About time to look for inexpensive fishfinder

[Kismet]

Since the boats are done. Would prefer something that doesn't require me to put the big battery in the boat. I have no problem with used equipment.

What brands would you suggest I look at? I'll be saving my pennies to get this thing.

I'm not an avid fisherman, but since I put the boats together, I may as well try and do it right.


Thank you.

 

[Andy Taylor]

Check out the thread I started, "Looking for a good budget depthfinder". You'll get the same answers anyway. I haven't bought one yet because I got my old one working again.

 

[Hanr3]

I prefer Humminbird brands.

They have several around $100 and less, or they offer models up to about $3K for the top of the line model.

I have a Pirahamax 220, no longer made. However they offer several similar. Dual Cone is hte reason I chose the one I bought. Gives me a bigger viewing area compared to the single cone versions. I also saved money by not buying color.

 

[Kismet]

Thank you, gentlemen.

I'll start trolling for one. Might be a while; this month the second half of property tax is due, and those guys have NO sense of priorities when it comes to payment.

 

[Andrew04]

In this price range the garmins are awesome too. I love my echo 150! Can be had new for sub $100.

 

[donmac]

Most of the major brands offer inexpensive options these days - the close-outs at Cabela's and/or BassPro can save you money. But all will need to be powered by something...

...Would prefer something that doesn't require me to put the big battery in the boat. I have no problem with used equipment. ...

Consider a small deep cycle. I use a small Werker WKDC12 33J deep cycle in my little 12 footer. I have it buried underneath a seat - just cut some foam away and dropped it in. It powers my sonar and will run a small trolling motor for at least few hours. I'm actually not sure how long it will run for - it has not failed me yet. I let the alternator on my Honda 8hp charge it. It hasn't needed much charging beyond that.

 

[Butthead]

I'm a humminbird fan myself.
Had a Piranhamax 220 (maybe 215) on my old boat and now have a 565.

 

[wihil]

I'm a Lowrance fan so Eagle units actually made the most sense to me for a budget, but on the inexpensive side of the fence Humminbird really has some great options out now.

Honestly, 200 or less can really go a long ways now compared to what you could get way back when. Heck for under $80 you can get a locator that would have set you back 300 or more in the dark dim days...

 

[Hanr3]

Great tip about powering the fishfinder.

I use a riding lawn mower battery to power everything on my boat except the trolling motor. For the trolling motor I use a group 24 or 27 deep cycle, I dont remember which at the moment. Riding mower batteries are pretty cheap, and small by comparision. Plus they charge up pretty quick when I get home.

 

[Andy Taylor]

Great tip about powering the fishfinder.

I use a riding lawn mower battery to power everything on my boat except the trolling motor. For the trolling motor I use a group 24 or 27 deep cycle, I dont remember which at the moment. Riding mower batteries are pretty cheap, and small by comparision. Plus they charge up pretty quick when I get home.

Any chance you can post a pic of this battery setup? I'm interested in what type of connections you are using. My tractor's battery has strange connection posts on it. Thanks.

 

[PBRMINER]

I too, am a Humminbird fan I have a Pirahanamax 150 but I would go with the 160 for $20 more you get a better transducer

what I found, when looking at used ones on CL is that I would be buying a 5-10 year old FF then also have to buy a transducer anyways so I got a brand new one for less actually. exception of course is if you find a fancy one used with more features than these basic ones but I am fully satisfied with mine (other than I would have spent the $20 more for the dualbeam transducer)

Personally, If I pick up the small jon I am looking at I will be upgrading my 14' to the next up (570) I believe and put the Pirahnamax on the jon

 

[redbug]

whatever you do please do yourself a favor and shop around i would NEVER buy a depthfinder at bass pro or cabelas you will be able to find the same unit cheaper by doing a google search and finding another on line supplier. i have used 3 rivers marine and a few others over the years and have always found it cheaper than bass pro or cabelas
as for the unit look for the highest vertical pixel count dont worry as much about the horizontal it doesnt matter in the big picture.
the more pixels equals more detail

 

[Hanr3]

My riding mower battery posts have holes in teh center of them. You bolt your wires to teh posts.


I also use bolts to make all my wiring connections.

 

[Kismet]

Thank you, Gentlemens....

just ordered a Hummingbird 160, as per your recommendations. New, $110 shipped, eBay. I have both the garden battery and the deep cycle one...just dislike lugging them around.

Of course, the lakes are cooking around here about now, so may be able to have a fish boil. Still no rain....3 tenths of an inch since beginning of June. Not good. 90's again today.