Looking for recommendations on an affordable, good quality fish finder to mount on the front of my boat. Also, where do y'all mount the transducer? Any help would be appreciated.

If you can wait until about Thanksgiving, all the previous year's models start to go on clearance.

Trolling motor would be the traditional transducer mounting location.

How good is your eyesight? Budget? Competitive tournament fishing or for recreation? How much do you want/need side imaging?

The best deal I can find right now for a large screen (Cabela's bargain cave)

Right now I'm just fishing recreationally. I just bought this boat about a month ago and am trying to get back into fishing frequently again. Eventually will get into tournament fishing but still kind of re-learning everything. I have very little experience with electronics so I'm looking for something thats very user friendly as well. Budget would probably be around $500.

Medium sized screen with DI and SI best deal I could find

$500 budget and something simple:

WestMarine price

I just bought the Helix 7 and love it. https://www.amazon.com/Humminbird-409850-1-Helix-Fishfinder-Imaging/dp/B010SDCAWY. For 619 on amazon its hard to beat but I got a slightly better deal at tackle warehouse during a sale. The only thing you might need to pay extra for would be a lakemaster chip so you can have good lake maps. Good luck.

Helix 7 in the classifieds here at TFF

Helix7

A Garmin 53DV CHIRP is a great starter unit. Simple to operate and will allow you to learn how to best use one before you move to a higher dollar unit. Bass Pro Shop sells it for $499.

Don't know if you are a member on BBC or if Universal Mania is a sponsor over here, but they offer very good pricing and quick shipping. Contacted them on phone and got a Helix 9si well under MSRP and was at my house in 2 days.

I got a helix 7si for $520 and some change at Universal mania. Just gotta check everyday, because they change the prices all the time. Plus free shipping and no tax, ordered on 16th and supposed to be here tomorrow.

Thanks for all the info. Looks like Universal Mania has some of the best prices. What is a good mount for front of the boat?

David Goodson @ Shutup&Fish also might be another good option. David Goodson is excellent to deal with.He sells it all. Ballzout mounts are tough & the last one you'll need. He's a sponsor on here also.