My brother asked me to help him purchase 2 new fish finders for his boat. I looked on Humminbird's website and it sent me to local big box stores. The sales reps there did not seem to know much more than I do.

After research I really think the new 360 radar would get the the job done. Where I need help is making sure $3,000 will buy 2 displays with all cables/accessories, Side Imaging, Down Imaging, Chart Ploter, Maps and 360 Radar.

First bit of advice, you can get units for less money than the big box stores, online. For 3k you're probably looking at (2) 899's, the 360, the Ethernet box and cables. You might be able to utilize the 3k better if we could get an idea of your fishing habits. Are you sure you need the 360? Have you used imaging before? Are you spending your time fishing from the deck.  Will you be searching with imaging at the console or just need 2d and mapping?

When considering the 360 transducer, there are two of them. The transom mount model is $500 more than the trolling motor attached model. How you want to utilize that accessory and with what trolling motor type would determine which you can use.

 

With the newest unit software, you don't have to have two Side Imaging units to view Side Imaging and/or the 360 on both units. You can have a Down Imaging unit or a standard 2D unit and view those technologies from a SI unit.

Technology sharing has been added to the 2014 models to parallel the capability that the ONIX units have.

What that gives you is more technology for less cost.