Electronics

[olfishead]

Its time to gear up for more fishing and what better time than Christmas!  I've been wanting a GPS/side scanning fish locator for some time now and I think it might just happen this Christmas. I've got to admit that it will most likely be one in the mid to lower price range.

So, my question for all of you technology experts is: What one would you recommend and Why? 

And, while I've got the platform>>>>  Merry Christmas and a Great fishin' New Year!

[aarchdale@coresleep.com]

Garmin 93 SV plus. is the best bang for the buck right now. $599 at Bass Pro/ Cabelas. It does everything you want, has a big touch screen and good mapping without having to buy a map card.  You can also add Livescope later if wanted.  Also the 73 SV plus you can pick up for around $399 its does all the same stuff just a 7" screen instead of 9".  

[Dutch]

Are you planning to link it with anything down the road?  

[olfishead]

Thanks for the advice aarchdale@cores! Ill check into that.

I really don't think Ill be linking to anything????  Explain........please! 

[aarchdale@coresleep.com]

2 hours ago, olfishead said:

Thanks for the advice aarchdale@cores! Ill check into that.

I really don't think Ill be linking to anything????  Explain........please! 

Some fish finders are able to link with certain GPS trolling motors so you can basically control the troller through the fish finder, and do other stuff with it too. . The linkable trollers are expensive, the kits to do it are expensive and i dont think it helped me catch one extra fish on my last boat. 

[MrGiggles]

16 hours ago, olfishead said:

Thanks for the advice aarchdale@cores! Ill check into that.

I really don't think Ill be linking to anything????  Explain........please! 

You can link Minn Kota Ipilot trolling motors with Humminbird electronics. Allows you to control the troller and perform some functions right from the graph. Pretty neat but it is just a convenience. 

That 93SV for 599 is probably the best deal out there right now. I'd like to know where those $399 73SVs are, I'd buy one right now. All sonar functions (side view, down imaging, 2D) plus the mapping and livescope compatibility should you ever decide to upgrade.

[aarchdale@coresleep.com]

2 hours ago, MrGiggles said:

You can link Minn Kota Ipilot trolling motors with Humminbird electronics. Allows you to control the troller and perform some functions right from the graph. Pretty neat but it is just a convenience. 

That 93SV for 599 is probably the best deal out there right now. I'd like to know where those $399 73SVs are, I'd buy one right now. All sonar functions (side view, down imaging, 2D) plus the mapping and livescope compatibility should you ever decide to upgrade.

My bad it is the 73CV that is 399 on the GPSstore.com.   Some other guys on BBC were using their Ebates for the 93sv and getting another 15% off and getting it for a little over 500

[VJMAC]

Have both 93sv and 73cv. Love the units. Livescope will be next purchase. I have a MK Ulterra TM. The garmins dont link to it. Only negative. Sharing waypoints between the unit and TM would be great but i figured i would like the live scope even more. I can idle up close enough with the boat and units then use the livescope to zero in on the brushpile/structure. If only getting one unit and money not an issue id go with the 93sv. When i get the livescope i will be upgrading the 73 to the 93.

[jdmidwest]

I like the Garmins, but the puck is huge, almost like a little kayak hanging off the back of the boat.  Screens are nice and they have a sharp echo.

[fishinwrench]

28 minutes ago, jdmidwest said:

I like the Garmins, but the puck is huge, almost like a little kayak hanging off the back of the boat.

Yeah those gargantuan transducers are putting permanent scars on my legs and knees these days.    Rates right up there with these...