go with the biggest screen you can afford. 

55 minutes ago, J Francho said:

I'm using a Helix 5 and 7 for my kayaks.  Both have SI/DI GPS and Lakemaster chips.  I rely on all of it.

 

I use a deployment arm.  Be careful with the exposed TD.

yeah, I guess with side scan I would have to pull the pod out when going out and coming in... could be an expensive mistake. How breakable are the transducers? 

I have the Hummingbird Helix 5 with GPS and down imaging on my Tarpon 130x. I thought long and hard about side imaging but the peace of mind of having the puck completely protected (fish finder mounted in the OS Pod) was what I had been craving for years.

 

My transducer arms that I used on my Ride 115 had a tendency to collect weeds and hang up on laydowns at the most inopportune time.

 

As far as screen size goes I would consider is the 7" if your budget allows. On my 5" it is fine until you want to display multiple views at the same time.

I have a Hook-5 I use on my Ascend 128T and Lure 11.5.  I mounted the transducer in the 128T with a plumbing flange and the Lure's with a scupper mount kit.  I power it with Milwaukee M12 batteries stored in a Pelican box.  Two batteries lasts all day.

I use a Garmin 73SV on a Radar 135. 

I have been using this set up the entire year and haven’t had any issues with dropping the Transducer low enough to use the side imaging without issue. 

Here is how I dropped the transducer off the bottom of the POD.

That should be the next innovation for the Wildy OS Pod. A little crank that allows you to raise and lower the puck just enough for the side imaging to function.

2 hours ago, mvanstr said:

How breakable are the transducers?

They're pretty tough, but that doesn't mean it's meant to be abused.