Who makes the best chart plotter/sonar unit for $1,000 or less. I currently have a Garmin unit but am needing to upgrade. I want side scan, down scan and traditional sonar. Tell me what y’all like.

I've recently been looking into upgrading to a side scan unit and doing some research. Raymarine now has a side scan unit. I'm guessing not a lot of guys have them yet. The videos I've watched it looks good.

http://www.raymarine.com/fishfinders/cp200-sidevision/index.html

I’m currently using garmin myself. A 93sv and a 73sv. I’m rigging a new boat for a gentleman that is familiar with raymarine, and he went with a axom 7 & 9. They are very well built units. The transducer is huge, probably 4 times the size of my garmin. I hope to test everything on the water in the next couple of weeks and will update then. From what I’ve read they are supposed to be extremely clear and detailed on their sonar.

Extremely interested in results of your Raymarine test. Keep us updated please.

If side imaging is your thing like me, you won’t find a clearer SI than Humminbird.

x2

Agree -- SI on my Humminbird Helix 9 Mega+ is a clearer picture, more detail than my Garmin 93SV+ UHD

I had Lowrance and never did learn to operate it. I now have a Garmin and I am pretty happy with it. I have no experience with anything else but the Lowrance and Garmin.

Garmin Echomap series may be your best bet for decent SI <=$1000. You might have a shot at a Humminbird or Lowrance for that kind of money during the Basspro Spring Classic but don't hold your breath.