Too many options, Advice welcomed

[BNC04]

Hi all, I've not been very active on here but read the boards often and would like to request some thoughts an opinions about what my next electronic purchase should be.

Currently I am running an eagle mono 320 at the console and an eagle mono 240 on the bow. These have been OK for the last few years but I’m thinking about upgrading. Right now I supplement the setup with a hand held GPS however I do not like doing that since the screen is small and in creating a way point mark takes to long especially if I see it while trolling. So I would like to upgrade one unit on my boat to start.

Periodically I’ll troll for a variety of fish but the majority of my fishing is done from the front of the boat jigging and casting for walleye and warm water fish. Most of my fishing is done on smaller lakes so mapping is not a huge issue for me though when traveling to some of the larger lakes in the area and having some maps may be something that I would find useful. I’ve never seen or used a mapping software so I’m not sure how much value they would add.

I listed my priorities in somewhat of a particular order.

Cost 600.00 range or less
Widest screen possible within the price range
GPS
Sonar
Color
Sunlight and polarized viewable
Ability to grow expand
Reliability
Ease of transferability. I will be upgrading boats in a couple of years to a 17-18ft aluminum deep V with a windshield.
So far I have been looking at the HBird 788c, Garmin 520s and Lowrance 522c

Thanks Brett

[SlimTastic]

Some of the Cabelas Stores have the Lowrance x27s for $700. Just above your price range, but i think you'd like the 7" screen.

[BNC04]

Thanks, your right I would like that 7" screen but I really need to stay close or under that 600 range. I'm leaning hard towards the Bird 788CI at the moment for less than 600 to my door.

Any other suggestions and or thoughts ?

Thanks
Brett

[Magic]

Lowrance 522 C is a great buy now at Cabelas, $499. Get another later and you can network them together if needed. Internal receiver, just mount the transducer and go.

[Jim Carroll]

I agree with Magic, pretty tough to beat a Lowrance LMS-522 in your price range.

Jim Carroll NPAA #13

[stevensinks]

I havent tried it yet but I picked up a Eagle 642c iGps at Cabelas for $450 last mo. I just could not decide what to get. I have always had good luck with Eagle. This was in my price range so I got it.

[colt100]

I just found out today that humminbird has discontinued their 797 unit as they are making the 798 witch is the same basic unit + a few nice features. The 797 was listed on humminbird's website as closeout and had a MSRP of 799. I'm sure if you look around, you might be able to find one cheaper then that. When I bought my 797, the msrp was around 1200 IIRC. The one I bought was 1150 or so with a map (100 dollars) and installation, tax ect. You might be able to find a dealer with one that is willing to sell one for around 600 or so.

If you could find one, the SI would be worth it in my opinion over a unit without.

Just a suggestion.

[Wade@JollyAnnMarine]

I agree with Jim and Magic. If you can find a 522C for a decent price, that would be a good one to get in that price range. Another good option would be the Humminbird 788C which list at $649 but can be purchased for around $600 at many retailers. Either of those would make excellent units in your price range.