Fishfinder/Depth Sounder

[SISU]

Looking for feedback recommendation(s) on brand and model of fishfinder/depth sounder for a Com-Pac 23.  Prefer fishfinder (vs depth sounder) as the grandkids get a kick watching the fish icons on the screen.  Also, prefer in-hull (vs thru hull) transducer mount: transducer in a section of PVC pipe affixed to the inside of the hull. Not a fan of drilling holes through the hull.  Transom mount transducer not recommended on sailboats but then, you already knew that.

Thoughts and recommendations for a fishfinder brand and model?

Thanks!

[jdklaser]

Garmin 44S.  Small, chirp technology and has gps maps preloaded. 

[HeaveToo]

Not sure where you are sailing, but having AIS is a lot of fun.  I run AIS receive out of my VHF to my GPS Chart Plotter.  The end result is that I see every ship that goes by that is commercial or AIS send/receive.  It gives you the ship heading, speed, name, and port of call among other things.  My GPS also has a fishfinder ability, which I haven't bothered to hook up yet.  Eventually I may do a thru hull transducer so I also get Temp readings.

My GPS is a Garmin 441s.  It is an older model and you can probably find it used or cheap.
My VHF is a Standard Horizon 2150.

It may be worth a look as that is a pretty cool instrument set-up.

[Vipersdad]

SISU:  Check your PM's.




Here are instructions for the in-hull transducer I used on my boat.

http://www.airmartechnology.com/uploads/installguide/17-217-01.pdf

V.