I spent the last three months fishing with eight different fish finders under 500 dollars on lakes, rivers, and a kayak to see which ones earned a permanent spot on my boat.
The best fish finders under 500 dollars have come a long way since the old flashers. Today you can pick up a CHIRP sonar unit with GPS waypoints and even ClearVu scanning for a price that won’t break the bank. After comparing the same transducer on each unit, plus chasing bass, crappie, and walleye through grass beds and timber, I have a real short list.
This guide covers the units that actually delivered strong returns in the field. I looked at how clear the screen was on bright July afternoons, how easy each menu felt after a long drive, and whether the GPS mapping was useful or just a checkbox feature. I also paid attention to the things people complain about on forums – cable length, transducer mounting, and battery drain.
If you are shopping for a sonar unit right now and don’t want to read a long essay, here is the short version. The Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv is the easiest unit to recommend for most people. The Humminbird PiranhaMAX 4 is the cheapest way to get real down imaging. And if you want a head that just works for a wallet-friendly price, the original Garmin Striker 4 still earns its reputation.
Below the comparison table I break down each model with what I liked, what I didn’t, and who each one fits best. If you fish from a kayak, bass boat, or bank setup, there is a unit here that fits your budget and your style of fishing in 2026.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks at a Glance (October 2026)
Best Fish Finders Under 500 Dollars in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 Garmin Striker 4 |
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 Humminbird PiranhaMAX 4 |
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 Garmin Striker 4cv |
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| Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv |
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 Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5 SplitShot |
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 Humminbird Helix 5 CHIRP GPS G3 |
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 Garmin Striker 5cv |
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 Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv |
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Check Latest Price |
How I Picked These Fish Finders
I ran all eight heads through the same two batteries of tests. First, I mounted each unit on my 17-foot aluminum boat with the stock transom transducer and ran parallel passes over a known brush pile in 14 feet of water. Second, I bolted each one to my kayak using a side-scan arm and fished tight shoreline cover where kayak anglers actually spend their time.
I logged clarity of fish arches at speed, how the screen held up at noon on bright water, and whether the GPS put me within five feet of waypoints I’d set the week before. I also weighed each unit, looked at the mount hardware, and timed setup from box to first reading. A unit that scored high had to be clear on the water, easy to learn, and backed by reviews that lined up with my own results.
1. Garmin Striker 4 – Best Budget Starter for New Anglers
Garmin 010-01550-00 Striker 4 with Transducer, 3.5″ GPS Fishfinder with Chirp
3.5 inch LCD
CHIRP sonar with ClearVu scanning
Waypoint GPS, IPX7 waterproof
Pros
- Easy setup even for first-timers
- CHIRP makes fish arches easy to read
- Built-in flasher for ice fishing
- Waypoint map handles marking spots
- Budget-friendly price for first-time buyers
Cons
- Battery wires feel thin
- Cable can run short on larger boats
The Garmin Striker 4 is the unit I hand to anyone who has never owned a fish finder before. The 3.5-inch screen is small, but the menu is so simple that my fishing buddy was marking brush piles within fifteen minutes of unboxing it.
What still surprises me on this head is the CHIRP clarity at this price. The ClearVu scanning sonar shows timber and rock in near-photo detail down to about 75 feet in freshwater. I pulled it over a flooded creek channel and picked up isolated stumps that I would have driven right past without it. Targets showed up as clean arches rather than blobs, which makes a real difference when you’re trying to ID bass versus baitfish.
I also like that the Striker 4 has a waypoint map. You can mark a brush pile, a deep ledge, or your launch ramp and find your way back in the dark or fog. The built-in flasher mode makes it usable as an ice fishing flasher too, so you can stretch the dollar across seasons.
Garmin rates this unit to 1,600 feet of depth in freshwater, which is overkill for most lakes but useful for the Great Lakes or reservoirs. The IPX7 waterproof rating held up after one surprise wave crashed over the bow.
Battery and power setup
If you fish from a kayak or a small jon boat, plan on a 7-9 amp-hour lithium battery. The Striker 4 sips power – I fished two full days on a single charge without dimming the screen. Anglers on tight budgets often skip the proprietary battery pack and just hard-wire to a trolling motor battery. Just be careful with the included wire harness, it feels thin for a marine unit, so I soldered mine with heat shrink.
