So the forward-facing sonar journey starts here.  I have already done enough research to know I am leaning towards Garmin.  I have decided to get away from Humminbird due to too many issues with their units and I know Garmin and Lowrance are basically the same technology.  I'm going to go with a 9"-10" screen and it's going to be at the bow.  I don't really plan to use it for navigation since I have linked Humminbird units with all my waypoints and mapping software.   So which units do you recommend?  Any other useful advice is appreciated.  Thanks

I don’t use Panoptix but I’ve been very happy with my Garmin Echomap 93SV UHD with the GT-54. 

 

I have the 106sv which is UHD dedicated  for my livescope. I really like it. I wouldn’t want anything smaller. I have the 93sv for all my other sonar options on the back transducer.  The 106 is clearer and I think being a bigger screen helps. Get the biggest you can afford. 

Also, I would get a dedicated battery just for the livescope. It really uses a lot more than a regular finder. 

Nothing to do with screen size - but if you ever want to record Livescope on video without a camera pointing at it (through the phone app via ActiveCaption or on the unit itself), see what units are capable of that.

 

Note - if your livescope unit has no down transducer connected to it, you will not see the depth. If you have multiple units in the boat a GMS10 ethernet swtich will work for you. I have my GT54 on the console unit, and 2 units up in the bow. All 3 units are connected to the GMS 10 so all units can read down, side, livescope, etc.

 

Another interesting note - if all units are hooked up via the GMS 10, all of them can display the livescope feed. Great if you partner in the rear wants to see what you are seeing.