I originally had a handheld in the boat as well. If you go this route be sure it is waterproof so you can fish w/ some splash and in the rain. Handhelds are also great tools because you can take them anywhere so if you hunt, hike, camp, etc. you will get a lot of use out of it. Otherwise I much prefer the GPS/Fishfinde combo in the boat. As someone else mentioned, screen size has a lot to do with it and once you have the split screen GPS/Graph you'll never go back. Colour is NICE too!