Your opinion, my best option

[Fat Chilli]

Hi folks, I have search and read plenty of info, and the questions put forward in many threads are very similar to the one I am about to ask, but I am going to ask it anyhoo.

Being an absolute boating newbie and having just purchased my first boat (Sig 500c) what would you consider to be the most suitable sounder (fish finder) for my needs and experience (realistically - nil ).

I will be sticking to the estuaries, inside or around the Pin for quite sometime and won't consider going off shore or into the unknown untill I have either completed a bar crossing course or have someone escort me that has plenty of experience, knowledge and my trust. (Weather and condition permitting).

So far I have been considering the Lowrance x135 or x136, or other brand varients. Would it be worth me getting a dual frequency? Should I save more $$$ and get a coloured model if I am to eventually go out in the semi deep (local reefs). Or stick to models mentioned or another brand untill the time to venture comes. As by then newer models will/may be an option, maybe cheaper and my inowledge and understanding will have increased...I hope

I am a firm believer in the K.I.S.S method (Keep It Simple Stupid).

With your hind sight experience and knowledge, indulge me please.

Cheers

FC

[Volcano]

I would definitely recommend a colour sounder. I've just upgraded from a Humminbird NS25 (Old black and white unit) to a Lowrance LMS-337.
Regardless which unit you go for, try and "future proof" your purchase. By that I mean, get as much sounder as you can for your money now. Nothing worse than getting 6 months down the track and saying to yourself "Damn... wish I had of bought the colour dual frequency blah blah blah model... that'd come in handy right now".

Just my 0.02c

[gogecko]

For KISS sake, Id forget color for a first time sounder, and go for a good brand name in mid range. The Lowarance is good, although I prefer a Matrix combo, just because you can add gps later on.

Just stay away from low pixel count cheap models like the Eagle barracuda. 120 -160 pix is low, while 300-600 is ideal for screen detail.

Single/dual freq wont matter much for inshore use, but you might think about dual/wide beam. A 40-60 degree beam sees a lot more fish in 10 ft of water than an 8 degree beam.

Andrew

[fatandhappy]

Bearing in mind that you are saying that you want to eventally do offshore, I had until changing boats recently a Matrix 97 combo ... fantastic ....

Unfortunately I was easily "talked into" their complete new boat package. This included a Lowrence combo .... which I have been trying to get my head around for several months and thats taking into account that I am both in electronics and also go fishing nearly every other weekend.

The two are about the same price, both can interchanged using the navgold cards. Having said that I find that the Matrix is by far the easier to use. I feel that the colour is a must.

After all is said and done, stick to the repultable brands and you can't go to far wrong ...

Cheers
Fatenhappy

[revs57]

I'm with Volcano...Save a couple of extra bucks and go colour.

I have a Raymarine ds500x in Flamin Riptide...a very good performer in both estuary and the deep.

I had a ls600 furuno in our 15ft tinny before this...used to think it was pretty good until I got the colour unit with the digital technology.

If your gonna eventually head outside...set up for it, I reckon its false economy to buy a unit now only to replace it 6mths or so down the track IMO

Cheers

Rhys

[longtail]

go for colour , i wish i had

i have been in mates boats that have colour sounders and the difference is amazing this is your first boat so is also your first sounder ? i would reccomend going for colour if you are planning on fishing outside eventually.

your going to have to learn how to use a sounder anyway , might as well get the best one you can afford.

just my opinion

cheers
jason

[Fat Chilli]

Took posession of the boat yesterday and also ordered a Lowrance X107CDF from BCF, had to order it in as they were sold out....bugger. $895 - sounds okay to me. It should confuse me for a while. Just need to pick up a VHF and install some rod holders for next weekend.

Cheers

FC

[skippa]

Gotta agree, go the color, glad I did.

Buy the best you can afford, but if thats only enough for a cheapie your better off waiting a while and save up the pennies.

I've always had Eagle or Lowrance so thats what I'm used to. Some people say they find the menu's more complex than other brands but I suppose it's like using anything electronic, you just have to learn how to use them.

I use the 107cdf and very happy with it. If your in Brisbane Wyynum Marine had them last year for $890.

Pic below of the unit in action.


Cheers,
Tony
PS the real trick is turn fish on the sounder into fish in ya esky ....
PPS ok I'm a slow typer then, good choice you won't disappointed, go to lowrance site and download the demo and have a play.

[longtail]

is that out at the banks tony ??

[skippa]

Nah Jase,

We where fishing 300+ ft of water up there, that pic taken a lot closer to home..

[Fat Chilli]

Skippa - yeah, downloaded it yesterday, playing away.