Raymarine Dragonfly 4PRO Gold Combo - E70294 or Humminbird Helix 5 DI Fishfinder GPS Combo

[jamiechipper]

I am looking for an entry level chart plotter and sonar combo.  Price range = $300.  There are some things I like about  each in the subject line.

 

Raymarine E70294

 - streaming via Wi-Fish.  This would allow see sonar on my iPad/iPhone throughout the boat under the same transducer.  If only the iPad had a way to run two apps on the same screen!

 - GPS accuracy/reviews seem better then many of the combos out there

 

Question about E70294-NAG ($300) vs E70294-US ($260)

 1. Anyone have an idea if the navionics+ is worth the $40 extra over c-map option?  I use navionics boating with the upgrade for contours on my iPhone and love it. I have read that the  E70294-NAG does not include all possible maps for my area, but it is hard to believe what is written on the internet. In addition, I have never used the C-Map app on the water, but it seems to have limitations without purchasing individual maps.

 

Humminbird Helix 5 Sonar/GPS Combo ($300)

 - Screen size - 5" would be nice over the 4*

 

Question about Humminbird

 2. Does anyone have experience with the base UniMap and can provide an opinion... contour lines, clarity, etc.

 

Overall questions

 3. Does anyone have a preference on the sonar of the two?  I have an 18 footer and do alot of trolling for trout/salmon and also spend some time inland pitching for walleye/pike.  

 4. It seems like the sonar options are similar... can anyone point out the primary differences?

 

Thanks for your input!

[zackblain]

I'm pretty sure unimap on the humminbird  has 0 contour lines, just outlines of lakes unless they've changed things.

[Chas0218]

You might be able to find the a68 with gold navionics still for $460 if you are willing to spend a little more.  That will get you some contour lines and CHIRP.  Most Salmon/Trout guys don't use CHIRP but if you are multi-species you could benefit from it.

[KING ME]

We run chirp and down vision and love it. Highly recommend Raymarine. Here is a screen shot of this past weekend 13 foot of water going over some rock bottom area with boulders. Upper screen is chirp lower is downvision .

Also look at BOE marine for whatever unit you decide on. Very knowledgable, great customer service.

[jamiechipper]

This is great info.  I ended up with E70294-NAG for $299 on anchorexpress.com.  I am pumped to be able to use the Wi-Fish app throughout the boat mounted to an iPad(s), which will increase my screen.