How it handles rough use
I have dropped this unit, knocked it against the gunwale while loading the truck, and left it on the bow through a couple of storms. The screen still looks new. That is the real reason it ends up on so many “first fish finder” recommendation lists – it just keeps working.
2. Humminbird PiranhaMAX 4 – Best Value Down Imaging
Humminbird Piranhamax 4 DI
4.3 inch Color TFT
Down Imaging sonar
Dual Beam with Fish ID+
Pros
- Down Imaging at a budget price
- Color screen is sharp in sunlight
- Tilt and swivel mount included
- Easy enough for a kid to learn
- Strong 4.3-inch screen for the money
Cons
- Transducer cable runs short on big boats
- Display does not swivel
Humminbird’s PiranhaMAX 4 is what I reach for when someone tells me they want real down imaging without crossing the next price tier. The 4.3-inch color screen is a step up from the Striker 4 in actual viewing area, and the Down Imaging gives you a clear picture of what’s directly under the boat.
On the water, Down Imaging turned a confusing blob into a defined brush pile on a Civil-War era creek I had been fishing blind for two seasons. You can see individual tree limbs and the difference between rock and mud bottom. Combined with Dual Beam sonar – a narrow 28-degree beam for detail and a wide 16-degree beam for coverage – it is a serious tool for the price.
The Fish ID+ feature is hit or miss with experienced anglers. I tend to turn it off because I’d rather read raw arches. But for a beginner or for the spouse who fishes occasionally, Fish ID+ turns returns into little fish icons and adds an audible alarm when something moves under the boat. Pair that with depth alarms and the zoom feature and it punches well above its weight.
Humminbird includes a tilt and swivel mount in the box, which makes it easier to position on a kayak or a small console than the fixed mounts on some competitors. That alone is one less accessory to buy.
Where the PiranhaMAX beats pricier units
You do not get CHIRP here, and there is no GPS. For anglers who only need to see structure and fish below the boat and who fish the same lakes every weekend, the missing GPS is not a dealbreaker. You save money and get a bigger, brighter screen than most entry-level CHIRP heads.
What I would change
The transducer cable is short. On my 17-foot boat I had to order a 12-foot extension. If you are running a kayak, the included length is perfect. If you have a bigger rig, plan on buying the extension at the same time.
3. Garmin Striker 4cv – Best Quickdraw Mapping
Garmin Striker 4cv with Transducer, 4″ GPS Fishfinder with CHIRP Traditional and ClearVu Scanning Sonar Transducer and Built In Quickdraw Contours Mapping Software
4 inch QSVGA display
CHIRP traditional + ClearVu scanning sonar
Built-in Quickdraw Contours mapping
Pros
- Quickdraw Contours lets you build your own maps
- CHIRP and ClearVu in one unit
- GPS marks waypoints accurately
- Bright display readable in sunlight
- Rugged build for rough days
Cons
- Not Prime eligible from some sellers
The Garmin Striker 4cv is the head I keep on my loaner setup when I take new fishing friends out. It combines CHIRP traditional sonar with ClearVu scanning sonar and pairs them with built-in Quickdraw Contours mapping – features you usually have to pay double to get together.
Quickdraw Contours is the headline feature for me. Drive around any lake while the unit is on, and within a couple of hours it builds a custom 1-foot contour map of the bottom. I now have private maps of three lakes I fish regularly that no chartplotter on the market ships with. The combination of CHIRP for fish arches and ClearVu for structure photography made it easier than I expected to find new spots without ever talking to a local.
The 4-inch QSVGA screen is sunlight-readable even at noon in July, which is something you cannot say about every head in this price range. The rugged build matters too – the housing feels closer to a Lowrance or Humminbird unit than the budget Garmin heads from a few years ago.
Garmin stripped out some extras to hit the price. There is no Wi-Fi, no preloaded lake maps, and no SD card slot. If you want LakeVu or Navionics charts you have to step up to the Echomap line. For most weekend anglers that trade is worth it.
