Im looking for a combo or possibly separate depending on price and trying to keep my budget around $500. The only reason i kind of want a combo is because i would rather have 1 decent then 2 half decent models. I see there is a good bit out there which is where my question comes in between lowrance or garmin which is the best bang for my buck? Or are there options that i am missing?
1990 Vector 1750 DC Hydra Sport
Humminbird 
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
Small craft surveying and repair
I have a Garmin 441s and have really enjoyed it. My only regret…not getting the 541 with the bigger screen.
For your price range Hummingbird 587-ci HD DI.
You can get them for around $450.
GPS, Sonar, plus Down-Imaging in one package.
You can thank me later 
Did you buy the Sea-Vee?
twin vee. yes i did and so far so good…besides the GPS not working it needs some fiberglass work and a lot of cleaning up the guy that had it did some weird things but i think it has good potential theres a lot that i need to add though. thanks for the hummingbird suggestions too. i went ahead of eliminated it since the one that is installed now does a terrible job but its old and looks to be a cheaper model.
1990 Vector 1750 DC Hydra Sport
If you could pony up a little more money the 598 with side imaging is a sweet little rig.
I bought the 597 when it first hit the market and I love it, but would love to have the side imaging now.
Congrats on the Twin-Vee.
I have the Lowrance Elite 5 DSI with the gold navionics package. Think I paid right around $500 for it. Its great not to mention a little bit larger screen and its very simple to use.
Also depends on what you are wanting to do with it. I found that Garmin has the best maps as far as navigation but Lowrance had better fish finder. JMO
G & W Boatworks, LLC
Detailing & Bottom Painting
843-991-1495
You can find the Garmin 440s for less than $500. It is a nice little unit.
so i sprung for the hummingbird 597. ill report back next week after i get a chance to test it out.
thanks for all the good input.
1990 Vector 1750 DC Hydra Sport
the elite 7 is nice unit…
or
garmin dragonfly with chirp:)
Garmin 541s