Too much Fish Finder for my Lil Dingy?

[Fishernuts]

Trying to find a balance between adequate and too much graph for my boat. I have used a Hummingbird 16+ years ago and sold it along with that boat. Fast forward have now acquired small 10 footer to fish small puddles, lakes and rivers.

Seeing the current line up of Graphs almost makes me dizzy. I do want color, and think 4 inch screen could get it done. I like the pretty pictures of Down Scan, and Side Scanning. I'm thinking Side scanning would be overkill in a rowboat, currently with trolling motor, but might get a outboard to push it even faster.

I have a handheld Garmin E-Trex for GPS, so I don't get lost in the woods. Have not used it on the water, yet.

Have been looking at Lowrance Elite 4's. Elite 4 HDI and Elite 4 Gold. Not sure about buying a chip in hopes of mapping local small puddles. However basic GPS to get in and out and mark a few potential fishing holes might be a good thing.

I'm looking for 1: help in locating potential good spots, 2: fairly easy to use, 3:Electronics not costing more than 3-4 times what the boat cost.

Suggestions or opinions are very much welcomed.
Thank you in advance,

Fishernuts

[BobB]

You might want to take a look at the new HB Helix models. They have a LOT of functionality at a good price.

[Cray]

That elite 4 HDI would be hard to beat for the price.

[DockShootinJack]

I just got an Elite 5 hdi. Price was pretty good on sale at Academy.

[Fishernuts]

I'll take a look at the new models, I figure now is a good time to buy. New models, off season & post Christmas sales, and Santa still had money leftover and Birthday money is just over the horizon.

[kickingback]

I have an old Elite 4 and found that the black screen is hard to see in the daylight when it is hitting the screen. It is a good sonar but there are others out there with lit screens to see during daylight hours. I would suggest one where you can read it while the sun is at your back. If you fish at night then this is all you will need.
I still have mine with the transducer. I need to sell it since I don't use it anymore. Not sure how much to sell it for. It is only two years old. I have an Humminbird 899 now which is bright!

[Alphahawk]

I have an 899 unit on my kayak...which is ten feet long. Certainly not overkill. It has been a game changer for me and I will not put the kayak in the water without the unit.


Regards

[fishfood]

The new HB Helix si should do what you need. If you have a larger budget go with the 899 for the bigger screen.

[Fishernuts]

The HB Helix SI does look very nice, will have to see it in person. Hope it's drool proof.

[TurboDan]

Moved up from smaller units to 898 on kayak (and boat)... Smart move on my part. See a lot more of what is going on. Another thing is unit has two SD card slots. Allows me to record and have maps and then study recordings at home. Interesting what you miss when on the water.

Go with biggest screen you can afford.

-danny