I know what I am going to get, but it comes with or without side imaging. I think I know the answer to this, but I still have to ask. Do I need side imaging for my bow fishfinder? I do not a fishfinders with all the bells and whistles so to speak. Anyway, all input is appreciated thank you. 

I don’t find it useful at the bow because the motor head is constantly turning.

 

Its more efficient for me at the console, gliding along around 5 mph.

5 hours ago, gimruis said:

I don’t find it useful at the bow because the motor head is constantly turning.

 

If you mount the transducer to the transom, you don't have that issue...that's why they come with all that extra cable. Down Imaging would have the same problem since it's port/starboard biased like Side Imaging.

I had it front and back for several years.  In the front it wasn’t very useful.  When I traded boats I didn’t get a unit with it and don’t miss it.

Need? Definitely not. Like everyone else posted, it's not that useful. I maybe use it 2% of the time when I'm looking at my bow unit.

Depending on the TM model the upper shaft is stationary doesn’t move. There is optional TD shaft mounting TD pole on the market for side scan.

Tom

I've used SI on the bow ever since it came out.  Very useful.  You learn quickly how to control the rotation of the TM.  You can actually use the rotation for for a crude 360 if you try.

 

Now I have M360 on the bow.  It's replaced SI.

 

If I didn't have it, I would still use SI. 

If you don't have 360 imaging or FFS,  I can see how it could be useful in certain situations.  You have to be able to comprehend what you're looking at.  For instance, it could help you gauge the distance to a submerged weed line.

IMHO I think side imaging really comes into it's own when scouting out cover or structure. So you can find those spots well outside of the down scan or traditional sonar. It's much easier to find drains, road beds, brush piles, rocks or small humps. and your covering a fair amount of ground 50' to 100' out from each side. Note: my experience is out of a kayak so no bow mounted trolling motor that is turning. So moving slowly in a kayak and using side scan is very helpful in finding those types of structure or cover.

FM

There are a lot of variables involved with SI mounting.

My Lowrance 3-1 transducer is almost 12" long and would not fit on my Minn Kota Terrova TM

so I went with a rail mounted system.

It came with a composite mount and I had to replace with an aluminum one after breaking the composite one.

It's stationary so it doesn't move with the TM (there is an optional handle that does rotate the rod/transducer).

 

https://www.fishingspecialties.com/product-category/boats/tracker-boats/