not sure if this is in the right section or not but here we go.

im lookin to get a depthfinder/gps to put on my excel boat that i just got. dont want nothin to big or to small. have any of you guys mounted these on your mud hulls? like this brand bettter than that brand?

I use a handheld GPS. I think most guys do.

Most of us run areas that if you see any water were just going... I have never cared about "depth" unless I'm focusing on fishing. In those instances I mainly fish the bay so I run up near the reef & start my wade.

As far as sounder combos there are many nice units that come with chart plotter / depth finder. Some have used thru-hull transducers or removable transducers on the stern. Placing your transducer will be your biggest headache. Deciding whether to permanently mount it or not etc. perhaps put it on your trolling motor?

Garmin, Lowrance, Raymarine, Hummingbird are all good brands.

If you need a good recommendation I know a guy that specializes in marine electronics and can give you detail about what you'd be looking at or suggestions on installing etc.

yea i reckon im not really worried bout depth as i am just gps. i just want to be able to plot spots and things like that. and looking for mounting ideas also. where yall mount em on yalls boats

Most mount on the grab bar. I don't have a grab bar so I just pick mine up if needed.

gotcha! yea i have a handheld gps already. its a etrex summit hc. cant figure out how to work the stupid thing let alone how to get the maps that i want on it. any idea how to get the maps of my local rivers and lakes?

I use a Lowrance M68C Map (check their site) and I love it! Small enough to put just about anyware and VERY accurate. The only problen is the resoulation is only about 30 yards so some smaller bayous don't show. Kinda scarry when it says that you'r running across dry land Had it for 5 years and the only problem was the screen getting spotty. Sent itr back with 100 bucks and they sent me a BRAND NEW ONE!

nice! yea i think ima just keep my little handheld one i have for now and see how it does this duck season. like i said before i just gotta get the maps downloaded before it starts.