Need help choosing a fish finder.

[BigDVO]

I recently purchased a 24ft fishing pontoon boat for this upcoming season. I would like to know the best bang for my buck in a fish finder. Im not looking at spending a mint but would be comfortable spending up to the $500 range. GPS is not necessary but would be neat if available. I purchased my first finder this winter (Lowrance x67c) for ice fishing and enjoyed using a finder so much that I gotta get one for my new boat. Any help would be great as I know very little about them at all. Ease of use would also be a bonus.

Thanks for your help

[Lake Raker]

I like the Humminbirds and was very happy with the Eagle units I had prior. I recommend buying used, you can get a lot more for the same price.

[Lifeguard]

For the $500 range, I'd look at the new Humminbirds with down imaging. 

http://www.basspro.com/Humminbird-Fishfinder-596c-HD-DI-Sonar-Fishfinder/product/10210563/-1764753

If you could find a few hundred more, I'd certainly step up the the Humminbird 798c si, I think the side imaging is worth the extra coin.

[fishfinger]

I've got a Humminbird 898 and absolutely love it. It is well worth the extra money.  I don't use the down imaging that much. But the side imaging has honestly helped me catch a ton more fish. 

I also like the "buying used" suggestion, if you're on a budget. Search ebay and such and you should be able to find a quality unit.

I'm waiting for Johnson Outdoors (Humminbird/Minnkota parent company) to come out with a link up, so I can send waypoints to my Terrova I-Pilot from my 898.  Wishful thinking maybe

[Lifeguard]

Found this video which really helped me understand the display of the side imaging.  I didn't realize that the dark area down the center was the water column.  Shows a little on the down imaging as well.  Can't wait to get my 998c si mounted up now!!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xe6pLPdMKc

[venisonman]

Great little video. Thanks for sharing.

[DT5150]

just installed a lowrance hds 5 in my boat, got to use it for the first time this weekend. what an awesome unit..