what should I get?

[fatdaddy66]

I know it's a broad question but I've never owned more than a basic model. I fish in Alabama and on a pontoon boat which is a big part of my question. I have a humminbird 170 that came with the boat but I'm looking for a serious unit with better features. I'm open to any advice!

[rnvinc]

Let's start with "what is your budget"...??

Rickie

[fatdaddy66]

I'd like to say around $400 or so.... just a weekend fisher don't want to go overboard

[CrappiePappy]

If your HB 170 is functioning as a depth finder, unit @ console & transdx on transom ... then something to mount on your bow/trolling motor should work well for you.

You could get something like this unit : Amazon.com : Lowrance 000-11146-001 Elite-5 HDI Combo with Basemap and 50/200-455/800KHz Transducer : Boating Chartplotters : GPS & Navigation ... and have color 2d broadband sonar, down image sonar, and GPS with a basemap (lake map outline without contour depths) and have any one of them, two of them, or all three of them showing on screen at the same time.

The 2d broadband sonar = cone shaped ping signal that gives you a color image like your HB170
The downscan sonar = narrow band ping signal that gives you a color image more like a photo
The GPS/chartplotter = lake outline map, waypoint capability, speed, retraceable routes/trails
The transducer has dual 2d & dual downscan kHz settings & water temp sensor

And if you don't want/need the GPS mapping capabilities ... then something like a Elite 5x HDI would give you the 2d & downscan capabilities for about the same price or less.

I'm sure that Humminbird & Garmin have similar units that are in the same price range, I'm just not familiar with their line-up of comparable units.

I'd figure out "how" (what methods) I'm likely to be fishing most often ... consider what capabilities the unit needs to have to make those methods easier & more productive ... find a few different brands/models that have those capabilities & stay within your budget ... price shop the web, then contact Brian@BBGmarine (site member/sponsor) and talk with him to finalize your choice & see if he can beat the web prices you found.

I wouldn't recommend getting a unit with a screen size less than 5" ... and, in fact, if you didn't want the GPS capabilities, you could get a Elite 7x HDI for around the same money as the 5x HDI. Amazon.com : Lowrance 000-10961-001 Elite-7X Fishfinder with 83/200-455/800 KHz Transom Mount Transducer : Fish Finders : Sports & Outdoors

... cp

[DockShootinJack]

I have the Elite 5x HDI mounted on the bow. I am still learning how to get the most out of it. Its gives a good picture and is a huge step up from the units I have had before.

[fatdaddy66]

Thank you crappie pappy great information! I will look into those units. I think I would like the chart plotter but not sure. I've heard mounting these units to the trolling motor can give an unclear screen because of the electric motor....I know that's what I get for buying a pontoon boat but when it's not being fished out of it'd the family lake mini van it seems. Thanks so much for the in depth info!

[CrappiePappy]

Thank you crappie pappy great information! I will look into those units. I think I would like the chart plotter but not sure. I've heard mounting these units to the trolling motor can give an unclear screen because of the electric motor....I know that's what I get for buying a pontoon boat but when it's not being fished out of it'd the family lake mini van it seems. Thanks so much for the in depth info!

There can be electrical interference issues ... between units & trolling motor and two different units using the same kHz sonar setting. But, there are ways to stop, or at least lessen the interference.

Now, there's also a possibility of an unclear screen image from the downscan sonar ... when you turn the trolling motor, but it's temporary and will clear back up as soon as the trolling motor is no longer being turned. The reason it happens is because the sonar signal is a thin, fan shaped band that spreads out to each side. If you change direction of the TM head, then the signal band direction is moved as well.

This pic shows the different sonar shapes of 2d vs DI ... so assume the transducer is on the front of the boat and you'll get an idea of what I'm talking about :



Some people have even bought or made devices that they put the transducer on, rather than the trolling motor itself, and they can drop/lift the device (with the tdx attached) just like a trolling motor. Then the transducer is in a fixed position and won't move as you turn the trolling motor, so the screen image doesn't get scrambled momentarily. Even so, you have to always be cognizant of the fact that the shape of the DI sonar is still going to be side to side of the transducer ... regardless of the direction the boat is moving. No biggie if you're moving straight forward or backward, but if you're moving at an angle or drifting sideways, then the area of water/bottom that is being pinged will be affected.

But, don't worry ... once you see the images that a dialed in downscan screen shows you, and compare it to the 2d images you're used to seeing ... you'll wonder how you ever understood what that 2d finger painting image really was.

... cp

[Gobob]

There's no such thing as going overboard in fishing unless you hit the rabbit button get the biggest baddest you can afford and don't look back You won't regret it