Recommendations in purchasing a Fish Finder.

[Blueheart]

Hi all,
As posted in another thread, I just recently bought a new boat and now looking to add a colour fish finder/depth sounder. Don't need top of the range just something reliable that will do the job.Will be fishing mainly in fresh water rivers/lakes and maybe once or twice a year down at Phillip Island. Any recommendations will be appreciated.
Cheers
Steve

[chocolatemoose]

depending on size. theres a few options

raymarine dragonfly 5pro
garmin echo551dv
lowrance elite 5chirp
humminbird helix5SI

some are combo models some arnt.
with lowrance you can make your own mapping for inland waterways using the "insight genisis" program. about 90 bucks a year
with humminbird you can use the autochart program to make your own maps . one off payment of about 200 bucks
garmin offer an inland map card call the TOPO card. for around 190 dollars for all of australia

otherwise they are just sounders

the 551dv has a very good 77/200 500w system. great for those shallower waters

the lowrance and raymarine both run a CHIRP based sonar system, which is very clear and good
the raymarine has the brightest screen of them all

the humminbird helix 5 is a wider screen with sideimaging technology as well. for looking either side of the boat. it works well 2

prices range from 400 dollars up. for those units. all are 5"

[bf90]

I have a dragon fly 7 combo it is the easiest sounder i have ever used and the best pic. Down side is not able to hook up to your motor for fuel flow ect.

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[davo]

Don't sure if these are still available but I bought a Garmin 350C 5 inch colour fishfinder for $199. I use it on my tinnie and I love it. No down imaging or side images but a good sounder.

[stevo]

bought the dragonfly for my project boat but now need new outboard as old one is dead, so will wait and see how good this dragonfly is. Will post again after i hit the water again.
stevo

[dnej]

Raymarine have excellent back up service. The Dragonfly 5 Pro is excellent value for money, with extra bells and whistles. The 5 pro has GPS as well.
David

[littlejim]

Which ever one you get, ask how water proof it is.
I'm getting sick of mine (under cover) fogging up and then dying.