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When you purchase a fishfinder unit such as a humminbird 1197 do they normally come with everything you need to install and use the unit completely, or are cables and mounting equipment and different parts sold seperately. I know nothing about them so when I get ready to purchase a unit I want to make sure I have everything I will need to use the unit on a boat. Also, who is the cheapest place to buy humminbird 1197 units from or other units for that matter.
Generally speaking, you should get all the components to mount the unit & use it. There are possible exceptions, but for a "new in the box" purchase, you should get the head unit, transducer, power cord, and transom mounting bracket & hardware. You "may" have to purchase a mount (swivel mount/RAM mount) for the head unit, but that would only be because your situation (where you mounted it) called for it.
Some brands offer a trade-in deal, if you want to mount the unit on the trolling motor & don't want to use the transom style transducer. The "puck" style transducers are for TM or internal floor mounting. The "skimmer" style transducers are for transom mounting, but can be used on a TM (with special mounting brackets) ... they're just a little larger than a puck style, & some people don't like them for TM use, so they trade or purchase them seperate.
I don't know where the cheapest (retail) place to buy a depth finder is, but there's always some good deals posted on the Personal Classified Ads Forum. I've also seen some posted in some of the State Forums ... sometimes they don't want to ship them, but have them picked up at the sellers residence or a place of their choosing, and some will ship (either at the buyers expense, or included in the price).
First things you need to consider, before choosing a specific model of DF, is HOW you're going to use it in conjunction with the fishing methods you use. That gives you an idea of what specific features the unit must have, in order to be of any use to you while fishing that way. Don't let the bright lights, hype, and bells & whistles overcome you (or your budget, for that matter) Rofl There's a lot of good units out there, that will do all you need them to do, and work well & compliment your styles/methods of fishing.
... luck2ya, whatever unit you decide on Thumbs Up
... cp :cool:
Also we have some sponsors that give us some excellent prices. "Member Sponsor" Classified Ads
Units can be bought without transducers and it makes the price look like you are really getting a great deal so make sure it doesn't say transducer not included.