Is it worth buying a Zercom clearwater classic

[Haug Hunter]

I'm looking at buying a Zercom clearwater classic form one of my in-laws who upraded to a fl-18. Two questions... #1, is it even worth spending the money on a used greyscale flasher,and #2 can you even get parts anymore if something breaks. thanks in advance for any info.

[92python]

Depends what he wants for it. I have one that I used on the boat and on the ice for several years. It still works very well. Not as nice as a FL 18 but still a good unit. Contact Hummingbird about parts availability.

[Blaze]

As python said, YES it is worth it if you're fishing without any flasher now and YES you can get parts if needed. I don't remember the names of the shops, but there's one in Anoka nad one in Columbia Heights (or New Brighton - can't remember) that have parts available if needed. I've had a CC for 9 years used on ice and open water and never any servicing done.

The key is, what's he want for it? I've seen a few for sale here and there and I'd say $75-90 is a fair price for one - more if he has a high speed transducer for the boat too. I've seen them go for $120+ on hsolist.

[Roop-Dogg]

blaze--

would you mind giving me the names of the stores (and phone #'s if possible) that have clearwater classic parts. i can't find parts for mine. have called humminbird and they won't even try to help. they just seem to want me to buy one of theirs.

that aside, i have had a c.c. for 8-10 years and have been happy with it. it is a good unit so whether it is a deal or not certainly depends on the price.

[FISHER ED]

A Clearwater Classic will make both nice ice flasher and bow mount locator. That is if the price is right. Parts can still be had at FishLectronics in Columbia Heights, at least ice transducers.

[Haug Hunter]

Thanks for the info guys, I'm borrowing it tonight to give it a test run. He said he dosen't know how much he wants for yet. What do you think is a fair price to offer? It dosen't have a battery but he does have the high speed transduce.

[FISHER ED]

When I can get my hands on a used working unit I usually sell them for around $80 with a battery. Keep in mind that if you don't have a battery already they will set you back another $20. Does this one come with a hanging style ice transducer or just the high-speed? The high speed will be hard to level for ice fishing and if you have to buy an ice ducer that will set you back another $50 at least. With no battery and just the high-speed ducer, I wouldn't pay over $50. Unit, high-speed and ice ducer, $75. Good luck.

[Surface Tension]

Haug Hunter, Some very good replies guys.

If you've been getting by without a flasher you can get by with a Zercom clearwater classic. Depending how much your going to spend on the unit you may want to take the next step up with a used FL8 SLT which has the IR feature.

You should be able to find one with a battery and box for $150.

[Haug Hunter]

Fisher Ed, Its got an ice transducer but its not on a float , its mounted on a flexible arm with a spring clamp on the other end and there is a level bubble on top of the transducer. ST, you're right, anything should be better than fishing blind. If I could find a used fl-8 for a decent price I'd get one.

[FISHER ED]

You will do just fine with the transducer you described. Just be aware that once you get the bubble set you have to watch not to move the locator or you will loose your level. You can also mount that ducer to a trolling motor in the summer by prying off the bubble. Just re-attach it in the winter with some double sided tape and you are ready for ice again. For under $100 complete, you'll be happy with it.

[Blaze]

Ed - not sure what you mean about the bubble and not moving the unit after it's leveled? I cut 6" off one of our kids' "foam noodles" for the pool, cut a slot in it, and use it as my transducer float now - problem solved with the fixed arm.

Roop - here's the places I was thinking of - got my high speed ducer from Action's:

Fish-Lectronics

5003 University Ave NE

Minneapolis, MN

(763) 571-1277

Action's Fishing Electronics

809 W Main St

Anoka, MN

(763) 422-4890

S.T. - where the heck can you find an FL8 for $150? I'd certainly be interested.

[FISHER ED]

Blaze, will the foam noodle trick float a puck style transducer level in the water? If so, I have a bunch of Clearwater Pro units I can make into ice fishing rigs because they have the puck transducer. I just might have to give it a try. Thanks.