[TJones]

I would try to double your budget if possible and get the model with down imaging. I believe they call it clearvu. I don't have experience with Garmin fish finders personally, but it seems like Lowrance has been having issues with reliability on the smaller units, especially the hook5. it seems like Garmin is superseding them in quality and reliability on the smaller units. the older hook 4's were probably best on market a long time ago, not so sure now? good luck.