Hey guys, in the last couple of months I've posted a few different topics. New or used boats, boat brands, motors, reels, etc. As I stated in my first post, I'm getting back into fishing after a nearly 30 years lay off. All of your

comments/recommendations have been a great help. So, I need help on electronics. My plan is to buy a used boat that doesn't have any newish electronics so I can purchase what works best for me. I can't

(and don't want to) spend giant dollars for them. Being out of touch for the period of time that I have, I don't really know where to start. I figure if I can find a boat that doesn't break the bank, I could probably budget $2,000. I know everyone has an opinion on this, so I'd like to hear yours. Brands, technology, features are what I'm in need of. Do I need them at the console and bow? I suppose I would be considered a bass fisherman, although I'll try to catch anything that'll bite. Thanks in advance.

I remember your Envinrude post, did you find a boat?

Tom

I think so. I'm zeroing in on a '97 Ranger r72 Sport.

Come on guys, I need some serious opinions!

I would recommend humminbird 2 helix 7 or bigger depending on budget. You could get a side imagining unit at counsel and a standard helix sonar at the bow and share side images data to the bow with linking the units together.

I’ve used Lowrance since 2001. I don’t have any complaints as all my units in various sizes have all performed as I expected. The reason I continue to use them is mostly because I am very familiar with how they operate. If I was starting from scratch I’d consider Humminbirds, however.

Garmin Echomaps.

 

I have used Garmin for years and they have never let me down.  Back in the black and white monochrome days to now with LiveScope, Garmin is my choice.

 

You get excellent bang for buck with Garmin, they are super easy to use.

 

Hummingbird, you have to pay quite a bite to get to a unit with touch screen.  Mega is beautiful, but... The units are cumbersome.

 

Lowrance... You better start at the TI2, at least.  Lowrance for.me has been bugger with lower end units.  I like the fish reveal, it's neat.  

 

In the end, Garmin has the best package... And you can go to lifescope anytime... You want a neat toy, thats it!  $2k, you can get that.

If you can live with a 7” screen the Lowrance HDS live 7 is a steal with transducer included for about $1,000. 

In today’s world if you want to get the most out of your electronics they need to work with your trolling motor.  If the boat you get needs a trolling motor upgrade you need to decide what features you want or need and match them accordingly.

 

First off I would want two units, as Born 2 Fish mentioned. Second, I would want both units to have down imaging...I think. Not sure what the console unit can show in the trolling motor unit as electronics change almost by the day LOL. I would definitely get one capable of "driving the boat" and plan on upgrading the trolling motor SASP!

 

I had a full setup on a previous boat that would drive the trolling motor by depth or previous marked spots leaving you free to fish. I never spent enough time with that rig to learn it entirely. But what I did learn was way cool! GPS Spot Lock is a must on the trolling motor! 

 

The boat I have now is an older knock around and just has a Lowrance 5HDI at the console. I need to add something at the TM.