I about to get a boat with no electronics. I know I want a console mount and a bow mount. I have between $1200 and $1500 to spend. I know that won't buy the 12" top of the line models. I'm leaning toward some 7" or 9" Humminbirds, but I have no experience at all with Lowrance. Any suggestions?

There is much posted online here. I teach sonar courses and I can cover more ground with you on the phone faster than typing back and forth. PM me a number and I am happy to call and discuss your needs and options.

Capt Craig,
Thanks. I will do that. I'm just not familiar with any of the new stuff. Last one I looked at was my Dad's 1980s fish finder.

You should be able to get a helix 10 si in that price range. Possibly even a helix 12 gen 1. Bigger is really better.

Bobby,
I'm hoping to get two. I've been looking at the 7" and 9" from Lowrance and Humminbird. I saw that Lowrance has some software updates that are interesting, but not sure which ones can be updated. Also not sure what I'm looking at with most of the new ones. Problem is when you go to talk o a salesman, you get a bunch of biased BS on what you need or what is the best.

I have thought of just getting one and mounting it on the bow and getting another one later. Just not sure if the juice is worth the squeeze.

I would go with a unit that has Mega and a smaller screen than a unit without that is larger. The Mega is a better unit.