Help me buy a new trolling motor and fish finder

[sullivanjb33]

Im reposting here for hopefully more viewers. I'm in Indiana, and have a 2010 tracker 16' deep v side console.

I want a new trolling motor and will probably get a bow mounted FF to go with. I like hummingbird so will probably go with minn kota to pair. I already have a gen 2 helix 7 on console

I'm sure this could be $2,000 or 8,000, but prefer to stay in the 4 k range or less.

I like to fish crappie, catfish and bass, but am just happy to catch anything.

Lack of success the last few years has really diminished my desire to get out, so I'm hoping a new setup changes that, but it can't be so complex that I can't learn how to successfully use it.

I am 40 years old, but am technology hesitant

What do you use? Are certain brands better for the illiterate?

If anyone has links to articles or reviews of many brands and choices please post too. Any advice is really appreciated.

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[jjue1979]

I'm still using the old 1199s on my boat networked with a new Ultrex (non-Quest) with Advanced GPS (update to i-Pilot Link). I can perform all of the i-Pilot Link functions and only some of the newer Advanced GPS function (some functions require a newer HB fishfinder that can be updated for One Boat Network/Advanced GPS). Since Humminbird just released some new products (Xplore line and MEGA Live 2), I'm waiting for people to sell cheap enough or for the 1199s to break before I upgrade the fishfinders. There is a lot more volume of good, used units sold on other message boards, such as Bass Boat Central.

I grew up on Humminbird, although I can see why people switch to Garmin. I do use the old 360 with the bow 1199, and I have a Garmin Echomap UHD 93sv with a LVS32 just for FFS.

[sullivanjb33]

I'm still using the old 1199s on my boat networked with a new Ultrex (non-Quest) with Advanced GPS (update to i-Pilot Link). I can perform all of the i-Pilot Link functions and only some of the newer Advanced GPS function (some functions require a newer HB fishfinder that can be updated for One Boat Network/Advanced GPS). Since Humminbird just released some new products (Xplore line and MEGA Live 2), I'm waiting for people to sell cheap enough or for the 1199s to break before I upgrade the fishfinders. There is a lot more volume of good, used units sold on other message boards, such as Bass Boat Central.

I grew up on Humminbird, although I can see why people switch to Garmin. I do use the old 360 with the bow 1199, and I have a Garmin Echomap UHD 93sv with a LVS32 just for FFS.

Jjue, many thanks. I have convinced myself that I want I pilot link, that much i know.

I can't wrap my head around mega, 360 chirp and mega-live.

From what I read i think the transducer on stern is best used for side imaging and bow/trolling motor transducer is best for down, and livescope ?

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[jjue1979]

Yes, I typically only use side imaging on the transom transducer, even when I did have a side imaging transducer on the trolling motor. I will side image scan while running the outboard and will use it when standing on the back deck while pulling crankbaits. Side imaging is good to see what you just ran past.

Since I don’t have a down imaging transducer on my trolling motor at the moment, I really use the 2D sonar, 360, and Livescope on the bow, although DI is like 2D, where you get an idea of what you just ran over with the trolling motor.

[happycaster58]

Minn Kota Ultrex- about $3K and Humminbird Helix 12"- $1500 at BassPro.

[skeetbum]

I’m not a fan of the ultrex after the refusal to stow stories I’ve heard. My terrova isn’t tough to stow. I like the idea of linking the FF unit and TM and being able to follow contours. I’m also not a fan of FFS, more old school. My boat is small and light on purpose and I use a 12v system and one battery, though I may go to a small lithium for the Garmin SI unit. I’m sure that a gps following side image unit and a good, smart TM would set you back at least 4k. Money well spent. My systems and setups have lasted me lots of years and I feel the price justified. My MK motors have done me well as have the Bird units, though I went with Garmin this time. Never know, might go back to Bird. I use the auto pilot and anchor feature a lot.

[sullivanjb33]

I bought a minn kota terrova but am still looking at fish finders.

I am considering a humminbird fortress for the bow. I assume that would link the console FF and trolling motor onto 1 network ?

Can I switch between the tm transducer and the one at stern?

Also, do I need the GPS puck?

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[fish_4_any]

Only advice I can give is get a 24 volt and a 200ah battery. 12 volt and a 100 just don't cut it. Wish I would have known before getting one for my buddies boat.

[skeetbum]

Yeah, lots of battery strength is a plus. A separate for the FF is common also, interference and all. If the battery goes low the ff goes away first.

[sullivanjb33]

Good advice. What batteries do you use?

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