S_D is right on. Remember that fish locaters are designed to handle the rigors of wind, weather AND travel that can occur on a high power fishing boat. The conditions a locater will experience on top of a car, on a portage trail or even during a bushwhack pale in comparison. They are fairly rugged well made electronic devices and all for under $100 if you shop around. In fact, locaters on the lower end of the price spectrum are the most rugged, simple and reliable - perfect for canoe use.