Recommendations for Fish Finder and GPS--combo or separate

[Redfish]

The Skiff's coming. Will need some gadgets to go on her. What does the forum crowd recommend with regard to GPS and Sonar rigs. Combo or separate? Brand? Features? I fish a lot of shallow water, so a highly sensitive sonar is not necessary. I like the mapping GPS units I've seen--the ones that show your location on the map of your area. What's the best bet here?

Thanks for all the help so far.

[bobreeves]

I researched and purchased a Garmin GPS model 432, as it has the inland lakes built in which I use. It also has satellite overlay which is pretty slick. I already had a depth / fish finder, so didn't have to make a choice about separate or a single unit, but with screen real estate so small, I think I really prefer separate units. Mine depth finder (Eagle - not sure of the model at the moment) has an audible alarm (deep and shallow) that I set at 2 ft so I know when it's time to tilt the motor up.

I have a friend I fish in tournaments with on occasion who has a very expensive Lowrance, and my Garmin is more accurate. I pointed out that his GPS showed we were on land most of the time when we were fishing a creek, and he said the last hurricane moved everything around. It didn't move on mine in exactly the same creek 006

[Shakespeare]

Redfish, if you haven't already, I would like to encourage you to search the forums for this topic as it has been discussed dozens of times and very recently in fact. This in addition to other input to your post will help you to make an educated decision.

Mike C.

[NOTHING ELSE MATTERS]

I just bought two raymarine A65's, to install them when i get my boat.I really like Raymarine and Northstar, this is what i always use.I read somewhere about the A65 is not such a good machine, i found out that the A60 had some flaws, not the A65.I like raymarines digital sounder a lot.

[yellowdog]

Redfish, I went combo unit to save room. Only downside is if one breaks(sonar or GPS) the whole things out of service for repair. One thing to consider is internal vs external gps antenna. I've heard from some that the internal antenna will not pick up under a t-top. I have an external antenna and it sits on the dash next to my unit. I've had stuff laying all over it and it stills picks up. I have a t-top also. One thing I would suggest is get the biggest screen you can afford. You will not regret it. With the bigger screens you can run split screens with sonar and gps and actually see them. On some of the smaller screen sizes when you split the screens, it's hard to see the detail. Also, if you get the extenal antenna and mount it, be careful where you put it. If you mount it to a grab rail, your passengers will probably grab it in rough seas versus grabbing the rail(just Murphys law).

[bobreeves]

Large screens are nice, but the price goes up like the area - by the square of the dimensions.

[FLboy3]

I just purchased last years model from garmin which has been discontinued now but you can still find some at good pricing. Its the garmin 498c. It has the 5" screen instead of the 4" screen of its this year brother the 440s. There has been a couple of issues reported on here about transducer issues. On one the unit was replaced for them by garmin and no update on the other. I'v had mine now for about a month and find it easy to use. And you still get the manufacture warrenty even though is discontinued. I picked mine up at BOE Marine for 473.00 with free shipping. Thats with the internal antanna. Just an option.

[brokebeach5011]

I got a lowrance combo 337c .last years model.Holding up good so far.
525c took it's place

[NOTHING ELSE MATTERS]

I opened my A65 yesterday and on the box says "WAAS CAPABLE", well i found out today that the unit is not WAAS, and in order to make it WAAS, i have to buy a different antenna(150.00).Raymarine say that goverment moved two satellites, and affect those units with the antenna they come with. 006

[bobreeves]

Since the govmint moved the satellites I think the govmint should buy you a new antenna. Have you asked them 018

[NOTHING ELSE MATTERS]

Since the govmint moved the satellites I think the govmint should buy you a new antenna. Have you asked them 018


No,but i asked the idiots at Raymarine, why they did not put the new antenna in the box, and still have inthere the one that does not work.The sat. were moved 3 years ago.I asked them to semd me the new antenna and they want 150 bucks. 004

[al_e._gator]

I had a flyer from Bass Pro listing the Garmin GPSmap 430 for $450 from Feb 29th to March 17th. I don't see it online and don't know if it was local only but that is a great price. I'm probably a fool not to get one but I'm holding out for something that is NMEA 2000 capable (probably Lowrance) to network with my engine.

[freak]

NEM first good luck Friday seen pictures boat looks great love the black rub rail. Read about your problem with A65, I have the A60 i don't know if I want to splice new antenna from Raymarine to receive WAAS reception.wondering if Raymarine has antenna wire that will plug into the back of our unit and into the antenna or do we have to do the splicing. Thinking about returning the unti to West Marine...what kind of BS is this? Will call today both Raymarine and west Marine and weigh my options. Thanks for the info...would never had known......The FREAK

[NOTHING ELSE MATTERS]

Freak, the deal is you send the antenna you have to Raymarine in NH and they send you a ray125 antenna .The difference between the two antennas is 149.00, which you have to pay. clonk nutkick

I heard a story of west marine exchange the antenna for free, i don't know how true it is.

[FLboy3]

Thats probably if you purchased it from them and you got their extended warrenty. Just a guess.

[218Elite08]

I have a Lowrance 135X and 520C on the Ranger. I went with a Lowrance 522C GPS combo for the 218 Elite. The 522C has an internal antenna verses the external "puck" antenna on the 520C. I think the internal antenna is the way to go. I guess we'll find out soon.

Brian

[Dave]

I started out with a Hummingbird FF in the '70's. Piece of junk! 30 years, a Lowrance & Eagle FF, 2 Garmins (1-LORAN-C & 1-GPS) and 1 Raymarine FF & GPS later, I'm back to Hummingbird. I now have a Hum 787c2i plotter/FF. Best bang for the buck IMO, and a pleasure to use. May be overkill for your purposes but comparable in price range that many others have listed for you. Let me recommend that, after you get done here, do some internet review research and then try and find a retailer that sell the units you have narrowed down and go take a test ride on the showroom floor.

Good luck,
Dave

[FLboy3]

If you don't mind trying a remanufactured unit theres a couple of places that have the new 540s with transducer and internal antanna for $575.00. Thats a great price for that unit if the bugs are out. It still comes with the 1 year manufactured warrenty. www.boemarine.com has them if interested. I think they are in the 800.00 range new....Darell