Best fish finder/chart plotter for under $1000

[RobM1969]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I don't need networking, so I think I'll be checking out the Hook 9 inch. I like the idea of a 9 over a 7 in. for sure. I was also wondering about the side imaging and it sounds like I really don't need that. I think the hardest part is really understanding what features that I will use and what I won't use.

I have definitely seen that the transducer can significantly impact the price. I currently have a thru hull and I see that the MFD's in my price range all come with transom mount transducers. I'd prefer a thru hull but probably can't afford one right now. I suppose I could go with a transom mount for now and then upgrade to a thru hull when/if I want to.

I was also wondering if anyone had any experience with the new Simrad units, specifically the GO XSE units. It looks like the GO7 XSE is well within my price range and the GO9 XSE is just out of it. Those are prices from the Simrad website so I might be able to find better.

Thanks again guys. I'm fairly new to all of this so I appreciate you taking the time to educate me.

[freddie]

I was reading some reviews recently and saw that the Simrad GO XSE units are very similar to the Lowrance units, not sure if there's a good reason to go with one or the other. Both companies are owned by Navico.