I have a basstender 9.4 and am looking for an inexpensive fish finder.   Would really like to keep it under $200.  I know I wont be able to find anything great in that price range, but just something to show structure, depth and the occasional fish.  Have been looking at the lower end Lowrance (x50DS and Mark5), the Eagles and the Humminbirds...Any suggestions or feedback you can give would be great.  Also, since I only run a trolling motor, what is the easiest way to rig up power to one?  I have seen some guys running them off 8 AA batteries, which would be great b/c of size/weight restrictions on the boat....Thanks in advance for the help...

You can usually find some great buys at Cabelas. I have a Fishmark 320 that's portable/self contained. Comes with it's own rechargeable motorcycle battery. You can mount the transducer by suction cup (included) or on your trolling motor (not included). Haven't looked the up recently, but I bet they (or something similar) is under $200. If you are near a Cabelas, you might be able to find something cheaper/better in the Bargain cave section. Fish often/have fun.

I have had my fair share of inexpensive depthfinders like Eagle Fishmark 320 & 480, Cuda 300, and Lowrance x125.  I currently have an Eagle Fishmark 320 and Lowrance Elite 5x on my jon, and I'm quite happy with them.  If you just need structure and depth, an Eagle Fishmark 320/480 or Mark 5x would work.  Cuda 300 would work too, but screen is smaller and has less pixels.  My local Cabela's had 3-4 new Fishmark 320 units for ~$80 in the Bargain Cave. 

There you go can't beat 80 bucks! I have one in my kayak great for reading structure, at first you'll spend too much time playing with it, looking for fish. Then just to see bottom, trees, etc.

$80...wow...wish I had a Cabela's near by, I actually dont think there is one in the state.  I'll check around the web and see if I can find one close to that..