Sonar

[wildwoods]

Hey fellows. I'm looking to buy a new depth finder. What brand / model is recommended. Is it worth having load able maps? Bought a new boat so starting from scratch. My last boat had a shoot thru hill finder and was horrid.

[JohninAB]

Here is some reading on sonars.

http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/showt...ght=Humminbird

[EZM]

Depends on your budget and the features you want .....

Both Lowrance and Humminbird are excellent brands .....

To have mapping - you require a GPS unit. A great mid market unit - with all the bells and whistles you are looking at >$1000. Here is a great option ....

http://ca.humminbird.com/products/77...ci_HD_SI_COMBO

This unit gives you GPS and mapping, high def, down imaging, multi beam sonar, dual card slots, side imaging, sonar etc....... and it can be networked to other units via the use of an ethernet hub and cable.

Humminbird also allows you to control your MinnKota Motor with i-pilot link equipped motors, controls and/or oscillates your cannon down riggers (cannon-link equipped) all without leaving your captain's chair.

Best value for the money right now is this unit ......

There are some good options that are cheaper, but will not provide full features like these in most cases.

[wildwoods]

Honestly don't mind spending around $700.

[EZM]

How about $650 ........

http://ca.humminbird.com/products/41...ci_HD_DI_Combo

High def, down imaging, GPS mapping, card slot, sonar, internal antenna, multi-beam-multi-frequency sonar.

All of the basic and intermediate features you need .....

OR ........

http://www.lowrance.com/en-US/Produc...IRP-en-us.aspx

for $ 700 this is a great buy - with a bigger screen than the bird of the same price.

[wildwoods]

Thanks for the info. I found a Humminbird 597 ci HD and bought the Navionics Card for it. The whole set up cost me 700. I got 20% off because the floor model was the last one