Vexilar FL-8

[89Bronco]

I've been reading the LOW site all year long and I know that this is where THE most knowledgeable people are, so I'm throwing this question out to you.... I have a Vexilar FL-8 that I use for ice fishing, but am interested in using it for open water as well. Is it possible, with some changes to it? Or should I sink money into a different kind of portable unit for the summer?

[widetrack]

I have my same fl8 on the front deck of my Ranger all summer. It is great.<P>I have the transducer attached to my bow mount trolling motor.<P>You would also want to get a sun shield for the 8's as they are hard to read in the sun.<P><A HREF="http://www.[YouNeedAuthorization]com/products/fl-xdcr.html" TARGET=_blank>http://www.[YouNeedAuthorization]com/products/fl-xdcr.html</A><p>[This message has been edited by widetrack (edited 04-23-2003).]

[Guest]

How do you attach it to the bow mount? I would love to put mine on the trolling motor. How well does it work? And should I think about bolting it to the floor in case i am in rough water or stop at the bar?<BR>

[widetrack]

Tang:<P>I have the transducer that attaches on the bottom the the bow mount. If you look at the above link you will see the kit. It attaches with a large hose clamp. Then you tie strap the cable up the shaft of the motor. The kit has the bracket for mounting the vexilar unit to the floor of your boat as well.<P>In fairly calm water you can watch your jig just as you would in the winter. Even if you can't see the jig, when you see fish on the vex, you know full well it's within strike range of your presentation.<P>My opinion it is a much better fishing tool up front then a LCR unit. <P>TK-123 is the kit you want. <p>[This message has been edited by widetrack (edited 04-23-2003).]

[fiskyknut]

Heck yes use it you will love it. I'd say if a guy could only have one sonar in a boat it would probably have to be a flasher type over an LCD. Both have strong points in certain areas and an LCD is THE thing to use on occasion, but if you could only have one I'd need the Vex more. You got the Vex so get the other transducer and put it to work, I'd bet you will consider this money well spent.<P>Regards....Fisky

[89Bronco]

Thanks guys!

[Guest]

Has anyone tried to glue there ice ducer to the bottom of the boat, with some silicone caulk, and then remove it in the fall for ice fishing? seem's like if you could get the caulk off the transducer without damaging it you could save some money.<BR>Has anyone tried this?<P><p>[This message has been edited by greenhornet (edited 04-26-2003).]

[Northlander]

I dont think it would stay on when you ran at speeds faster than a troll. Thats a lot of pressure for little culk.