I have a Humminbird matrix 17 and thinking about upgrading to get a gps combo. There is an external gps antenna I can add to the matrix17 but it doesn't seem to be a very detailed chart. Has anyone got this type of set up and how do you find the detail of the bottom.

I am looking at the down imaging and also the side imaging units and am very confused. I am also considering having a unit that is compatible with the different charts like Navionics or whatever else is out there.
Basically what I want is a fishfinder/chartplotter that has great bottom detail and is fully waterproof and capable of night time fishing that has enough detail so I can find structure in areas I am unfamiliar with.
What are you using and how do you like it?

I decided to get the Humminbird 798 with internal antenna and both side and down imaging. I am now trying to decide whether to mount it inside the hull like I do now or mount it outside because of the side imaging. I think inside the hull will work but thought maybe someone here would know better and share their wisdom. I am hoping to do it right the first time and I am feeling somewhat unsure so any input is greatly appreciated. I have a pro angler so I could make a bracket to mount it outside the hull if that's necessary due to the side and down imaging but really have no idea if it matters.
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If you mount it outside I wouldn't make it a permanent mount...you'll end up damaging it when you drag the yak out of the water or run through shallows

I was thinking about micky rigging something for one of the side rails so I could swing it up and out of the way. Some type of clamp om set up. I just wonder if it is necessary to have the transducer outside of the hull from a performance type perspective. The Matrix 17 I am replacing worked fine inside wetmounted, but it doesn't have the same capabilities as the 798 and I want to make sure I get the proper performance from the 798's transducer. Do you think the side and down imaging would work wet mounted inside?
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Got the new 798ci unit and the transducer according to the manual CANNOT be mounted inside the hull due to the side imaging. Next thing to figure out is which sd card/chart to get. Navionics or Lakemaster????
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Ed ,, My fish finder was professionally installed and the transducer is inside glued to the bottom of the yak .. water temp might be a couple of degrees off, but I've asked others water temp and it's right there ,, with in a degree. Works great when it's working .. On top but below the rail is a ram mount ... and the wire pokes thru to connect ..

KayakFishingSupplies "How To Install a Fishfinder" - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7S70j7w75MA&feature=player_embedded#)!

I have the 798 also and I mounted my transducer to the bottom of the rudder. First I templated the top of the transducer and then cut the rudder to that profile. I then drilled and mounted the transducer to the rudder.
I have used this for 2 years and a year befor this with a 797. I flip the rudder up to launch and land so the transducer is protected.
Attached are pictures of the 797 transducer on a Trident 13 rudder.

I have the Gold card for my GPS and the extra detail in good. I would like to get the Fish-n-chip next as it has even greater detail(maybe too much)

Nice setup, but I don't think I can mount it to the rudder on the pro angler because the rudder is under the hull.
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