Fish Finder Problems - Buying Used

I'm doing some research on problems that can occur as fish finders get older - where and how they fail. In particular, what do you need to look out for if you are buying a used fish finder.

I can think of things like transducer damage, screen damage, cable, buttons, etc.. What else can go wrong and is there anything you can do to identify the issues before you buy a unit from a stranger?

Would you request detailed pictures of the unit, transducer and the cables? What else can you do to minimize your chances of buying a lemon.

Thanks to all who offer advice.
Grego

I think the biggest item is technogoly has passed the used FF up, so is it a waste of bucks to even look at older Fish finder. ??? I think so unless you are buying it from a friend.

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Originally Posted by grego

I'm doing some research on problems that can occur as fish finders get older - where and how they fail. In particular, what do you need to look out for if you are buying a used fish finder.

I can think of things like transducer damage, screen damage, cable, buttons, etc.. What else can go wrong and is there anything you can do to identify the issues before you buy a unit from a stranger?

Would you request detailed pictures of the unit, transducer and the cables? What else can you do to minimize your chances of buying a lemon.

Thanks to all who offer advice.
Grego

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See it in use first or have a warranty written out. Buying used electronics can be risky for the buyer and the seller too. It may have worked fine but the buyer might have shorted it out. Got to be real careful who you deal with. Good luck. Ferdi aka Fred

In most cases unless you know the person your buying someone else's junk

if you buy used don't pay much for it

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Originally Posted by Blackhawk19

In most cases unless you know the person your buying someone else's junk

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Have to disagree with you on this one. When i upgrade my finders, there's nothing wrong with them. I just get a better one. I've sold 4 of my previous ones and no ones had a problem with any of them. Wasn't junk when i bought it, and wont be junk when i sell it. I'd give it away before i'd rip someone off, if it was bad. But thats just me.

I've bought used finders and have had very good luck. With the advances in technology, some guys always have to have the latest and greatest. Their old units can become good bargains. As far as asking for a warranty, I think all you can expect, is that it will work out of the box.

I've sold lots of finders--every one of them solid and still working great, I just wanted the better tech.

That said, do a google web search on the model you're interested in, something like "Lowrance HD issues" and see what you get. Keep in mind you'll probably only see the complaints, but some things will stand out. For example, you'll see the dissatisfaction with the HB GPS and the Lowrance HD leakage issues. I'd use the model number in the search.

Beyond that, I'd want to know the model of boat and engine to judge degree of beating the unit took, how much use it got, why they're selling and if they ever had any problems with it (not everyone will lie). You might even call HB or Lowrance with the serial number and see if it's ever been in the shop for repairs (I don't know if they'll answer, but it might be worth a shot).

Thanks for the replies. I was originally thinking more along the lines of someone upgrading their fish finder and selling the old one just to get rid of it. Maybe a guy gets a smaller Humminbird side imaging unit but decides to upgrade to the bigger screen after a year of trouble-free use. That "old" HB could be a great bargain. But if the transducer has taken a beating, or if the cable is heavily nicked, it might have some problems.

I have never had one go bad on me, so I don't know what kind of stuff can happen. I should do some general searches on fish finder problems and see what I find. That would probably tell me a lot.

Thanks again.

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Originally Posted by grego

Thanks for the replies. I was originally thinking more along the lines of someone upgrading their fish finder and selling the old one just to get rid of it. Maybe a guy gets a smaller Humminbird side imaging unit but decides to upgrade to the bigger screen after a year of trouble-free use. That "old" HB could be a great bargain. But if the transducer has taken a beating, or if the cable is heavily nicked, it might have some problems.

I have never had one go bad on me, so I don't know what kind of stuff can happen. I should do some general searches on fish finder problems and see what I find. That would probably tell me a lot.

Thanks again.

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I bought my 797si about 6 months ago from a guy going to a 997si. It has the Nav bundle and works like new and I only paid $550.00 for it. It's like anything you buy used. Inspect it first and make sure it works.