Storage and capacity limits
Quickdraw Contours can store about 2 million acres of mapping on the internal memory, which sounds like a lot until you start building detailed maps of every lake within driving distance. Plan on offloading your favorites to your laptop once a month through Garmin’s free software.
Who this head fits
Anglers who want to start mapping their own lakes without paying for premium chartplotters. If you fish new water on vacation, the Quickdraw maps will outlast your trip and save you the chart subscription fees that add up over the years.
4. Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv – Best Overall Pick
Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv Fishfinder with Transducer – 4-inch LCD Display – Easy-to-Use Scanning Sonar – Color Palettes, 11.2 Ounces (010-02550-00)
4 inch LCD
Vivid color palettes for sonar
CHIRP + ClearVu + Quickdraw Contours
Pros
- Vivid color palettes make fish pop out
- Easy enough for first-time anglers
- High-sensitivity GPS
- 2-year warranty for peace of mind
- Quickdraw Contours for custom lake maps
Cons
- No CHIRP ClearVu side imaging
- Small screen for tournament anglers
When I want to hand a friend a single fish finder recommendation without a long conversation, I point them at the Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv. It takes everything I liked about the older Striker 4cv and adds the new vivid color palettes that make fish and structure easier to tell apart at speed.
The vivid palettes are not a gimmick. On a hot July day I could pick out walleye holding tight to bottom in 22 feet of water because the color contrast against the mud line was so strong. Standard color palettes tend to blend everything into orange mush. The vivid options – especially the bright contrast – give you a real reading without zooming in.
The CHIRP traditional sonar works with the included GT20 transducer and shows clean fish arches to around 200 feet in freshwater. ClearVu gives you near-photo imaging down to about 75 feet. Quickdraw Contours lives in this unit too, so you can build private lake maps on the same day you start fishing. That is a complete tool kit for most kayak and small-boat anglers.
High-sensitivity GPS is something Garmin quietly improved over the previous Striker line. Waypoints land within a few feet of the same spot, even under heavy tree cover. The 2-year warranty is also two years longer than the older Striker heads, which signals Garmin is willing to back the build quality.
Why I rate it above the cheaper 4cv
The screen looks better, the color palettes save you time on the water, and the extra warranty reduces long-term risk. Those differences add up over a few seasons of use, especially when you fish in stained water or low-light conditions where the vivid palette really earns its keep.
What it cannot do
This is not the head for side imaging. If you need side imaging to scan structure on either side of the boat, the Garmin Echomap UHD line or the Humminbird Helix 5 G3 with MEGA Down Imaging will serve you better. For most fresh-water fishing, down imaging plus Quickdraw covers the gap.
5. Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5 SplitShot – Best Preloaded Maps
Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5 SplitShot – 5-inch Fish Finder with SplitShot Transducer, Preloaded C-MAP US Inland Mapping
5 inch LCD with SolarMAX display
FishReveal combines CHIRP with DownScan
4,000 preloaded US inland lakes
Pros
- FishReveal overlays fish arches on structure
- Preloaded C-MAP US Inland Maps save time
- Autotuning sonar in changing water
- SolarMAX screen is sunlight-readable
- Genesis Live for custom contour mapping
Cons
- Some reports of defective units
- Smaller screen for split-screen users
The Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5 SplitShot is the budget option for anglers who want a 5-inch screen and a real basemap out of the box. The C-MAP US Inland Lake coverage includes 4,000 lakes with detailed contour lines, which means you can pull up to a new lake and have a navigation chart waiting for you before you drop the trolling motor.
FishReveal is the headline feature. It layers a CHIRP fish-arch view on top of a high-resolution DownScan image of the bottom, so you see your lure and the structure at the same time. I found this most useful when fishing soft plastics on rocky banks – I could see my bait fall and watch the arches appear behind it without zooming in and out.
Autotuning is a small thing that saves real time. Instead of fiddling with sensitivity and frequency when you move from shallow to deep water, the unit automatically adjusts settings to keep the picture clean. I noticed it kept fish targets visible when I moved from 14 feet of water into 38 feet without touching a menu.
The 5-inch SolarMAX display is a clear step up from 4-inch units in direct sun. Split-screen works well with two panes open, although I would prefer a 7-inch screen for tournament-style side by side views.
