Marine-Proofing Your GPS and Fish Finder: Tips and Tricks for Long-Lasting Performance

GPS and fish finders are essential tools for any angler, but they can be costly investments. Over the years, we have run many units on our kayaks which have taken a punishing in the harsh marine environment. On the kayak charter in New Zealand, we run Lowrance HDS7 and Elite Ti2 units that look nearly new after years of use. To ensure that your device lasts as long as possible, it’s important to take proper care of it. One way to do this is by using O-ring lubrication and dielectric grease. These products can help prolong the life of your GPS and fish finder by protecting it from damage caused by water, dust, and other environmental factors. In this article, we’ll explain how O-ring lubrication and dielectric grease can help prolong the life of your GPS and fish finder and how a sunshade also protects the screen from impact objects and keeps the water away from the memory card slots.

First, let’s talk about O-ring lubrication. O-rings are rubber seals that are commonly found in electronic devices, including GPS and fish finders. They help keep water and other contaminants out of the device. However, if an O-ring is not properly lubricated, it can become dry and brittle, which can lead to leaks and damage to the device. O-ring lubrication is a type of lubricant specifically designed for O-rings. It helps to keep the O-ring flexible and prevents it from becoming dry and brittle. By regularly lubricating the O-rings on your GPS and fish finder, you can help prolong the life of your device.

Next, let’s talk about dielectric grease. Dielectric grease is a type of lubricant that is specifically designed for electronic devices. It is a non-conductive lubricant that helps to protect electronic connections from corrosion and other types of damage. When applied to the connections on your GPS and fish finder, it creates a barrier that helps to protect against water and other contaminants. This can help prolong the life of your device by preventing damage caused by corrosion. It’s important to note that when lubricating your GPS and fish finder, it’s essential to use a lubricant that is specifically designed for electronic devices. Using regular lubricants, such as oil or grease, can damage the device and void the warranty.

Here is a picture of a 5-year-old transducer plug thats been used on a kayak for well over 100 sessions.

Another way to protect your GPS and fish finder is by using a sunshade. Sunshades are designed to protect the screen of your device from glare and sun damage. They also protect the screen from impact objects and keep the water away from the memory card slots. This helps to prolong the life of your device by preventing damage caused by sun exposure and impact. Sunshades are easy to install and remove, and they are lightweight and compact, making them easy to take on the go. They are made of durable and long-lasting materials that can withstand harsh marine conditions. Additionally, they have a custom-fit design that ensures compatibility with all Lowrance GPS and fish finder models. In conclusion, O-ring lubrication and dielectric grease are essential tools for prolonging the life of your GPS and fish finder. By regularly lubricating the O-rings and applying dielectric grease to the connections, you can help protect your device from water and other contaminants. Additionally, a sunshade is an essential accessory that helps to protect the screen of your device from glare and sun damage, impact objects, and keeps the water away from the memory card slots. By using these products and accessories, you can help prolong the life of your GPS and fish finder and ensure that it continues to function correctly for many fishing trips to come.