Just want to say thanks to everyone for all the input and info you have shared with me over the last week. I went last night to Cabelas to purchase a Lowrance Elite5 DS with GPS. Ended up getting the HB 597ci HD DI combo for $599. It was practically a coin toss between the two. The HB was $50 cheaper but that was not totally the deciding factor. Actually had a pretty knowledgeable sales rep that showed me the all the fun stuff. I liked the Elite 5 for the fact you can scroll back and mark a way point. That was one of my main reasons for wanting it. It doesn't appear that you can do that on the HB. At least not any further back than whats on the screen at the present time. Maybe Im wrong on that. I did like the fact that on the HB you could have the 2d and downscan on the screen at the same time. Elite doesn't have the 2D at all. It appeared that the HB was a bit sharper and brighter. At least in the simulation modes. Who knows what the real world screens will be.
Again thanks for sharing your experiences and helpful tips. I may be asking one or two (hundred) more questions of you guys/gals as I attempt to learn my new toy.
Ok one question right away. do you think it would work fine to mount the transducer on the bottom of my jackplate? That would move it back form the transom about 6-8 inches but im not wanting to drill any more holes in the boat. Would the 2d cone possibly see skag on the motor? Im thinking the cone wouldn't be wide enough at that depth to see it.