Boat Sonar

[GaryF]

Well I'm in the market for a boat sonar, budget is $400 or so, and there is so much conflicting information on units out there. I'm not concerned with GPS or Maps(have a unit for that) so this would be a sonar only. Do we trully need the dual beam options here in alberta? Color or Greyscale? Readability in bright sunlight, etc.

Your thoughts and recommendations are greatly appreciated, TIA.

[gramps73]

Gary
I run with Hummingbird and like them allot. As far as the bells go, no you don't require them but they make it easy to locate fish.

[nicemustang]

I think color is a must if you're looking for bottom structure. Makes it very easy to tell how hard the bottom is. I rarely use dual beam on mine, so I'd say not necessary. But then again I usually have it on the wide angle. What ever the technology is called that allows you to view it from any angle in sunlight is also a must IMO. That way you can stay fishing rather than moving to see the sonar.

[Teamprotz]

For that money , if you can find an Eagle 640c , you've got color and high pixel count. For double that , lowrance HDS 5.

[GaryF]

This one has my interest, http://store.humminbird.com/products/399597/596c_HD Thoughts?

[nicemustang]

Looks alright to me. What does that run a guy?

[Teamprotz]

Cheapest with side imaging on EBAY is $499. Looks really good.