Marcum disappointment

[Rochbassman]

This past winter I researched various brands of ice fishing depthfinders relative to their technology, features and various applications. In addition to the reach ,I visited numerous forums concerning fisherman discussing the pros and cons of the different products. It was apparent that some were field reps for these prospective companies. In the end I decided to purchase the Marcum LX-5. While it was a rather expensive item the monetary expenditure was justified because the unit could be made openwater ready with the addition of a openwater hardware package(transducer,mounting bracket,power cord.)
      Well after a very enjoyable winter fishing(what there was of it) I purchased the openwater hardware to install the marcum on the front platform of my Champion bassboat. Imagine my chagrin when the hardware arrived with a trolling motor transducer with 20 feet of cord and a power cord of 12 inches.
Its CLEAR that the power cord is nothing but a REPLACEMENT power cord for the ice package.
      The trolling motor transducer goes on the trolling motor located on the bow of the boat. The unit is installed on the bow of the boat. The batteries are in the back of the boat. The trolling motor transducer has a 20 foot cord to reach the unit, but the power cord   is 12 inches? Anyone with a bassboat understands that there is virtually no area under the front deck to install junction,relay type boxes to jury rig the installation of the product. Nor do I feel that after spending approximately $600.00 on the unit and hardware I should have to jury rig the installation.
       Its time for the scientists that made this unit so technologically advanced, to use common sense to make its installation easy and professional. And make it a true duo (ice & openwater) application.
       It is a disservice to the general public, to advertise this product as a year round depthfinder .

John McGough
[email protected]

[grumpymoe]

It was apparent that some were field reps for these prospective companies

    And? I fail to get your point here. Alot of members on this site have over the season debated pros and cons of Marcum just like many other sites on the web.  I neither own a Marcum nor Vex although I do own a Lowrance that is installed in my boat. Let me play the devils advocate here. Suppose the power cord was 6' instead of the 12" that came with your summer conversion kit. I would suspect that it would be too short to run to the back of your boat to the battery. Double the length to 12'....probably still too short!!     The point I am making here, is that the cord no matter what length would either be a waste of money for many, or too chintzy for some. Only jackknife backyarders "jury-rig" a quality product. Looks like you're trying to get the company to come good for something that wasn't promised.  I possibly might feel the same as you do, but to properly splice, heat-shrink connections and wire it as required, is not a major expenditure.   Grump

[pirkaus]

I fail to see the the problem the supplied cord is made to be spliced into the wiring of the boat, it provides the correct connector for the rear of the unit.   If you can not do this yourself if you go to any quality boat dealer I am certain they would help.

Just my two pennies

(I am not in anyway affiliated with Marcum)

[billditrite]

why dont you just use the battery that came with it?  if not im sure a small spool of wire from your local auto parts or marine supply store should remedy the situation...good luck

[bassjunky]

I've seen many threads on Vex, marcum and so on, about the conversion to open water..........what we need to remember is that these units are designed for ice fishing, yes they have added features to make them open water friendly, but that is not there primary use

I'm not a Marcum man either, I own a vex, and it's great on the ice and so/so on open water, but that is what I expected. there are some great points here on how to handle your problem. The easiest being to use the battery that came with the machine, if they are like the vex battery you should easily get in a full day of fishing.

And remember this equipment is advertised as ice fishing gear will all year round capability no vice versa.

good luck getting rigged up

[Skipper]

Splicing copper wire is a piece of cake, I don't see what the big deal is all about. Just solder the wires after you twist them, and shrink tube the splice when you are done. This type of jury rig is used on new cars, trucks, and boats. Don't use those stupid blue butt connectors, they are nothing but trouble.

[Skipper]

and dont forget the fuse!