Garmin with side view or not? Money Diff.

[fatsug]

I can buy a last years model Garmin 73 DV for 400.00. The new UHD Garmin 73 SV is 800.00.
Is side view really worth it? I have never had a great fish finder so I use mine to find fishy water not fish. I catch more fish than my wife and I can eat. I have 800 to spend but I am kind of cheap.

[clawman]

Originally Posted by fatsug

I can buy a last years model Garmin 73 DV for 400.00. The new UHD Garmin 73 SV is 800.00.
Is side view really worth it? I have never had a great fish finder so I use mine to find fishy water not fish. I catch more fish than my wife and I can eat. I have 800 to spend but I am kind of cheap.

Nothing wrong with being frugal we all want to get the most we can for our money. Just like many other experiences crawl, walk, and run applies to electronics as well. Buy what you are comfortable with now and get to know how to use it like an expert and graduate to side imaging on your next unit.

[Lenny_B]

Originally Posted by fatsug

I can buy a last years model Garmin 73 DV for 400.00. The new UHD Garmin 73 SV is 800.00.
Is side view really worth it? I have never had a great fish finder so I use mine to find fishy water not fish. I catch more fish than my wife and I can eat. I have 800 to spend but I am kind of cheap.

You are getting more than just the side imaging with the more expensive unit. In my opinion, you are getting a better transducer. You also gain the capability to run the UHD transducer on top of side imaging, and I am sure some other upgrades. I purchased a 93 SV and a 73 CV prior to the UHD versions coming out. I really wish I could have known they were coming out with a new series, I would have purchased the 10" ultra. that being said, my 73 CV is a great unit and for 2D sonar and mapping is a great unit for $400. If you do not think you will need the side imaging or want to upgrade in the next few years I would go for the cheaper unit.

[MikeG1]

I don't see a need for sideview when fishing Lake Erie as the contours don't vary much, on rivers or some impoundments where the bottom changes (sometimes abruptly) it would be useful.

[TomP.]

For finding suspended fish, especially Crappies cribs, rock piles, a spot on a spot, hard to soft transtion, follow a weed line SI is the way to go, me personally will not have a boat with out it.