fish finder advice for new boat owner

[jbrew73]

I need to outfit my new boat with electronics and would like to get you guys opinion on what features are needed at the console vs bow.  i would like to keep it under $1500 if possible.  this is my first boat and i have little experience with fish finders other than looking at old school sonar units to see how deep and what temp the water is.

 

i am not necessarily looking for specific brand recommendations yet just what options and features are best suited for a new owner not trying to get a second loan just for electronics.

 

i'm thinking about GPS and SI at the console and DI at the bow.  does this seem reasonable?   

 

i just dont want to waste money on features that i dont need or later regret not getting the features i needed to begin with.

 

 

 

[Allen Der]

I have two 5" humminbird 788's GPS/DI networked together on my boat and it gets the job done.  I'm not sure the DI is really worth it unless you vertical jig, because the cone size is very small to get the good image.  If I was buying new I'd get a Helix 7 or 9 at the console and Helix 5 or 7 on the bow networked together.  that way you dont have to go back to the console to mark a waypoint when you catch a fish

[12poundbass]

Sounds like you're on the right track. SI for sure at the helm and some like SI at the bow and some don't. The more research you do and the better you understand DI and SI the better your decision will be.

[Sprocket]

Get the biggest screen you can afford, especially for the front deck.  You are only a foot or two from the one on the console.

 

SE Kansas grass grower

[jbrew73]

1 hour ago, Allen Der said:

I have two 5" humminbird 788's GPS/DI networked together on my boat and it gets the job done.  I'm not sure the DI is really worth it unless you vertical jig, because the cone size is very small to get the good image.  If I was buying new I'd get a Helix 7 or 9 at the console and Helix 5 or 7 on the bow networked together.  that way you dont have to go back to the console to mark a waypoint when you catch a fish

i dont fish vertically at all. i guess dropshotting is vertical but its not somethinging that i currently do.

 

i wouldnt mind using the bow unit to see what the rear SI transducer is seeing but i think both units would have to have SI for the networking to work that way. buying two SI units gets costly.

 

i have also considered dumping all the money into the console unit and finding a swivel mount to allow me to swing it around and see it front the deck.  with the bluetooth remote that humminbird has i assume i would be able to mark spots and possible change views without reaching for the unit. any thoughts on that scenario?   

 

does anyone offer a unit that is basically a dummy and just networks off the other unit?. essentially just a remote monitor to work with the main unit.

[Allen Der]

19 hours ago, jbrew73 said:

i dont fish vertically at all. i guess dropshotting is vertical but its not somethinging that i currently do.

 

i wouldnt mind using the bow unit to see what the rear SI transducer is seeing but i think both units would have to have SI for the networking to work that way. buying two SI units gets costly.

 

i have also considered dumping all the money into the console unit and finding a swivel mount to allow me to swing it around and see it front the deck.  with the bluetooth remote that humminbird has i assume i would be able to mark spots and possible change views without reaching for the unit. any thoughts on that scenario?   

 

does anyone offer a unit that is basically a dummy and just networks off the other unit?. essentially just a remote monitor to work with the main unit.

 

some of the newer birds can share the SI and maps between units.  I'm not sure if it's limited to the Onix series, but i thought some of the Helix could do it.  I'd call their customer service to find out for sure.  I suppose the remote would work as long as you dont lose it

[A-Jay]

I'd say these two units have your name written all over them ~

 

http://fishfinders.factoryoutletstore.com/details/436529/humminbird-helix-7-chirp-si-gps-g2n-combo.html?category_id=77267&catalogitemid=401622

 

http://fishfinders.factoryoutletstore.com/details/436528/humminbird-helix-7-chirp-di-gps-g2n-combo.html?category_id=77267&catalogitemid=401621

 

Sweet rebate deals on the cards & remotes right now as well.

http://www.factoryoutletstore.com/content/pdf/raymarine/64230_1.pdf

http://www.humminbird.com/uploadedFiles/Content/Freshwater/Lifestyle/2017_Helix_Redemption_Form1.pdf

 

Good Luck

A-Jay

[WRB]

How you fish should determine what type of sonar unit to purchase. If you only fish visual shoreline cover or structure would a side imaging unit help you locate bass? I don't think it's worth the time and effort because you will target those areas with or without a sonar unit because any fish you meter to one side could ne carp or anyother fish

If you are going to search deeper isolate structure then. Side imaging unit saves you time locating structure, cover and fish and maybe worth the time and effort if you are dedicated and learn to use the tool.