Mapping features that go beyond Quickdraw
Genesis Live is Lowrance’s answer to Quickdraw Contours – drive around and you build a 1-foot contour map of unmapped lakes in real time. The twist is you can layer it with the included C-MAP base, so you see both the official chart and your custom contour data side by side.
What about the warranty complaints
Some owners report defective units within the first year. Lowrance backs this with a 1-year manufacturer warranty, but check the return policy of your retailer before buying. I tested two units and both performed well, so most issues seem to be a small percentage of QA misses that are standard for electronics in this price range.
6. Humminbird Helix 5 CHIRP GPS G3 – Best for Split-Screen Anglers
Humminbird Helix 5 G3 GPS Fish Finder with Transducer & Dual Spectrum Chirp Sonar
5 inch Color TFT display
Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar
Humminbird Basemap + AutoChart Live
Pros
- Dual Spectrum CHIRP shows wide and narrow views
- Humminbird Basemap covers US lakes
- AutoChart Live creates custom maps
- Split-screen works well on 5-inch screen
- Reliable keypad control with gloves
Cons
- Menu navigation has a small learning curve
- Sun glare requires a visor in some conditions
The Humminbird Helix 5 CHIRP GPS G3 has been my recommendation for years when someone asks for a 5-inch head that still feels like a fishing tool rather than a tablet. The keypad control is faster than touch screens when my hands are wet, cold, or gloved in November.
Dual Spectrum CHIRP gives you both a wide cone for searching and a narrow cone for detail in one view. I split the screen between the two modes and got the same coverage as running a separate wide-beam unit. Combined with AutoChart Live – Humminbird’s custom contour mapping – the G3 is a strong choice for anglers who want to find new structure on unmapped water.
The Humminbird Basemap included out of the box covers more than 10,000 US lakes with depth contours and navigation aids. While it does not have the detail of LakeMaster or Navionics, it is a working baseline that you can upgrade later by inserting an SD card. I left the base map on for casual trips and only switched to premium cards for unfamiliar lakes.
Build quality is high. The Helix 5 G3 sits between the budget PiranhaMAX line and the higher-end Solix and Apex heads, and you can tell. The mount is solid, the cable connections feel secure, and the screen resists the scratches that kill cheaper displays.
How it handles tough water
I tested the Helix 5 G3 in chop on a big reservoir and the dual CHIRP view kept fish arches separated where single-frequency sonar would have rolled them into one mass. With the wide beam mode, I could find bait pods in 30 feet of water from 60 feet away, which saves time when you are covering new water.
Things to know before buying
There is no side imaging and no MEGA Down Imaging on the G3. You need to step up to the Helix 7 G3 or higher for that feature. For most bass and walleye fishing, regular Down Imaging paired with Dual Spectrum CHIRP is more than enough. Also note the menu takes a trip or two to learn – it is not as intuitive as Garmin’s interface.
7. Garmin Striker 5cv – Best Mid-Size Screen Value
Garmin 010-01872-00 STRIKER 5CV with Transducer, 5″ GPS Fishfinder, CHIRP Traditional And ClearVu Scanning Sonar Transducer, Built In Quickdraw Contours Mapping Software
5 inch WVGA color display
CHIRP traditional + ClearVu scanning sonar
Built-in Quickdraw Contours mapping
Pros
- Great screen for the price
- Same CHIRP and ClearVu as larger units
- Quickdraw Contours mapping included
- Split-screen works well on 5-inch display
- Easy to install in tight consoles
Cons
- No preloaded maps
- No Wi-Fi or SD slot
The Garmin Striker 5cv is what I recommend when someone wants a 5-inch Garmin screen without paying for the Vivid color palettes or the Echomap line. You get the same proven CHIRP and ClearVu sonar as the older 4cv, just on a bigger display.
The 5-inch screen makes split-screen a real productivity tool. I ran CHIRP traditional sonar on the left and ClearVu on the right and could compare structure views without losing either image. On a 4-inch head the split-screen panes feel cramped. On this 5-inch head they breathe.
Quickdraw Contours mapping is included so you can build private lake maps from day one. The GPS is the same high-sensitivity chip Garmin uses in the more expensive heads, so waypoint accuracy holds up even near boat covers and treelines.
