Need Suggestions on a Budget....

Hey Everyone, I am wanting to buy a new Depthfinder for my father (and myself). He recently went fishing with a friend with down/side imaging and was blown away since he has been using an old hummingbird unit from 1988...No Exaggeration... What I’m hoping is to get both down/side imaging if possible but would settle for down. Im not real sure on the budget but would be open to all suggestions. We only bass and crappie fish but with him reaching retirement soon id like to get him a real nice toy to get out and and piddle with and bring me along. thanks in advance for any input! I’m trying to do my own research but I’m a bit overwhelmed with all the choices

BBG Marine Electronics

Call and talk to Brian. Most helpful guy you will ever talk to. He will walk you through your wants and needs and recommend units. No hard sell on anything and best prices around.

What's an idea of your budget? A Humminbird 899 is around $1000 new and maybe $800 used. 998 can be found less than $1000 used. Gander did have 798 hd units for $649 or you can find one for around $450 used. What are your plans for the unit?

Thanks for the replies I will be looking them up and probably give Brian a call soon. i would like to stay under the $1000 range and would really like to stay in the NEW category. I just want something that is going to last for years to come and i was thinking about having it mounted on the console and having it able to spin around for the front of the boat but after some consideration having it mounted in front would be best for him to see the screen better and to full around with it. I have little to no real experience with down/side imaging first hand. Ive seen the capabilities but I want to get something that will get us by. GPS along with having cards to record and save info to be transferred on the computer seems pretty basic now with all the newer units. Screen size is a big deal to me. The bigger the better and having both side and down next to each other would be ideal.

The 899 is the ticket then, very easy to use and in that price range. Internal GPS so you don't have to mount a puck. Call Brian and he will hook you up. I love mine and use it the same way you are talking about, at the console and turn it around toward the front when pulling cranks or long lining.

I have an 899 myself and LOVE it. And i think you will too!

http://www.crappie.com/crappie/attac...d=172359&stc=1