I have a Lowrance Elite 5 and I'm not so confident about how durable it is for launching through the surf.
The waterproof rating is allegedly IPX7, which is supposed to be good for 1 meter submersion for up to 30 minutes.
Because of the quarter-turn electrical connectors on the back and the way the rubber flap covers the SD micro data card, I'm not so sure.
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Do any of you take extra precautions to avoid destroying your fish finders?
Dielectric grease?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ilpage_o00_s00
Extended warranties?
A hood of some sort to protect the screen from too much direct sun?
Is salt water damage inevitable?
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I hook up my fish finder, bait tank and batteries at home when everything is dry before I go out on the water. Hopefully, the quarter-turn wire connectors have a sufficient water tight seal?