Before I spend 1,000.00 or more on a fish finder, does anybody have recommendation. I currently have a Garmin 240 and Im looking to upgrade. However there appear to be a million different models. Im looking for something with down imaging feature and graph. Just a local weekend angler and I do not need a 54 inch flat screen that weighs more than my boat, yet. Thanks for your help

U should talk to the user on here named wayne p. He could help you with this.

You have a couple of brand choices.

Lowrance with Down Scan (DSI), only has the Down Scan function.

Humminbird with Down Imaging (DI), has Down Imaging and regular sonar.

With the imaging technology, if you fish, you will want a multi-functional unit or an additional unit for regular sonar.

With a Humminbird unit in the DI series in the $1,000 range you can get a 7" screen with GPS--858c DI.

You can also get a DI unit with gray scale display and no GPS for less than $300---570 DI

As you add features, the cost goes up.

Also in that price range you can get a Side Imaging unit that does DI, SI, 2D, and GPS---798ci HD SI

You best investment in the $1000 range is the Humminbird Side Imaging unit.

You may find a Lowrance HDS-5 with the Structure Scan accessory for that price also.

Additonally for Structure Scan or Side Imaging, the larger displays are preferred to be able to see the sonar returns better.

In any case, for the cheapest price, do your shopping at a marine electronics dealer instead of a big box general sporting good place like Cabelas or Bass Pro Shops.

If you need specific information, send me a PM.

Thanks this is very helpful, atleast I can concentrate on one particular brand and price range.

Thanks I ordered the 570 for the front and 798 for the console. Thanks for the info!!!

You have a couple of brand choices.

Lowrance with Down Scan (DSI), only has the Down Scan function.

Humminbird with Down Imaging (DI), has Down Imaging and regular sonar.

With the imaging technology, if you fish, you will want a multi-functional unit or an additional unit for regular sonar.

With a Humminbird unit in the DI series in the $1,000 range you can get a 7" screen with GPS--858c DI.

You can also get a DI unit with gray scale display and no GPS for less than $300---570 DI

As you add features, the cost goes up.

Also in that price range you can get a Side Imaging unit that does DI, SI, 2D, and GPS---798ci HD SI

You best investment in the $1000 range is the Humminbird Side Imaging unit.

You may find a Lowrance HDS-5 with the Structure Scan accessory for that price also.

Additonally for Structure Scan or Side Imaging, the larger displays are preferred to be able to see the sonar returns better.

In any case, for the cheapest price, do your shopping at a marine electronics dealer instead of a big box general sporting good place like Cabelas or Bass Pro Shops.

If you need specific information, send me a PM.

Now, op's questions have been answered completely and he's down, can I ask what your thoughts are on less than $400 range?

I was looking at Lowrance Elite-4 DSI & chart plotting for around $350. I was not sure if the small screen is difficult to use on the water or not. I was also looking at Lowrance Mark-5, but didn't have the chart plotting. I hadn't researched Hummingbird.

Thank you, Wayne P. Some reason your reply doesn't show up on this thread (or removed?) but I got it. Very helpful!