What do you recommend? Needs to have GPS, and be able to run Navionics Hotmaps, and the card from boatlanes.com. Seriously I have no experience with these types of electronics, and would like if I didn't have to take out a second mortgage for it.

Secondly are these easily self installed, or should I have it done by a pro?

lowrance lms 520 if your going to mount in the dash or into the bow. If you want it in the open mounted upright then you can use a lms 522 with the internal antenna. A lms525 ext. ant. or lms527 int. ant. are the same but have a dual freq transducer that has a narrower beam but you could install a wide beam transd. if you found one of those for a bargain. If you need a larger screen look for a lowrance 27c. Call southwestern parts and see if they have anything on sale they had a 520 0r 522 several weeks ago on sale.

Look on ebay...auction ended last night and i bought a LMS520 for $400. I also have an SX 180 and i have a 520 mounted on the console and this new one will go at the front of the boat. I installed the first one myself with a RAM mount. I installed the puck on the back right corner. I tapped into the power underneath the dash so the factory X47 units are still operational if i decide to sell the boat and keep both 520's. Installation was easy. The hardest part was getting between the seat and under the dash to see what i was doing. If you do install it yourself...make sure the transducer is low enough that it stays in the water when on plane. I had to move it after one trip to the lake as it was too high. I also have Lake Fork Boat lanes and installed easily. I have the lowrance card and Navionics card as well. All work great. The 520 is being discontinued so if you can find one, you should be able to get a decent price. I bought my first unit from Academy which had 0 percent interest.

Did you have to buy a transducer?? Can't tell if they come with the unit or not...

On ebay you do have to be careful and read what all comes with it. Some of them will come with a transducer and some will not. Most of the new units i have seen online and in stores come with a transom mount transducer.

Look at the new Humminbird 788ci Combo, just came out. It has everthing you are looking for. I was able to find it at www.anchorecpress.com for $569 plus shipping, alos found it on Walmarts on-line site for $588 paid .92 for normal shipping. Bass Pro and everyone else are selling for $650. Installed myself in about hour or so, but this is about the first time.
Have had the unit for a only a few weeks but I'm very pleased with the performace and the price.

Bopepe