Received the Humminbird Matrix 17 for Christmas. Just recently got the transducer mounted and I love it. I too have a very small budget. I think this was in the $150-170 range. It has a wide screen, lots of accessories to add to it when $$$ is avaliable. It is also GPS ready. I mounted this on the console. I really like it.

I also just purchased a Lowrance X46 (or 47?) for the front of the boat. It was $130. Small screen, good picture, very sensitve.