17’ Alum boat on a man-made Lake Nockamixon here in PA.  Boat came with a cheapo Lowrance X4 Fishfinder which I’m looking to upgrade. Narrowing it down between the Humminbird Helix 5 and the Garmin 53DV, I think! The lake is not that deep – maybe 70’ max but lots of it is shallower.

 

Main goal is FF since it’s a hard lake to fish. I know the lake enough not to need a GPS even though the two I selected have it, which is no biggie. Both fit the $ 500 budget but willing to spend more if it’s worth it. The boat lives at the lake and won’t be used elsewhere because of the HP limit.

 

Thoughts between the two? Or any other I should be considering? I’m also wondering if SI (side scan) would be better than DI (down scan). And once decided, where is the best place to buy? Most places seem to have them for $ 499

 

 

Thanks!

Only the Helix 5 SI GPS is $499--that is a Side Imaging unit and does Side Imaging, Down Imaging, 2D Sonar and GPS mapping.

All the other Helix 5 versions are less. There are 9 Helix 5 models. Refer to the Humminbird web site.

 

There are only three Helix 5 versions that don't have GPS, One is 2D only, the other is 2D only portable,  and the other is 2D/DI,

 

Side Imaging is better than DI and 2D is better for vertical presentions.

A unit that does all three, if within your budget, would be the best choice.

 

Call a marine electronics dealer to get their prices. Most sell below MSRP

 

I can refer some if you want via PM.