Looking for a new Sonar combo, sonar

[callatis]

Hi,
My Helix 7 is not reading the depths anymore, last week when I pulled off the boat cover I found it running. I can't tell you if I forgot to shut it off the week before or not, the short story is that it's not reading the depth anymore and the 2D sonar is blank. Once in a while, it shows me depths over 1000ft.
I did the Factory reset and I updated the software, but those did not help. I was hoping to be a dead transducer, I bought a new one, but I wasn't lucky.
Reaching out to Humminbird did not help me, they didn't even read my message, I only got generic answers, which I already did.

So I am looking to buy a new combo sonar, GPS plotter, DI, SI and I saw the Garmin Echomap UHD 95sv.
What is your opinion? Is it worth it?
$1200 is my budget.

Thanks a lot!

[mykola]

I bought a Helix last winter, it’s not bad, but I wish I got the Garmin instead. My vote is the Garmin.

[cribpro]

Look around a bit before you buy. They have a UHD2 out that is not much more money than the older UHD. I have a UHD 73 cv that I use for ice fishing,and also on my boat. Great unit. I just ordered a UHD2 93sv to use as a stand alone sonar with side imaging, and network the the 73 to use as stand alone chartplotter. The UHD2 also comes with the Navionics+ maps versus the G3 on the UHD.

[gdavidson]

Hi Callatis, call Bay Distributors Ent. in North Bay, they service/repair sonars, I've had a unit repaired there, great service, no bull..

Bay Distributors can be contacted at the following address:
119 Progress Court,
North Bay, Ontario, Canada
P1A 0C1

Phone: 705-476-6010 - Fax: 705-476-6820
URL: http://www.bwmarineproducts.com
e-mail: info@bwmarineproducts.com

[sabmgb]

I have the garmin ecomap in 7" and I like it. But I really only use the sonar not the down or side scan. I installed myself and was easy to do. Repairing the old one if you liked it might be a good option it it doesn't take all summer.

[Brooktrout]

I've heard great things about Bay Distributors - definitely worth checking out.

I've always had Lowrance units, but as technology improves, they seem to be pricing themselves out of the market.

From what I've seen/read and heard Garmin has really stepped up their game and is producing some fine products now. Their mapping has improved dramatically since they purchased Navionics a few years back. I would strongly considier Garmin for my next purchase.

[salmonslayer]

Garmin is a great option look into units you can add options to later on if you plan to expand that way your not having to buy a complete unit again . I hit garmin with the livescope best thing i ever did . I have run hummingbird for a long time and still use a helix 10 for my mapping unit but the 2 garmins for the fish

[callatis]

Thank you everyone for your advice!
I decided to keep the Helix for mapping and I got the Garmin as definitely it's an upgrade to what I had.

[zvonk]

Look into the Raymarine Element.