$500 to spend on a fish finder?

[Scorpion1080]

Hey guys.
I hope you can help me out.
I have just purchased a new tinny and most of the fishing I will be doing is either freshwater or estuary. If I was to go offshore I would only go 2-3km offshore due to the size of the boat.
I have a budget of $500 and since this is my first boat I don't really know where to start.

I have been considering the dragonfly 4pro, lowrance elite 4, or elite 5x but it's hard to tell what is better.

Can you guys offer any assistance for a fish finder about the $400-500 mark?

Thank you

[StevenM]

Humminbird Helix 5

http://humminbird.com.au/products/helix-series/helix-5/

[Scorpion1080]

Thanks StevenM

Is there any reason this one is better than something like the dragonfly or lowrance?

[StevenM]

You just can not kill them and they are so easy to use.

i have on my floating toys at the moment

Lowrance 4 on on kayak
Lowrance 5 on another kayak
H'bird 797 rear of boat and Garmin up the front on the electric

the bird just rocks. It is a Di and Si unit. Will be replacing it shortly with a helix 7 si

[rayken1938]

It is not only the technology of the unit that is important if you cannot read the screen in direct sunlight with Polaroids on you may as well have a length of string with knots every metre . Try and view a unit in sunlight before making up your mind.they a ll; look great in subdued light on the showroom floor. Ever noticed why the lighting always appears dim in the sounder demo area?
Cheers
Ray

[Kero]

I use a Lowrance Elite 4-HDI & it's great value for money. Got it for about $430 with Navionics card included.

http://www.bcf.com.au/online-store/p...ecommendations

[ashh]

I run a lowrance 4x chirp in my yak, good little unit, I have no problems viewing in direct sun with Polaroids on, they're on special at whitworths $150 but your extra budget and room you have in the tinny compared to a kayak you would benefit going to a larger screen size model...

[littlejim]

Before you buy, ask how waterproof it is.
I've had a couple of older model Lowrances die on me because water got in. (First signs fogging up.)
This is despite being under a canopy and up above the dash.
Suspect the tinny will be even wetter.