Purchasing first unit for new boat

[BisigBass91]

Recently bought a boat to fix up and I'm wondering if anyone out there has a bit of advice whether to get a unit for the front deck or one by the console. I prefer humminbird or lowrance. Im not looking to spend a lot. somewhere between 500-700. Eventually I will then buy a better second unit. I've heard Humminbird is more user friendly, but I've also heard that lowrances can be great. Also if anyone's thoughts on autochart. 

[Bluebasser86]

If you want user friendly, I'd take a serious look at Garmin. I have 2 93SV units on my boat and have been really happy with them. Even for someone as technologically challenged as I am they're a breeze to use. You can get the new Striker 7SV for the bottom of your price range.

http://www.basspro.com/Garmin-Striker-7-SV-Fishfinder/product/1509231248/

[Nitrofreak]

I just got a boat with a set of Lowrance elite 7 HDI's, I can not speak for the humming bird models but make sure that if you do end up with a pair and you have them both on at the same time that you set the ping speed differently for each, or put the console unit in standby mode before jumping on the deck, it interferes with the front unit otherwise, setting the console on standby helped my front sonar tremendously.

[Wayne P.]

6 hours ago, BisigBass91 said:

Recently bought a boat to fix up and I'm wondering if anyone out there has a bit of advice whether to get a unit for the front deck or one by the console. I prefer humminbird or lowrance. Im not looking to spend a lot. somewhere between 500-700. Eventually I will then buy a better second unit. I've heard Humminbird is more user friendly, but I've also heard that lowrances can be great. Also if anyone's thoughts on autochart. 

Auto Chart is a computer software that creates Lakemaster contour mapping from Humminbird recorded sonar logs. Only Humminbird products are Lakemaster compatible. There are two versions--- Auto Chart and Auto Chart Pro.

Some Humminbird units have built-in Auto Chart Live and create the contour mapping in real time on the unit.

The ONIX, ION, Helix 9, Helix 10, and Helix 12 series have that feature. All of those are not within your budget.

[BisigBass91]

14 hours ago, Wayne P. said:

 

The ONIX, ION, Helix 9, Helix 10, and Helix 12 series have that feature. All of those are not within your budget.

It is compatible with Helix 7 which is what I am leaning toward the most.

[Wayne P.]

The Helix 5 and Helix 7 series do NOT have the Auto Chart Live feature.

Lakemaster and Navionics is compatible with all 6 versions of the Helix 7. 

Auto Chart and Auto Chart Pro computer software creates Lakemaster mapping.