I've been researching this one myself. Here's what (I think) I've found:

1) That $280 model is the Vexilar. I'm told it's resolution is very poor due to its low power. Also, its screen is quite small.
2) The best I can find for use in North Country canoeing is the FishEasy Portable. It can be purchased for half the price of the Vexilar. It has good power & resolution. You can pick up a gel cell battery to go with it for $25. I've talked with 3-4 local owners who love the unit BUT have never travelled with it into the Park.
3) The problems with the FishEasy in the BWCA or Quetico are twofold: a) the weight/bulk AND b) how do you re-charge the doggone thing?! I've heard various responses as to how long a new gel cell can go without recharging, ranging from 8 to 22 hours.
4) There is rumored to be some solar-powered "re-charger" on the market somewhere that would solve this problem. However, I can't find it. Neither can the folks at Radio Shack. If it exists, I'd love to hear about it. Otherwise, I'm not sure if it's worth hauling all that equipment around on a 7-10 day trip.

So, that's how far I've gotten with this problem. I've seen locator units at use in the Park and have been told they're especially helpful with lake trout. On the other hand, when I consider that I've done pretty well for the past ten years without the use of one, I wonder if it is really worth the expense and the bother. And then there's the question of the ethics of using such a unit in the Park....

I'd love to hear other inputs on this one.

Great question. Good luck!

Jimbo

Posted by Jimbo on April 30, 2001 at 12:46