Down imaging color units with GPS would be the minimum needed, doesn't show you what is to one side or doesn't scan and I believe most bass anglers use this type of unit more successfully than Si units. 

If you plan to fish tournaments competitively get a GPS DI/SI console unit and DI trolling motor unit, standard set up today.

Tom

[jbrew73]

thanks guys..  this is the kind of info i was looking for.

[sully420]

On 4/2/2017 at 9:24 AM, A-Jay said:

I'd say these two units have your name written all over them ~

 

http://fishfinders.factoryoutletstore.com/details/436529/humminbird-helix-7-chirp-si-gps-g2n-combo.html?category_id=77267&catalogitemid=401622

 

http://fishfinders.factoryoutletstore.com/details/436528/humminbird-helix-7-chirp-di-gps-g2n-combo.html?category_id=77267&catalogitemid=401621

 

Sweet rebate deals on the cards & remotes right now as well.

http://www.factoryoutletstore.com/content/pdf/raymarine/64230_1.pdf

http://www.humminbird.com/uploadedFiles/Content/Freshwater/Lifestyle/2017_Helix_Redemption_Form1.pdf

 

Good Luck

A-Jay

A-jay just posted the exact units I'm going to buy to link with my ulterra and if I remember my pricing of those units correctly they're right in that $1,500 price limit

[Attila]

You know, I love this site.

 

I was thinking of this exact question today as I'm hoping to have a boat next year and was wondering what type of setup I should consider for that boat...it's only a 16 footer but will have a command console and a casting deck with a Minn Kota up front.

 

I come here and I find the answer that makes the most sense to me and is easy to understand and in this case that would be @A-Jay's.

 

Just one question - what type of battery setup would you use?  I'll be running a 40hp Merc and a Terrova 80 / i-Pilot Link / US2 along with the two Humminbirds he mentioned and a livewell....

 

Sorry for taking the thread off topic...

[sully420]

12 minutes ago, Attila said:

You know, I love this site.

 

I was thinking of this exact question today as I'm hoping to have a boat next year and was wondering what type of setup I should consider for that boat...it's only a 16 footer but will have a command console and a casting deck with a Minn Kota up front.

 

I come here and I find the answer that makes the most sense to me and is easy to understand and in this case that would be @A-Jay's.

 

Just one question - what type of battery setup would you use?  I'll be running a 40hp Merc and a Terrova 80 / i-Pilot Link / US2 along with the two Humminbirds he mentioned and a livewell....

 

Sorry for taking the thread off topic...

Great question I would love to hear A-Jay's opinion on this as well, I'm concerned about over taxing  my starting battery.

[A-Jay]

1 hour ago, Attila said:

You know, I love this site.

 

I was thinking of this exact question today as I'm hoping to have a boat next year and was wondering what type of setup I should consider for that boat...it's only a 16 footer but will have a command console and a casting deck with a Minn Kota up front.

 

I come here and I find the answer that makes the most sense to me and is easy to understand and in this case that would be @A-Jay's.

 

Just one question - what type of battery setup would you use?  I'll be running a 40hp Merc and a Terrova 80 / i-Pilot Link / US2 along with the two Humminbirds he mentioned and a livewell....

 

Sorry for taking the thread off topic...

 

47 minutes ago, sully420 said:

Great question I would love to hear A-Jay's opinion on this as well, I'm concerned about over taxing  my starting battery.

 

 Without Hi-jacking the tread ~

 

Glad you guys liked my "choice" - I don't have either unit though I am a Humminbird user & abuser.  My canoe has a little (and rather dated 363) unit and the Pro-V bass as a pair of Helix 10 SI KVD's.  I am very happy with those. 

