so im finally about to buy my first boat, a jonboat, made by tracker(topper 1536). Well after i purchased the boat the next tasks for me are to buy some decent electronics with DI/SI(hummingbird 500 or better series), a small gas motor(like 10hp), and nice trolling motor with auto pilot and or a system for trolling for rockfish and etc(minn kota). im just wondering with the jon boat i want what would yalls cheapest setup for bass fishing and trolling/drifting would be(which motors and electronics would you use for a topper 1536)? i know the boat isnt ideally what you would want for bass but its the best for me, i think. thank you

Save money and get a wider jon boat. At least 48'' bottom! Then stick a 9.9 on it if you wan such a small motor, and the minn kota terrova with ipilot.

Jeff

thanx.....but im pretty set on the track 1536.....it the cheapest i seen for the lenght and all. i just need some cheap necesities(gas motor,trolling motor, and depht finder with di/si/sc)

Don't forget a real good life jacket !!!!!!

thanx.....but im pretty set on the track 1536.....it the cheapest i seen for the lenght and all. i just need some cheap necesities(gas motor,trolling motor, and depht finder with di/si/sc)

There is no Humminbird 500 series Side Imaging unit, some in that model range have Down Imaging and 2D sonar.

The least expensive Side Imaging unit is the Humminbird 798. The 2011 year model is 798ci HD SI-it retails for around $1000.00---SI/DI/2D. You can find them for a few hundred less by doing an internet search for that model.

There is no Humminbird 500 series Side Imaging unit, some in that model range have Down Imaging and 2D sonar.

The least expensive Side Imaging unit is the Humminbird 798. The 2011 year model is 798ci HD SI-it retails for around $1000.00---SI/DI/2D. You can find them for a few hundred less by doing an internet search for that model.

thanx thats what i meant....... so with just di/2d sonar......ill not be able to see structure/bait fish/bottom contour on side of me(left and right sides of the boat)?

so im finally about to buy my first boat, a jonboat, made by tracker(topper 1536). Well after i purchased the boat the next tasks for me are to buy some decent electronics with DI/SI(hummingbird 500 or better series), a small gas motor(like 10hp), and nice trolling motor with auto pilot and or a system for trolling for rockfish and etc(minn kota). im just wondering with the jon boat i want what would yalls cheapest setup for bass fishing and trolling/drifting would be(which motors and electronics would you use for a topper 1536)? i know the boat isnt ideally what you would want for bass but its the best for me, i think. thank you

Personally, I would look at Craigslist and try and find a nice jon boat that already has a motor and a trailer. I own a 1636 jon boat and I would really like to have the extra width. If you ask anyone with a narrow jon boat, they would always say that they want a wider boat. If you have any way of testing a 1536 and a 1548, you will want to go with the wider boat. I have never fallen out of my boat in the 3 years that I have owned it, but I would love to have the extra width.

Just my opinion

Eric

I recently upgraded(within the last year) from a 1436 to a 1648 and it is a HUGE difference1 Save your money and get the wider boat! That way you can stand and fish and use your fancy electronics!

Jeff

thanx thats what i meant....... so with just di/2d sonar......ill not be able to see structure/bait fish/bottom contour on side of me(left and right sides of the boat)?

Depending on the depth, you will pick up stuff that is not directly under the transducer, but you won't know how far or which direction. Some of the units can use the Quad Beam transducer (aka poor man's Side Imaging) and that setup will show which side a return is on. You can check each unit's accessories on the Humminbird web site to determine what units can use that transducer. You can also just look at the transducer listing to see what units will work with each tranducer.

Groupie...

It would help us help you if maybe you gave us a budget to work with.

and i you're going to put that kind of money into an SI unit for example, IMO you're asking for trouble going with a 36" beam instead of a 48". Be smart and do it right the first time.

Been there done that. I know where of I speak

Best of luck in your quest.