How to Protect Your Fish Finder From Saltwater (Boats & Jet Skis)
Saltwater is one of the biggest threats to marine electronics. Whether you’re fishing offshore from a centre console, trailer boat, or jet ski, your fish finder is constantly exposed to spray, sun, and harsh marine conditions. Without proper protection, salt buildup and moisture can shorten the life of your sounder and lead to expensive failures.
Browse our range of fish finder covers built for offshore conditions
Why Saltwater Damages Fish Finders
Saltwater doesn’t just get on the screen — it works its way into buttons, seals, wiring connections, and mounting points. Over time, salt crystals attract moisture and can cause corrosion inside the unit. Combined with heat from direct sun exposure, this can accelerate wear and reduce reliability.
Common problems caused by saltwater exposure include:
- Corrosion around connectors
- Screen fogging or condensation
- Button failure
- Internal moisture damage
- Reduced screen visibility in sunlight
These issues are especially common on offshore boats and jet ski fishing setups where electronics are exposed continuously.
The Best Way to Protect Your Fish Finder
One of the simplest and most effective solutions is using a breathable fish finder cover. Unlike vinyl covers that trap heat and moisture, breathable marine-grade covers designed for offshore use help extend the life of your valuable fish finder. They allow airflow while still shielding your sounder's electronics from saltwater spray and UV exposure.
Fish finder covers are designed to:
- Protect against salt spray
- Reduce direct sun exposure and offer shade to the screen
- Prevent moisture build-up
- Keep screens cleaner
- Extend electronics lifespan
This is particularly important for open boats, centre consoles, and jet skis where electronics are mounted in exposed positions.
Choosing the Right Fish Finder Cover
When selecting a cover, look for:
- Breathable material
- Exact fit for your model
- UV resistant fabric
- Secure fit in wind and spray
- Visor design for added shade
Covers designed specifically for Garmin, Simrad, Lowrance, Raymarine, and Humminbird units provide the best protection and fit.
Why Generic Covers Fail Offshore
- cause overheating
- trap moisture
- poor fit
Why Jetcast's Covers Work
- breathable fabric
- exact fit for each unit
- designed for offshore spray
The Original Rusler Sounder Cover Design
Rusler fish finder covers were the first purpose-built breathable covers designed specifically for offshore fishing and exposed marine electronics. The original design focused on protecting sounders from saltwater spray while allowing airflow to reduce condensation and heat build-up — something traditional vinyl covers struggled to achieve.
Since then, similar-looking covers have appeared on the market. While many follow the same basic shape, they often use non-breathable vinyl or lower-grade materials that can trap moisture and heat. This can lead to condensation forming under the cover, which may increase the risk of corrosion and reduce the effectiveness of the protection.
Rusler covers are made from marine-grade breathable synthetic canvas designed to balance protection with airflow. This helps shield electronics from saltwater and sun while allowing moisture to escape. The exact-fit design also ensures a secure fit, which is especially important when traveling at speed on offshore boats or jet skis.
When choosing a fish finder cover, the material and fit matter just as much as the overall design. A breathable, well-fitted cover helps protect your electronics without trapping heat or moisture.
Ideal for Boats and Jet Ski Fishing
Fish finder covers are popular with offshore anglers, trailer boat owners, and jet ski fishers alike. They are especially useful when traveling at speed, where constant spray can coat electronics in saltwater.
Many anglers leave the cover on permanently. By installing the cover between the Sounder head and the bracket, the cover tilts along with the head unit when adjusting viewing angle. As well, the cover provides constant protection, both on the water and on the highway!
If you’re setting up a full offshore ski, check out our complete jet ski setup guide here
When Should You Use a Fish Finder Cover?
- when running offshore
- when parked between spots
- when storing your ski
- when travelling
Is a Fish Finder Cover Worth It?
- If you fish offshore regularly → yes
- If your unit is exposed → yes
- If you’ve already had corrosion issues → definitely
Protect Your Investment
Marine electronics are expensive, and replacing a damaged sounder can cost thousands. A professional protective cover helps reduce exposure to saltwater and sun while keeping your fish finder running cooler and more reliable.
Saltwater damage isn’t a matter of if — it’s when.
If you fish offshore, protecting your electronics is one of the simplest upgrades you can make.
Browse our sounder covers here →
About the Author
Paul Hayes is the creator of Jetcast, a YouTube channel and online store focused on offshore jet ski fishing, marine electronics protection, and real-world fishing gear. After spending nearly 10 years fishing offshore from personal watercraft around Australia, Paul combines hands-on experience with detailed product testing and practical fishing techniques designed for harsh saltwater conditions.
Through Jetcast videos, guides, and product reviews, he aims to help more people safely experience the excitement, freedom, and adventure of offshore fishing from jet skis and small watercraft.