New Boat Questions

I will be selling my 14' aluminum boat which has front and rear bass fishing decks in the next few weeks and then start looking for a larger and better aluminum bass boat. I am really looking at Bass Tracker as they are popular, nice boats, and easy to find. I'm will be looking for a used (5-15 years old) 17' 175. I'm looking for a 45hp-70hp engine. Anything larger would drive the price too high for me. I want to stay away from the 25hp engines as I don't think I'd be happy with it (I've owned an 18' aluminum Grumman with a 90hp engine and am 18' Procraft with a 150hp engine). I don't mind the boat running 25-30mph with 2 people.

I live in Florida and like fishing smaller lakes (Harris Chain, Butler Chain, and sometimes Kissimmee... but near shore). I'm looking to spend about $5k. Any comments?

Another thing I _really_ want is to have a depth sounder. I find that fish finders are about useless for high-speed passes to find holes. They are just too slow. With a sounder I can locate them and then go back with a fish finder. Would you all agree/disagree? I will probably need to add this item and won't have a lot of money left. The boat will probably come with 1-2 fish finders. Would I be better to buy just the depth sounder or a fish finder with a digital one built in?

Personally, unless you get really lucky I'ld reccomend you find the boat you want and plan on adding the sounders, flasher etc you like.