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Hi, I've been looking at the Humminbird Helix 5 and Helix 7, but would like to know everyone's personal preference on these, (plus Simrad, Garmin, etc.). Primary inland lakes in Indiana and Kentucky, but planning to visit northern Ohio and Michigan soon. Do not need actual transducer (or do I?) as I would mainly follow the channel (and depths based on lake tables loaded for expected depth). Breadcrumbs, plotting courses, good graphics/ease of use for mapping, etc.

The 240 has limited mounting space options, so ideas/pictures are welcome.

Not sure what else I should be asking/looking for....thoughts?

I mounted my older Garmin chart plotter on the starboard windshield strut using some Ram Mounts.

Rvgetfive, did you ever install? I also have a 240 and I'm looking at a Garmin 943XSV. I cut out a piece of cardboard of the same size as the unit and put it in different places on my boat to see what might work best. I found the best spot being far left above gauges (on top of instrument panel sun visor) because it doesn't appear to impede with my forward vision with the seat up or down. I'd likely mount it to the windshield strut that is screwed into the top of the sun visor via Ram Mount. No drilling and I can move it if I wish. I'd get the version with the option to add a transducer although haven't decided if I need/want one.

Anyone else out there with a 240 and a chart plotter?

A Garmin 943XSV should be really nice if you can find space to fit it. The 743 is obviously similar in function but a bit smaller, and easier to wedge in to tight spaces. I ended up with a Garmin Ecohmap 70S, which is sort of a baby version of the 700 series. No transducer yet, but it does support their clearvu, sidevu, chirp, etc. if I ever decided to add it.

I ended up screwing my RAM mount to the top of the dash in what sounds like a similar location, knowing there's a good chance I'd always want something mounted in that spot. Scroll down in this thread for pics of my install: viewtopic.php?p=50228

In the range you're looking, I'd also look at the Simrad GO9 or maybe the Raymarine Axiom+ 9 (although the Garmin is pretty good from a usability standpoint).

I just got the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 73SV. Gonna use the Ram mount suction cup mount with the bottom resting slightly on the dash. Looks like it will be solid. Can send pics if interested