So back in August I was gifted an 84 Skeeter 90 Starfire with a Mariner 90. For my first boat its perfect, learning how to launch and just recently learning that the oil does not recycle through out the engine, it is a perfect boat. Right now it has a Lowrance 1240A Bluewater Pro sonar, which is cool to let me know how deep the water is but not the best for finding fish.

I managed to rack up about $300 in cash and gift cards over Christmas and willing to throw in some of my cash as well. I have been doing quite a bot of research and just want to get the opinions of the forum. Also what's best, down imaging or side scan and do I need one with an SD slot or networking capabilities? Mainly what do you all think is the best option for a first time buyer.

First post on here and excited to be apart of the TFF community, thanks for the replies.

garmin 93sv uhd plus, look for markdown prices.

easiest si/di to learn/use imo, had nothing but birds for decades and they are easier to use than lowrance and garmin is easier than bird.

this is a good price. I run 2 of the 93sv plus and one 92sv plus (comes with no transducer is only difference, runs my livescope).

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/gar...ransducer-fish-finder-chartplotter-combo

Manufacturer model #: 010-01901-05.

Bright, sunlight-readable, 9" keyed-assist touchscreen display
Preloaded LakeVü g3 maps with integrated Navionics data
More than 17,000 lakes, with up to 1' contours
Built-in Quickdraw Contours real-time mapping
Built-in Wi-Fi for free ActiveCaptain app, or access to OneChart, smart notifications, Garmin Quickdraw Community data, and more
Share waypoints and routes with other ECHOMAP or STRIKER™ units
NMEA 2000 support for engine data, sensors, FUSION-LINK audio system, autopilots, and more
Includes GT52 transducer for Garmin high wide CHIRP traditional sonar plus CHIRP ClearVü and CHIRP SideVü scanning sonars, and compatibility with Panoptix™ all-seeing sonar (sold separately); and mount for transom or trolling motor

Go to Bass Pro or Cabela's on Feb 11-14 as they will have some special deals going. Take a look at Lowrance and compare.

Allllright, So I ended up going with the Garmin Striker Vivid 7"sv and did not research on transducer placement. The transom on an 84 Skeeter sucks and I am hoping where I have it is going to be ok. I just learned how to post pics or I would have posted them before I started. Is my placement going to be okay and if not where is the best placement for the transducer.

That location will do OK when running the trolling motor or at idle speed with the outboard. It will not have water contact at speed. So you should add a shoot-thru 2D transducer in the bilge to go with it.

So the boat came with a Lowrance 1240A Bluewater Pro with a dial on the dash, there is a black puck mounted next to the bilge pump. Will that transducer work and will that work with the Garmin?

I dont think it will work with the Garmin. Each brand has their own transducers and specific transducers for their specific models.

I'm not sure if the Skeeter has a wood transom but consider using a Stern Pad.
Drilling holes in a wood transom could cause problems down the road.