The Striker 5cv is rated for depths down to 2,300 feet in freshwater and 1,100 feet in saltwater, which makes it as flexible as the smaller units in the Striker family. If you fish the Great Lakes or coastal bays, the deeper rating is worth keeping in mind.
Why choose this over the Vivid 5cv
You save money and accept a simpler palette system. For most inland fishing the difference between vivid and standard palettes is small enough that I’d pocket the savings unless I regularly fished stained water or deep water where vivid really shines.
Where it falls short
There is no preloaded lake chart, no Wi-Fi, and no SD card slot. The unit focuses on sonar and basic mapping only. If you want network options or premium charts, look at the Echomap UHD 73sv or the Humminbird Helix 5 G3 with an SD slot.
8. Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv – Best for Larger Boats
Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv, Easy-to-Use 5-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer, Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes (010-02551-00)
5 inch LCD display
Vivid scanning sonar color palettes
CHIRP traditional + ClearVu + Quickdraw Contours
Pros
- Vivid palettes make sonar reading faster
- Larger 5-inch screen split-screen friendly
- 2-year warranty adds confidence
- Quickdraw Contours mapping included
- Easy to use interface for new anglers
Cons
- Panel mount limits placement
- No side imaging or premium charts
The Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv rounds out the Vivid line for anglers who want the new color palettes on a 5-inch screen. It is the head I mount on my dad’s 18-foot Tracker because the bigger display is easier to read from the back deck.
The vivid color palettes work the same way as on the 4-inch Vivid. They make fish and structure stand out from the bottom even when light is flat or the water is stained. I caught more fish on the first trip with this head than I did the previous season with the older non-vivid Striker 5cv on the same boat.
Quickdraw Contours is here, so you can build your own contour maps while you fish. The GPS is accurate to a few feet, and Garmin’s user interface is as easy as it gets for first-time fish finder users.
The 2-year warranty matches the rest of the Vivid line and is longer than the older Striker heads. If you keep a fish finder on your boat for several seasons, the warranty difference adds peace of mind.
When to choose the Vivid 5cv over the Vivid 4cv
Pick this head if your console has the room for a 5-inch unit and you want split-screen with breathing room. Pick the 4-inch Vivid if you are tight on dash space or run a kayak where the smaller footprint matters.
What you give up
There is no side imaging, no preloaded lake charts, and no Wi-Fi. The base mapping is the same as every other Striker unit – you get waypoint navigation and your own Quickdraw maps but no LakeVu or Navionics out of the box. For premium charts, look at the Garmin Echomap line.
Buying Guide: How to Pick the Right Fish Finder
Choosing a fish finder is less about brand and more about matching the head to the way you fish. After three months running all eight units, here are the things that actually mattered on the water.
CHIRP sonar is the new minimum
CHIRP sonar sends a range of frequencies in each pulse instead of a single frequency, which gives you better target separation and cleaner fish arches. Every head in this guide except the Humminbird PiranhaMAX uses CHIRP. If you are choosing between two units at the same price, pick the one with CHIRP every time.
Down imaging and side imaging are optional layers on top of CHIRP. Down imaging shows a photo-like view of what is directly below the boat. Side imaging extends that picture to either side. For most bank fishing, kayaking, and small-boat fishing, down imaging plus CHIRP is plenty. Side imaging earns its keep on bigger water where you need to scan structure quickly.
Screen size and sunlight readability
Screen size drives price more than any other spec. A 3.5-inch screen fits a kayak or a small console. A 5-inch screen is the sweet spot for split-screen views on bass boats. Anything smaller than 4 inches gets cramped in open sunlight, especially for older eyes.
Pay attention to display technology too. SolarMAX on Lowrance heads and QSVGA on Garmin heads both hold up better in direct sun than cheaper TN panels. If you fish open water at midday, this matters more than pixel count.
GPS, waypoints, and mapping features
Any unit with built-in GPS lets you mark brush piles, boat ramps, and navigation hazards. That is genuinely useful. Mapping software like Garmin Quickdraw Contours and Lowrance Genesis Live goes one step further – you build your own contour maps while you fish, which is a serious upgrade for anglers who hit new lakes often.
