Fishfinder advice please

[flynny]

It's been asked, but with new models always coming out, figured I'd ask again. My boat has a GPS (Garmin) but I'd like to add a fishfinder. Without breaking the bank, would brand/model would you suggest? Also, is it something that I could install, or typically is that best left for a professional? Thanks!

[Bob Parsons]

Search this forum I just moved an extensive thread on the subject into the forum

[Kuskus68]

I just bought a lowarance x-67c for $250.00 it`s color it has a 3 3/4 inch screen I like it alot.
I don`t have much room on my dash so I went with the smaller unit it has a 320X240 pixel screen.

[soundownsam]

How much money do you want to spend, what type of fishing do you do and in what depth of water?

Sam

[flynny]

$250-$450, fish for stripers and blues, typically in 10' - 30' of water, although I hope to go more offshore this year. Thanks.

[Bigcat]

I need to replace my broken Garmin,and my head is spinning from gps overload:)
I have it down to this.
Garmin 540s..$729.00
Lowrance LMS-522c with Nauticpath chart..$663.00
Both units are new for 2007 and should be out in April.

[soundownsam]

The smaller Garmin units I have used have the easiest to navigate menu options. I would go to a store that has units powered up for you to look at and just scroll thorugh the menus. If you can find the items that you would use, tides, way point lists, waypoint creation, etc.. without the aid of an operation manual.

From what I can tell the technology is pretty similiar in the small stuff and the biggest question is that of useability. For less than 200' of water you don't really need more than a 300w 'ducer. I would highly recoemdn a color screen they make differentiaing sonar returns much easier especially when trying to chase bait or fish tight to the bottom.

As for chart plotting basic maps are fine if you don't want to navigate by the GPS, but, just want to find your spots and basic geographical awareness. The ability to take up graded charts chips is neccesary for navigating strange areas where you will want to find markers and other updated navigation info.

I am not sure exactly which models this covers, however, it should help decide on a range of machines. Also if you will be using the split screen for tight work liek trying to get ontop of a wreck make sure the display is big enough for you to be able to use both halves.

Sam