Fish Finder Recommendation For Minn Kota Universal Sonar 2

[Happybeerbuzz]

I am about to take delivery of my boat, and I upgraded the TM to a Minn Kota Terrova which has the built in Universal Sonar 2.  I understand that it only has 2D capabilities.  What would be the "bang for your buck" fish finder to match with it.  I am thinking around $200 or so, but could spend more if there is value.  I am a first time boat owner so talk to me like I am a novice (because I am).  

 

Thanks in advance for your input.  

[PAbasser927]

We have the same TM on our boat and everything I have read seems to discourage using the integrated transducer entirely.  Apparently the quality of the picture is not great, in part because the power source is shared with powering the trolling motor.  Since the current being used to power the trolling motor is variable, it is desirable to have you sonar hooked up to a more steady power feed.  Most people opt to mount a separate transducer to the bottom of the TM and bypass the integrated transducer alltogether.  This is all information I have gathered in research, I have not actually tried using the integrated transducer.

[Tennessee Boy]

I have a Minn Kota Ultrex and I use the built in Universal Sonar 2 (US2) transducer with a Humminbird Solix.  I'm very happy with 

it and recommend it.  It is nice having the transducer wire inside the TM shaft.  What @PAbasser927 is saying about the power source does not make sense to me.  It is usually a bad idea to power your fish finder and trolling motor with the same battery.  People who do this often see noise on the sonar when the TM is running.  This may be what PAbasser927 is refering to.  With US2,  you power the fish finder as you see fit and connect the built in transducer to it just like you would any transducer.  The transducer does not need a seperate power source. It is just connected to the fish finder like you would connect an antenna to a two way radio.  You could disconnect the trolling motor power completely and the fish finder and transducer would still work. 

 

I won't try to recommend a fish finder for you because I don't have any recent experience with fish finders in your price range.  If you do decide to use the built in transducer,  make sure you buy a fish finder that is compatible with US2.  You will have to buy an adapter cable for the one you choose.  Here is a link to the Minn Kota web page that list compatible fish finders and the adapter cable required for US2.

 

https://www.minnkotamotors.com/learn/technology/trolling-motors/universal-sonar-2

 

 

[PAbasser927]

3 hours ago, Tennessee Boy said:

What @PAbasser927 is saying about the power source does not make sense to me.  It is usually a bad idea to power your fish finder and trolling motor with the same battery.  People who do this often see noise on the sonar when the TM is running.  This may be what PAbasser927 is refering to.

 

Yup that was it!  I must have been remembering what I read a while ago incorrectly.  Thanks for clarifying!

[Happybeerbuzz]

Since the US2 is limited to 2D, is there a reason that I shouldn't just go for the biggest screen I can afford on a 2D fish finder and be done with it given it is my intention to use the built in transducer?

[slonezp]

Bigger is better

[Tennessee Boy]

You might want to go to a store that has several models and play with them to see which one you like.  Ease of use is always a consideration.  

 

[haggard]

Congrats on your new boat. If you're interested in a Lowrance Hook 4 GPS/finder with HDI transducer, I have an unused spare which meets your budget. I'll post to the for-sale section this evening. I bought a pair of them last year, one for the yak and one for the boat, but the boat got killed before I even installed it, so it's literally unused. I really enjoy the one I have on the yak.

 

[kenmitch]

On 9/26/2018 at 4:27 PM, Happybeerbuzz said:

Since the US2 is limited to 2D, is there a reason that I shouldn't just go for the biggest screen I can afford on a 2D fish finder and be done with it given it is my intention to use the built in transducer?

Nope....As long as your console mounted sonar meets your other needs. Some users like built in maps, navigation, etc.