01-05-2004, 07:53 PM
Good suggestions so far. It always helps to look at other peoples setups, and get their opinion on them. If I were you I'd look for a unit with a screen of at least 240 pixels, the higher resolution screens are nice. Garmin, Eagle, Humminbird, Lowrance and others all have units with this resolution. The next most important feature is power. You would be served best by a unit with at least 1500 Watts of power. Higher power equals higer cost. I noticed at Sportsman's the other day that Eagle has a 480 pixel unit, 1500 watts of power for around $200. A nice unit for the price.
I personally have a Garmin setup. I have 2 transducers, one for my ice/portable setup, and one for my pontoon. Having multiple ducers makes for easy removal, and portability. My portable setup is attatched to a suction cup, so I can use it through the ice, or on someone elses boat. When petty4life and myself head out, I can take it along for the ride, and the suction cup mounts nicely on the transom of his boat. I should snap a couple of pics to show you my portable setup.
I have used units from Lowrance, Eagle and Garmin, and I really liked all of them. Stay with a unit by these manufactures and you cannot go wrong. I have no real experience with Humminbird, or bottomline, but I'm sure they would come highly recommended by those who use them.
Go to the store, and play with the units in demo mode. This will give you a feel for how they are going to work for you. Good luck with your decision, and let us know what you choose, and how you like it.
Here is a pic of my portable setup. I keep the SLA battery secure with a 2" velcro strap. The PVC T is for ice fishing, but the ducer/suction cup easily comes off for portability. I have the FishFinder mounted on a Johnny Ray base, so it swivels 360 deg, kind of nice. I can then just detatch the unit, lay it flat, and it's all packaged up. I also can store fishing gear in the bottom trays of the tackle box. I really like this setup, but it is not the be all, end all of setups. I've seen some great systems that other BFT'ers have, and I know they have some valuable opinions that you should take to mind when you make your final choice. once again, good luck.
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I personally have a Garmin setup. I have 2 transducers, one for my ice/portable setup, and one for my pontoon. Having multiple ducers makes for easy removal, and portability. My portable setup is attatched to a suction cup, so I can use it through the ice, or on someone elses boat. When petty4life and myself head out, I can take it along for the ride, and the suction cup mounts nicely on the transom of his boat. I should snap a couple of pics to show you my portable setup.
I have used units from Lowrance, Eagle and Garmin, and I really liked all of them. Stay with a unit by these manufactures and you cannot go wrong. I have no real experience with Humminbird, or bottomline, but I'm sure they would come highly recommended by those who use them.
Go to the store, and play with the units in demo mode. This will give you a feel for how they are going to work for you. Good luck with your decision, and let us know what you choose, and how you like it.
Here is a pic of my portable setup. I keep the SLA battery secure with a 2" velcro strap. The PVC T is for ice fishing, but the ducer/suction cup easily comes off for portability. I have the FishFinder mounted on a Johnny Ray base, so it swivels 360 deg, kind of nice. I can then just detatch the unit, lay it flat, and it's all packaged up. I also can store fishing gear in the bottom trays of the tackle box. I really like this setup, but it is not the be all, end all of setups. I've seen some great systems that other BFT'ers have, and I know they have some valuable opinions that you should take to mind when you make your final choice. once again, good luck.
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