I need help with a Garmin unit/live scope

[Burtle]

I’m currently old school. I have an old boat that doesn’t have any electronics. My dad has a bass boat. He’s selling it to me. It’s a 2005 Lowe boat. 16’. I’d like to advance a little and get into electronics. 80% of the time I’m crappie fishing. The other times I fish it’s at night for catfish. I fish lakes, rivers, and some creeks.

I’m wanting to get a Garmin 12” screen and live scope. I don’t know anything about live scope or the monitors.

can you guys help me out? Which monitor do you suggest? I want down imaging, side, etc…. I see there’s live scope 32 and 34. 34 of course being the newest, so probably the best to go with? I’d like to find a package deal during Christmas and hopefully get them on sale. Budget for monitor and live scope system is about $3,800-4,000.

I’d appreciate any assistance

[BON TEMPS]

Bite the bullet and get the 34 LS transducer and the 56 side scan transducer. Both are superior and with the extra bucks if you going NEW!! Older used units will be cheaper but not perform as well. I use LS to find the blue cats stacked up in deep bayou bends. It’s like going to the hen house and collecting a basket of fresh eggs.
You should get a new lithium batteries dedicated to your electronics for clean reliable long lasting power. Dont skimp on install. Run a new marine grade 10 or 8 gauge wire to a new bus at the bow to feed all your electronics including the black box and screens.
It will take several hours to get proficient and many more hours on the water becoming a LS expert. However, knowledge is power. LS will save you hours of time when you go fishing. You will be able to determine if the right species and size of fish are present once you get to your spot. It will also let you see how they are reacting to your lure or if they just aren’t eating.
Good Luck!!

BON TEMPS!

[SuperDave336]

I’m not up to date on the latest units but like everyone says get the largest monitor you can afford. Buy once, cry once but you’ll be happier with it. Probably call and talk with a dealer, Russell Marine in our member classified ads and they can help with your decision.

[tlefire]

If your only going to use LS up front and not have another unit at the console, no use in getting a tranducer. Now, with that said, if you going to have a console unit, make sure they are in the same family....ie ultra, GPS map, etc. If not, they won't communicate together. There is a couple of 126sv, first generation, on bass boat central for 1500.00 each. New one sell for about 2500.00, which is the 2nd generation. Also, a LVS34 new for 1275.00.

I have the 106, 1st generation, and are happy with them.

[happycaster58]

Bite the bullet and get the 34 LS transducer and the 56 side scan transducer. Both are superior and with the extra bucks if you going NEW!! Older used units will be cheaper but not perform as well. I use LS to find the blue cats stacked up in deep bayou bends. It’s like going to the hen house and collecting a basket of fresh eggs.
You should get a new lithium batteries dedicated to your electronics for clean reliable long lasting power. Dont skimp on install. Run a new marine grade 10 or 8 gauge wire to a new bus at the bow to feed all your electronics including the black box and screens.
It will take several hours to get proficient and many more hours on the water becoming a LS expert. However, knowledge is power. LS will save you hours of time when you go fishing. You will be able to determine if the right species and size of fish are present once you get to your spot. It will also let you see how they are reacting to your lure or if they just aren’t eating.
Good Luck!!

BON TEMPS!

[skinny]

I know you mentioned a 12" screen, but you also said $3800-$4000.
If you watch Bass Pro spring sale you can get a 106sv for $899. If you have a Bass Pro Credit card and at that price you could get two 106sv units and LVS34 Livescope for around $3600. One unit at the wheel for side image and downscan the other up front for livescope. (down image and side scan only work properly if the boat is moving).
if you can catch a 126sv on sale they are nice, i have one on my bass boat for livescope, but the 106sv has a lot of mega pixels and clear picture.