Text only | Text with Images

Bass Fishing Forum

General Bass Boat Discussion => Bass Boat Electronics => Topic started by: kdubracing on August 13, 2021, 10:21:13 AM

Title: Mid-priced bow unit
Post by: kdubracing on August 13, 2021, 10:21:13 AM
I have an Ultrex with the 2d only built in transducer. I am thinking about upgrading to SI/DI on the bow. I was considering the Lowrance Elite FS, but it doesn't look like the transducer can be mounted to the trolling motor. Any recommendations for something in the under $1k ish ballpark? Not picky on brand, 7"-9" is fine, not worried about adding forward facing as I'm planning on getting a new boat in a couple of years. Just want something better than the 2D I have now for minimal money.
Title: Re: Mid-priced bow unit
Post by: Mike Cork on August 13, 2021, 04:36:36 PM
If you like the Elite, check out the transducer savers. They mount to the trolling motor and then the transducer mounts to them.

I've became a wholehearted Garmin fan. Not sure which unit would be in your price range but I can highly recommend them.

The EchoMap 94sv is $900 and you can add LiveScope down the road if you every become interested.
Title: Re: Mid-priced bow unit
Post by: kdubracing on August 13, 2021, 09:24:38 PM
I have a cheap Garmin on my kayak and am pretty impressed with it. How friendly is the transducer on the Echomaps for trolling motor mounting?
Title: Re: Mid-priced bow unit
Post by: Wayne P. on August 15, 2021, 09:32:35 AM
This is a Humminbird MEGA SI+ transducer on a Minnkota US2 motor using the Humminbird trolling motor adapter. The Helix 8 CHIRP MEGA SI+ GPS G4N is $1200 MSRP and comes with that transducer, just need the mount to convert from transom to trolling motor.

(https://i.postimg.cc/HndjLqzw/20201113-152354.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/TLNT7HZ1)

The Helix 7 MEGA SI GPS G3N is $800 MSRP and comes with a smaller transducer that is not suitable for trolling motor attachment, but you can exchange it for the trolling motor version.  BUT the Helix 7 SI units don't have true Down Imaging, they have composite DI views created by blending the two SI pulses.
Title: Re: Mid-priced bow unit
Post by: jwkelley51 on August 18, 2021, 02:47:43 PM
I think you will find you need at least an 80lb thrust or more Minn Kota to strap on a 54 transducer without cutting the skeg. The 56 is even longer.
Title: Re: Mid-priced bow unit
Post by: Oldfart9999 on August 19, 2021, 06:33:36 AM
Go with Hummingbird, if you get the link you can control the TM from the unit.
Rodney
Title: Re: Mid-priced bow unit
Post by: Princeton_Man on August 19, 2021, 06:51:43 AM
I prefer my Garmin units, but I added a Humminbird for my Ultrex, for no other reason then the link. I also use the bird for 2d and rely on my Garmins for side and down imaging.
Title: Re: Mid-priced bow unit
Post by: kdubracing on August 19, 2021, 12:17:49 PM
I have a Helix on the front already, but it's 2d only. Through the little bit of checking I have done, it seems the Humminbird SI/DI transducer is the best one to mount to the trolling motor.
Text only | Text with Images