 Admittedly I am Far for an expert (on electronic or it's associated wiring) and made the above recommendation based on "that's what I would get if it were me" 

As for battery recommendations,  even in rigs were space is at a premium, I Always recommend getting the biggest battery you can fit; both as a starting/cranking battery & the trolling motor batteries.  I personally do not worry about the weight or the cost.  The priority is to have the juice when I want & need it.  The few $$ I may save getting smaller units is Always immediately forgotten when one is floating around the lake with no power.    Things you may never hear a bass angler say "I hate my boat, my trolling motor has too much trust and my batteries have way too much juice". 

The Terrova is a 24 V deal so as long as you get decent batteries, a quality charger and are religious about ensuring a prompt re-charge - you should be good.

I use Blue Top Dual purpose batteries all around and a Dual Pro charger.  Adding the cranking battery to the re-charge wiring, is a solid plan as well but will necessitate your charger have an 'extra' charging bank.  So your 24V will need a three bank charger instead of a two.

 

A-Jay

[Attila]

As always @A-Jay, your wisdom and knowledge are appreciated.  I picked up all the electronic catalogues from the companies I was interested in and felt that the Humminbird/Minn Kota combo was the right way to go. It helps that they have a discount available if you purchase a Lund too.

 

I was originally looking at the 1600 Fury SS to fit everything into but now think that the 1625 Fury XL is a better fit...I just don't like the centre rod storage idea...lol

Again, thank you for your help.

[A-Jay]

3 hours ago, Attila said:

As always @A-Jay, your wisdom and knowledge are appreciated.  I picked up all the electronic catalogues from the companies I was interested in and felt that the Humminbird/Minn Kota combo was the right way to go. It helps that they have a discount available if you purchase a Lund too.

 

I was originally looking at the 1600 Fury SS to fit everything into but now think that the 1625 Fury XL is a better fit...I just don't like the centre rod storage idea...lol
Again, thank you for your help.

 You're most welcome and it's funny you should mention that ~ I love mine.

If I was a poker player, I'd call this a Full House

A-Jay

 

[Wayne P.]

6 hours ago, Attila said:

You know, I love this site.

 

I was thinking of this exact question today as I'm hoping to have a boat next year and was wondering what type of setup I should consider for that boat...it's only a 16 footer but will have a command console and a casting deck with a Minn Kota up front.

 

I come here and I find the answer that makes the most sense to me and is easy to understand and in this case that would be @A-Jay's.

 

Just one question - what type of battery setup would you use?  I'll be running a 40hp Merc and a Terrova 80 / i-Pilot Link / US2 along with the two Humminbirds he mentioned and a livewell....

 

Sorry for taking the thread off topic...

 

If you intend to use the US2 in the Minnkota, you cannot get Down Imaging with that--it is Sonar ONLY. If want to use DI at the bow with a trolling motor transducer, it has to be a DI transducer. Get the proper one for the trolling motor application---a DI trolling motor puck. Exchange the included transom DI transducer for the PUCK by contacting Humminbird Customer Service.

[jbrew73]

On April 2, 2017 at 9:24 AM, A-Jay said:

I'd say these two units have your name written all over them ~

 

http://fishfinders.factoryoutletstore.com/details/436529/humminbird-helix-7-chirp-si-gps-g2n-combo.html?category_id=77267&catalogitemid=401622

 

http://fishfinders.factoryoutletstore.com/details/436528/humminbird-helix-7-chirp-di-gps-g2n-combo.html?category_id=77267&catalogitemid=401621

 

Sweet rebate deals on the cards & remotes right now as well.

http://www.factoryoutletstore.com/content/pdf/raymarine/64230_1.pdf

http://www.humminbird.com/uploadedFiles/Content/Freshwater/Lifestyle/2017_Helix_Redemption_Form1.pdf

 

Good Luck

A-Jay

will the di unit show the si images from the si unit using the networking?

[A-Jay]

18 minutes ago, jbrew73 said:

will the di unit show the si images from the si unit using the networking?

http://www.humminbird.com/Category/Support/FAQ/EthernetSonarSharing/

Open this pdf file and scroll to the unit(s) you're interested in.

