Choosing bow mount finder

[Dad_Golf_Fish]

I have asked this somewhere else, and I have received a couple of replies, but I also like to go where the knowledge is, and it is certainly here. I would really appreciate any opinions!

What I want: A bow mount finder with a trolling motor mount that will show me some amount of bottom detail at shallow depths. I spend most of my time inside of 20', although I may want to see what is out a bit further (30-35 ft). Since this is not my money buying it, it needs to be inexpensive.

I have narrowed my search down to two choices: The Garmin 140 and the Eagle 245. Links to the specs for each below. Since the Eagle will need the TM mount adapter, they equal out in price. The Eagle has better P-P power, so I would expect better echoes. They are both dual-beam, but the specs are a little confusing. The Garmin claims 15 or 45 degree cone, but the Eagle claims 60 or 120 degree coverage. I don't know what to make of that claim, but since this is bow mount and primarily used in 20' or less, I would like as much coverage as possible at shallow depths.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=344#specsTab

http://www.eaglenav.com/en/Products/Fishfinders/FishEasy-245-DS/Specifications/

I know there are probably better options, but I limited the budget for this since I already have a console HB and this new one is a Father's Day gift, so I don't want to break my wife's "kitchen money" or empty my daughter's piggy bank. Plus, she is probably letting me get my new (used) trolling motor. I have a $20 off at BPS, so I am ready to order once I (you) pick the winner.

A couple of final thoughts: I do not need GPS at this time. Most of my local lakes I can see end to end from the dock. I do not need waypoints since I have not yet developed CRS and I remember what is worth remembering. I may need GPS next year, but I will add a console unit then. I understand P-P power and pixel count and all that, and I don't really need to see every last detail, but I would like to be able to identify bottom composition and see general structure beneath me.

Thanks for the help!

[Wayne P.]

The Eagle has twice the power of the Garmin and that will be better for bottom composition and showing fish. You don't need a transducer adaptor mount. A tm transducer won't cost you any extra, just exchange it for the puck style (do not open the package with the  included transducer and mount parts that come with the unit). LEI Extras is the place for the exchange.

[Dad_Golf_Fish]

This is strange. I looked at LEI, and for the 245DS they only list the 200k TD. Everything else says the 245DS uses the 83/200 TD. Looking through their listing of dual frequency TDs, they don't list any with a TM mount, only thru-hull and transom. Not a problem, the extra $14 for the TM mount won't kill me, and I know it will be ready for mounting out of the box.

I guess that alone should make the decision simple. Thanks for the input. I guess the last thing is how naive am I to believe in the claim of 120 degree coverage?

[burleytog]

Humminbird 565 since you're interested in detail.  Resolution is the key for detail.

Failing that, the Eagle Fishmark 320 offers a decent solution.

[Jig Man]

I don't really think you will be able to see much detail with the low pixel count of the two units you listed.  I'd take a look around and see what is out there in a good used one that needs a new home because the owner bought and HD or side imaging unit.  There are thousands like that all over the place right now.