Mid-priced bow unit

[kdubracing]

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.

[Mike Cork]

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.

[kdubracing]

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?

[Wayne P.]

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.



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.

[jwkelley51]

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.

[Oldfart9999]

Go with Hummingbird, if you get the link you can control the TM from the unit.
Rodney

[Princeton_Man]

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.

[kdubracing]

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.