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IMO get the largest screen you can possibly afford, then get the next size up!
Despite what everyone says, the smaller the boat the LARGER the screen has really has to be. Larger boats don't move around as much and things are easier to operate and read. Larger boats however have more real estate to mount stuff so generally they have large screens. But bigger is better.
Don't be scared by combo units, they work great. Never had a breakdown.
That said, No matter what unit you have you should have a hand held as a back up and an Iphone with the navionics ap as a backup to your backup!
I like garmins but they can't take the weather waaay too many have failed in CC mounts.Raymarines have an excellent rep for being mounted outside and few issues.
I have no idea what your budget is but I am now looking at the newest SIMRAD unit with NSE2. This is a combo unit that includes the autopilot AND has Sidescan sonar included. You can also link in radar, etc. IMO You need to have a combo in a small boat one big screen is much better than 2 small screens.
If everything craps out you can navigate home by your handheld on its own battery.
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