Looking in replacing my depth / fish finder and was looking for some insight from you guys on what is best bang for the buck. I only do inshore fishing in this boat and don’t want to spend more than around $250.00. What is the best unit on the market for that price range.
I have the Lowrance Elite 4 and would not recommend it. It sometimes loses the ability to track depth and starts blinking a number that’s way off. A real problem if you’re in shallow water. Has also lost the ability to track speed. Had to download and reload the software to fix that. Screen is hard to see in sunlight and it’s too small.
I’ll upgrade one day and be asking the same question then.
Most satisfaction I’ve had is Humminbird 798 hd /w side image , usually $1ooo. But imo the transducer is the key to the overall
performance of the unit of your choice. I bit the bullet and sprung
for thru the hull mount and all of the little gripes I had disappeared
They’re more costly and you have to cut thru hull to install but well worth the extra trouble IMO if you want a clean clear view under all
operating conditions !!! I know this isn’t the price range you’re
looking for but you get what you pay for , then have to live with it.
GW
all gave some , some gave all–only two offered to die for you, christ for your sins , the soldier for your freedom!!!
Look at a Garmin, you won’t be sorry. It’s not going to be the fanciest thing but they work great for the money you want to spend!
I had the same question, but looking for a plotter/depth finder combo. Anyone used the Raymarine Dragonfly series? It seems like the $500 price range is where to be.
17’ Hewes Stalker
If I could find a used transducer for my Hummingbird I would keep it. Just don’t want to spend 80.00 plus shipping for a new one. Figure if i’m going to spend that much then I may as well go ahead and get a brand new unit.
Fishskinner,
I will be selling my Garmin 441s ($200 OBO) in a couple of weeks when the new models come out. It works great and I have used it from Hatteras to Islamorada with no problems navigating around places I didn’t know. Google it, look at the set up and if you want it, let me know. I fish once a week, so if you want to see that it is all in working order, you can meet me when we come back in one day (includes transducer of course).
FYI my unit is sold… I keep getting PM’s and emails, but it is sold already.
That 441s is a good price and has lots of functionality
I have a 441s and could not be happier. As my eyes age I sometimes wish for a bigger screen but, it will do everything you want it to and probably more.
“Apathy is the Glove into Which Evil Slips It’s Hand”.
I have owned all the inexpensive brands and now have a garmin.
The garmin is the best value for the money!
“If we ever forget that we’re
one nation under God,
we will be a nation gone under.” - Ronald Reagan
Bass Pro is running a sale on the Garmin echoMap 50dv. The add does not specify if the transducer comes with it or not. $349.00. I don’t know anything about these units. I have the older Garmin 498.
18’ Hewes Bayfisher
well i have been happy with this one. Lowrance 000-11448-001 Elite-3X Fishfinder with 83/200 Transducer 99 amazon. in shallow water all one needs is depth. i think losing the bottom depth has to do with how the transducer is mounted (so air bubbles dont get between the sounder and the water) the color aids in reading in sunlight. jan
I’ve got a new-in-box Standard Horizon CPF180i plus transducer and all that I would let go for a good price. It was included with a boat purchase I made a few years ago, and I just don’t need it. Nice GPS/sounder combo with a decent size (5") screen.
2000 Sportcraft Sport Cat 255
Wilderness Systems Tarpon 160
Bryson a little more than I need. Thanks though.
I am a big fan of the Garmin 441s. A used one at $200.00 as offered by Chasredfish is a great bargain. I actually use 2 of them on my boat. One I keep on GPS chartplotter mode (it has no transducer hooked up to it) and the other I use as my dedicated depth sounder. I like this set up particularly when out at the nearshore reefs to help me get on top of structure. The unit has a built in GPS antenna and it tracks very well.
Dorado II
Carolina Skiff 25DLV
Selling my Garmin 541S as soon as the new EchoMap 74sv ships (this week I hope!). $250 incl transducer. Might be a good one!
Cheers,
Alex
There’s no I in Barbeque Team.
quote:
Originally posted by MPHewesI had the same question, but looking for a plotter/depth finder combo. Anyone used the Raymarine Dragonfly series? It seems like the $500 price range is where to be.
17’ Hewes Stalker
I do NOT recommend Raymarine. They don’t have it together yet. It’s and endless stream of online updates and OH by the way we got something new next month.
I just attended a garmin presentation and I’m impressed by the 760
It’s a little pricey for inshore $799. But that included chirp down vision all in one transducer with the standard sonar. And of course a chartplotter with all the bells and whistles
I have a garmin 140 fishfinder only, brand new in the box I’ll sell cheap. Pt was a christmas present that I’m not going to use
19ft. Carolina Skiff
w/115hp Yamaha 4stroke
27ft. Contender
w/twin 225hp Yamaha 4stroke
quote:
If I could find a used transducer for my Hummingbird I would keep it. Just don't want to spend 80.00 plus shipping for a new one. Figure if i'm going to spend that much then I may as well go ahead and get a brand new unit.
Did you ever get this resolved. I was searching for something else in my shop and found that I have one that should work. It was either for a 598 or a 798, don’t remember, think they are the same.
I’m a big fan of Humminbird myself.
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
“Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made.” -Robert N. Rose
No cracker not yet, looked up your transducer and it will not work with the one I have per hummingbird website. I have a Piranha 160 that came with the boat when I bought it. Thanks though!!!
Oh well, I was hoping I could help you out with that.
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
“Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made.” -Robert N. Rose