On my recent trip my Cuda 242 was erratic, giving random false readings. It is time to replace it. I'm looking for something good for canoes, low power, affordable. Just a basic unit without all the bells and whistles.

Thanks for your suggestions.

Not sure how to describe random erratic readings. I've used it enough to know how it works. I checked the trouble shooting guide which suggested checking the wire for nicks, cuts etc. Also checked connection  to head and transducer. Both good. My transducer has worked well in past shooting through hull. Not a power issue as I was getting 12+ volts on new lithium AA batteries.

So I'm thinking it must be an internal issue. That's why I'm looking for a new one. Leaning towards Lowrance mark x5, but open to suggestions. Thanks.

It's typically not the unit itself but the transducer that goes bad.  I'm on my 3rd transducer for my Hummingbird Piranha.  The unit itself is just fine but I found out that some of the portable transducers do have an expiration date.  However, with that being said, for a few dollars more you can replace the entire thing anyway and with an upgrade no doubt.

HighnDry wrote on Sep 20^th, 2014 at 1:40am:


I had never heard of one so my curiosity was piqued a bit. Interesting possibilities and the size and weight is attractive. Here is my take away from the reviews I read.......the cord to the sensor is long and tends to sink. the manufacturer replied by suggesting additional floats. And one review mentioned the unit is toast if submerged. I wonder how it does in just generally wet conditions?

Those few negatives aside most reviews were quite positive with many Kayak fisherman (and fisherwomen  ) weighing in. An inexpensive, lightweight simple to use way to tell the depth will certainly aid you in getting dinner. Now all you need is a halfway decent rod holder and a crank bait and you most of the way to a walleye in hand.

Old Salt wrote on Sep 20^th, 2014 at 3:19am:


It started with false reads and erratic changes in depth and temperature and the display would blink on and off from time to time.  I changed batteries, connections, etc... and nothing helped.  I too thought my unit was shot after 2 summers.  So, I brought it to my local Gander Mountain as it was still under warranty.  It was there where I learned about transducers and their shelf life in portable units.  I was skeptical but we put in a new one and it worked fine - for the next 2 years.  I estimate that I get probably 500 hours out of them (YMMV).  At that time, a new transducer ran about $45.  Now, you may as well buy a whole new unit.