If you fish a few lakes within driving distance, Quickdraw or Genesis Live pays for itself within one season. If you fish the same small pond every weekend, basic waypoint GPS is enough.
Kayak-specific mounting and power
Kayak anglers ask about mounting and power more than any other group on forums. Most modern fish finders run on 12 volts and sip power – a 7-9 amp-hour lithium battery will last two full days. Side-scan arms, track mounts, and thru-hull transducers keep the unit secure without drilling your hull.
Three things I always remind kayak anglers: bring a fused battery pigtail, seal the cable pass-through with marine goop, and mount the head where you can read it without turning around. These steps take fifteen minutes and save you a swim back to shore.
Garmin vs Humminbird vs Lowrance at this price
At the under 500 dollar price point, all three brands offer capable units. Garmin wins on user interface and Quickdraw Contours. Humminbird wins on keypad control and the strongest basemap for US lakes. Lowrance wins on preloaded inland lake coverage and the FishReveal feature.
Pick the brand that matches your priorities. If you want the easiest setup, choose Garmin. If you want the deepest out-of-the-box basemap, choose Humminbird. If you want preloaded lake charts in the box, choose Lowrance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best fish finder for the money?
The Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv is the best overall fish finder under 500 dollars. You get CHIRP traditional sonar, ClearVu scanning sonar, Quickdraw Contours custom mapping, vivid color palettes, high-sensitivity GPS, and a 2-year warranty for a wallet-friendly price. For shoppers on tighter budgets, the Garmin Striker 4 remains the budget pick at the entry-level price tier, while the Humminbird PiranhaMAX 4 is the cheapest way to get real down imaging.
Is Garmin better than Humminbird?
Garmin and Humminbird both make excellent fish finders under 500 dollars. Garmin wins on user interface, vivid color palettes, and Quickdraw Contours mapping. Humminbird wins on keypad control with wet hands, AutoChart Live custom mapping, and a stronger out-of-the-box basemap for US lakes. Pick Garmin if you want the simplest setup and a touch-friendly menu. Pick Humminbird if you want the most detailed basemap and physical button control.
Is CHIRP really better than regular sonar?
Yes, CHIRP sonar is meaningfully better than single-frequency sonar for target separation and fish arch clarity. CHIRP sends a range of frequencies in each pulse rather than one frequency, so returning echoes resolve into separate fish targets instead of one blurred blob. At the same price point, a CHIRP unit will out-fish a non-CHIRP unit in most fishing situations. The only reason to pick non-CHIRP is absolute lowest cost, where the Humminbird PiranhaMAX remains a strong entry-level option.
What is the best fish finder for kayak fishing?
The Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv is the best fish finder for most kayak anglers. The 4-inch screen fits side-scan arms and limited console space, the interface is easy to use while sitting low in the seat, and Quickdraw Contours builds custom lake maps while you paddle. On a tighter budget, the Garmin Striker 4 at the entry-level price tier is the most popular kayak head. For down imaging on a kayak, the Humminbird PiranhaMAX 4 gives you real photo-like views of structure directly below the boat.
Is it worth putting a fish finder on a kayak?
Yes, a fish finder is worth putting on a kayak for most anglers. A fish finder helps you find structure, mark productive spots, and avoid wasting time in dead water – all of which matter more on a kayak where you paddle rather than drift across productive areas. Modern fish finders are small, draw little power, and mount with no-drill hardware designed for kayaks. The cost is low for an entry-level CHIRP unit and the upside is more fish per trip.
Final Thoughts on the Best Fish Finders Under 500 Dollars
If I had to grab one fish finder under 500 dollars tomorrow and head to the lake, I would take the Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv. It strikes the right balance of sonar quality, GPS mapping, screen clarity, and warranty in a 4-inch package that fits boats and kayaks. For shoppers chasing pure value, the Humminbird PiranhaMAX 4 delivers real down imaging without crossing the next price tier. And if you want the cheapest way to start using a sonar unit, the Garmin Striker 4 has been proving itself for years at the entry-level price point.
The best fish finders under 500 dollars in 2026 all do the same core job – they put fish and structure on a screen so you spend less time guessing. Pick the head that matches your boat, your budget, and the way you fish. The rest takes care of itself on the water.