best all around transducer for Fraser and salt chuck?

[bweese]

I'm looking to get a new fishfinder/GPS combo. I really like Lowrance Elite-7 HDI or Chirp. (I'm not a good enough fishermen, I don't think, to warrant CHIRP given that the HDIs can be had now for under $500 without a transducer.)
It's for a 16' Lund SSV that is used on the Fraser for Sturgeon and at river mouth and Vancouver Harbour.
Occasionally it will head over to the islands on very, very, very calm days.
My question is: What transducer should I get? The 50 or 83?
Some say the 83 is better for water depths shallower than 100', and the 50 is better for water depths deeper than 100'.
So for a boat that fishes in water between, say, 10' and 250', which is better as an "all-around" transducer? The 50 or the 83?
I'm leaning towards the 50, but only cuz it's more expensive.
Thanks for all the help.

 

[wildthing]

airmar p66
and get a 50-200 unit
if your doing the river more then maybe the std 83-200 455-800 stock hdi mite be your better option

i ran a elite 5 most of last season and caught fish salt chuck which is 83-200 and stock tranny
now running a p66 simrad NSS8 and elite 7 HDI
but just in the process of install so cant give you feedback just yet

 

[tubber]

I believe the folks at Harbour Chandler mentioned last summer that the 83/200 units that come with the Elite 5 and the like are now 500W instead of 250W like the older one I have. Mine works fine so the new must be better. P66 is better yet I'm sure.

 

[the fog ducker]

Hands on....
the new p 66 airmar is excellent , high spped trackin , incredible detail , not fragile like others !!
blows away the stock Lowrance that i had that broke for the 2nd time

imho

fd

 

[bweese]

Great feedback. Thanks all.
Reading here and elsewhere, sounds like an Elite-7 HDI with aftermarket Airmar P66 transducer is the way to go.
Unless I'm really missing the boat by not getting CHIRP?
So I guess now I just have to decide between Elite-7 HDI with P66 or Elite-7 CHIRP with either a 50 or 83.
Oh God. I'm back where I started. I really don't understand electronics at all.