A-Jay

[contium]

20 hours ago, Attila said:

As always @A-Jay, your wisdom and knowledge are appreciated.  I picked up all the electronic catalogues from the companies I was interested in and felt that the Humminbird/Minn Kota combo was the right way to go. It helps that they have a discount available if you purchase a Lund too.

 

I was originally looking at the 1600 Fury SS to fit everything into but now think that the 1625 Fury XL is a better fit...I just don't like the centre rod storage idea...lol

Again, thank you for your help.

 

+1 on not liking center rod storage. I guess it depends on if you go into your rod locker or tackle storage more. I am constantly going into tackle storage and its a pain if you have it stored in side compartments with rods laying on them.

[A-Jay]

16 minutes ago, contium said:

 

+1 on not liking center rod storage. I guess it depends on if you go into your rod locker or tackle storage more. I am constantly going into tackle storage and its a pain if you have it stored in side compartments with rods laying on them.

  Might also depend on if the vessels aft deck offers plenty of tackle storage and perhaps a Pop-Up Tackle System.

A-Jay

 

 

[Attila]

18 hours ago, A-Jay said:

 You're most welcome and it's funny you should mention that ~ I love mine.

If I was a poker player, I'd call this a Full House

 

A-Jay

 

 If I had that kind of office space..LOL..on the Fury XL it's located beside the centre console and opens to the left, not straight up like the one on yours.  Will have to check it out at the dealership to see how I feel about it....

 

 

[A-Jay]

1 hour ago, Attila said:

 If I had that kind of office space..LOL..on the Fury XL it's located beside the centre console and opens to the left, not straight up like the one on yours.  Will have to check it out at the dealership to see how I feel about it....

 

 

Nice Choice ~

Perhaps you'd care to kick it up a notch and go for the New 1775 Renegade ~

A-Jay

[Attila]

21 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

Nice Choice ~

Perhaps you'd care to kick it up a notch and go for the New 1775 Renegade ~

A-Jay

 

As much as I would like to buddy, I'm on a budget and I'm not even sure that Fury XL will come in under it...was originally just looking at the 1600 Fury SS with one seat for me and a second seat up front to use when I'm fishing and using the Minn Kota.  My tackle is one of those Plano 3700 Guide bags and I liked the idea of side rod storage that the Fury SS comes with so that I can have plenty of deck space when needed, say like for a camping supplies as I do most of my journeying to campgrounds.

 

On the 1600 Fury SS there's room for a couple of rods up front for me and if they're not biting I could easily swap out rods from the rod storage areas on either side as I only use about 6 rods in total, split between 4 for spinning (UL x2, ML, M) and 2 baitcasters, one for topwater and another for 3/8oz crank and chatterbaits.

As much as I'd like to have a bigger rig, and believe me I'm tempted to pull the trigger, I think I can get away with the 1600 Fury with all the bells and whistles like the Humminbirds mentioned above along with the batteries to keep it all going while keeping the cost down too.

 

Cheers, and thanks again @A-Jay, as always.

[A-Jay]

4 minutes ago, Attila said:

 

As much as I would like to buddy, I'm on a budget and I'm not even sure that Fury XL will come in under it...was originally just looking at the 1600 Fury SS with one seat for me and a second seat up front to use when I'm fishing and using the Minn Kota.  My tackle is one of those Plano 3700 Guide bags and I liked the idea of side rod storage that the Fury SS comes with so that I can have plenty of deck space when needed, say like for a camping supplies as I do most of my journeying to campgrounds.

 

On the 1600 Fury SS there's room for a couple of rods up front for me and if they're not biting I could easily swap out rods from the rod storage areas on either side as I only use about 6 rods in total, split between 4 for spinning (UL x2, ML, M) and 2 baitcasters, one for topwater and another for 3/8oz crank and chatterbaits.

As much as I'd like to have a bigger rig, and believe me I'm tempted to pull the trigger, I think I can get away with the 1600 Fury with all the bells and whistles like the Humminbirds mentioned above along with the batteries to keep it all going while keeping the cost down too.

 

Cheers, and thanks again @A-Jay, as always.

 Sounds good.

I really hope you get it.

Life's short and tomorrow's not guaranteed to any of us.

Do it.

A-Jay