best fish finder

[alanw]

I started with a Lowrance X-4 black and white unit with no GPS and it got the job done just fine for $80. I did upgrade within a year though to a bigger Dragonfly 6 color unit with GPS and haven't felt the need to upgrade since. Save yourself a little bit of money on a future upgrade by getting the best unit that you can find on sale within your budget.

I'm not a fan of the Lowrance units with all the extra functionality like networking and engine monitoring capabilities built in because your paying extra for stuff you won't use unless you have a boat. I'd look for basic units with GPS, color, charts, and the older your eyes are and the further you plan on mounting it from your eyes the bigger the screen should be. If my DF6 dies I'll be looking at a 7" unit, maybe a new DF or the new Lowrance Hook-7 seems to be a good value.

[Lipripper92592]

Get the best you can afford.....min 5 inch.....I'd suggest the 7" models. The HDS 7 touch has treated me great for almost two years now. If you can't keep from dunking your ff when you come in...then get the warranty.
Once you have your FF.....put the manual next to the toilet and let that be your reading material for a week or so.
Not too many know how to properly set up their FF, it's fun watching people drop irons in the kelp thinking it's a monster school of yellows....... but I think I find myself doing the same from time to time..

[Baja_Traveler]

And spend a few bucks for a small tube of Dielectric grease and use it on your fish finder terminals. It will keep the salt water out and prevent corrosion, thus preventing premature finder failure.

[Harry Hill]

Originally Posted by Baja_Traveler

And spend a few bucks for a small tube of Dielectric grease and use it on your fish finder terminals. It will keep the salt water out and prevent corrosion, thus preventing premature finder failure.

I always have a tube of dielectric grease on hand, I use it for all my connections on my radio control airplanes