I agree with old goat about bigger is better, I have the 998 hummingbird and I wish I would have went with the biggest but I was trying to save a few dollars or actually a thousand at the time I bought mine. I would suggest getting the biggest one that you can afford. As far as hummingbird or Lowrance I have used both and I prefer hummingbird over Lowrance but that's my opinion and a lot of people will say Lowrance is better but either which one you go with i am sure you will be pleased with it, you just need to take the time to learn your electronics when you get whatever one you go with.