Lets talk fish finders

[Pete_G]

I really like color LCD in the sun, at least on the models I get to regularly use. Much more then almost all grayscale.

This is a dedicated fishfinder, correct? Or does it need to be your GPS too?

I've always been a Garmin guy as well. If it ever betrays me my view will change, but I've always liked their stuff.

[macojoe]

Yes this will be a Fish finder only, I don't like combo units.

Thanks Pete

[stripadan]

I got a great deal on a discontinued Garmin color combo unit this year. Never had color before, will never be without from now on. Also don't like combos, but have a 16' boat, so figured save room.
Does't work that way.
With a 5" screen, you can't really run a split screen. Next year will get another color combo unit and run plotter on one and depthfinder on the other and have backup.
After using Furuno, Sitex, Hummingbird, and Garmin on my boat and on friends' boats, Garmin is the easiest to use by far. Talked to a friend about the Garmin radar and he says the radar is also easier to use than his old Furuno.
It's always fun getting to buy new stuff for your boat.

[Whalecod]

Go with a 600 watt rms color sounder. LCD or CRT, whatever you prefer but if you want to get good soundings in deeper water, a 600 watt maching will give you that. Chk out Si-Tex

[fishsmith]

IMHO It's all about the transducer. My buddy has a furuno667, and this year upgraded the transducer. the difference was 10 fold better.
But you've been fishing a while and I think having good spots if far more important than a good fishfinder.