I'm planning to get an SI unit at the steering wheel eventually but right now my depth finder at the front needs replacing and I don't have the money for an SI unit on the front.  I'm looking at the 596c HD DI or a comparable sonar unit.  Do a lot of you use DI for the front of the boat?

I'm one that uses DI on the trolling motor and on the console. The most used view is the combo DI/2D. The DI helps interpret what 2D is showing but does not replace 2D for fishing.

I'm one that uses DI on the trolling motor and on the console. The most used view is the combo DI/2D. The DI helps interpret what 2D is showing but does not replace 2D for fishing.

Would the 596c DI be a good unit for the front?

Yes,, once you learn how the images are produced.

The color displays are easier to see in direct sunlight like you will have with it bow mounted.