Buy two Helix 5 SI (one front one back) or one Helix 9 SI?  If just one Helix 9 then the question is where on the boat to put it...

I may have posted this prematurely.  In at least one unit I want to take advantage of GPS and Mapping features.  In both units I want Down Scanning and Side Scanning.  I would never shell out $2000 for 2 Helix 9's.  I really doubt I would spend $1500 for a 9 and a 5.  I barely paid that for the boat.     

The boat is just the platform.  You can take a $2000 boat, add $6000 in electronics and upgrades and have a fishing machine for $8000 instead of $50,000. Just might not go as fast or be as pretty.  Great thing about electronics, you can take them off the boat when you get another one, or sell them later.  My thought is how much do I want the ability to use the electonics to locate and find what I'm looking for and how often opposed to how much I spend on it.  

 

 

And I would add two units that you can link together with a minimum of a 7" display on both.  

Edited December 16, 201510 yr by gulfcaptain

The Helix 9 series is the smallest of the Helix series that is linkable.

 

The number series units have been on sale for a couple of months (closeout). You can get two 8" Side Imaging units for $1600-$1700 that are linkable if you still can find a dealer with any left. 999ci HD SI Combo.

 

Two 7" linkable Side Imaging units for $1200---http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/166197-humminbird-899cxi-si-at-cabelas-59999/

 

 

If you want just a single larger unit, you can set up your boat to use it at the console and bow. Just need an extra power cord, transducer, cable collector and an easy mount system like RAM to switch positions.

 

While any Side Imaging is better than no Side Imaging, BIGGER is better.

Wayne coming through Big again.  I like the 9 and will gladly move it around the boat with me.  I will look into this option.