Depth finder recommendations

clayh · 07-16-2007, 01:53 PM

Well my depth finder has offically died, and now I need to look for a replacement.

I need one that can handle recreational salmon fishing (500-700 feet), is easy to operate and understand, and won't cost a fortune (budget around $500).

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

clayh · 07-17-2007, 08:18 AM

Maybe a little more information will get some replies from all of you viewers :smile:

My old unit was a Humminbird. I heard that Lowrance has lost some if its quality. I'm only interested in a sonar unit because I have a separate GPS unit.

Any bias away/towards Humminbird or Lowrance. Also - I'd like color, but don't know about seeing the screen in full sunlight - any expereince there?

Thanks for the help....

Something Good · 07-17-2007, 10:19 AM

I'm afraid you haven't had any responses because no salty dog can recommend a fishfinder for the salt within your price range.

Sea Jypzee · 07-17-2007, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Something Good

I'm afraid you haven't had any responses because no salty dog can recommend a fishfinder for the salt within your price range.

I have a Furuno that covers down to 1200' in the salt, and is color, but it's going to be considerably more than your price range. Definitly worth consideration though if you decide to spend a little more.

Tinman · 07-17-2007, 02:27 PM

Furuno makes an economical non-color unit. I've had it for two years, and am quite happy with it.

Pirate · 07-17-2007, 04:04 PM

Here's a link with some varying opinions of different brands. My favorite quote is "Welcome to the path that leads to Furuno"....

http://www.ifish.net/board/showthread.php?t=156660

Reelentless · 07-17-2007, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clayh

Well my depth finder has offically died, and now I need to look for a replacement.

I need one that can handle recreational salmon fishing (500-700 feet), is easy to operate and understand, and won't cost a fortune (budget around $500).

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

You should be able to pick up a used Furuno 600L or maybe even a used Furuno 582L in your price range. Either of those are much better than a Hummingbird or Lowrance, in my opinion. Furuno has top notch service too.

PIR8 Hook · 07-18-2007, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tinman

Furuno makes an economical non-color unit. I've had it for two years, and am quite happy with it.

Cornfed · 07-18-2007, 10:41 AM

I have a Lowrance LCX-111c HD and it is completely self intuitive. it is a maplotter, depthsounder, and is NMEA compatible so you can hook up radar, engine stats, and the works to it. I paid $1500 for this 11" color screen unit, but I am sure Lowrance has smaller units that perform this function too....maybe around $800???

clayh · 07-18-2007, 11:05 AM

Thanks to all for the information - Furuno is clearly the favorite with the Salty Dogs. Has anyone heard anything about the FCV-620 model. More then my budget, but within the range of getting forgiveness from the wife.

Reelentless · 07-18-2007, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clayh

Thanks to all for the information - Furuno is clearly the favorite with the Salty Dogs. Has anyone heard anything about the FCV-620 model. More then my budget, but within the range of getting forgiveness from the wife.

Ive read a lot of good reports on it. You will probably need a transducer too.

Sea Jypzee · 07-19-2007, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clayh

Thanks to all for the information - Furuno is clearly the favorite with the Salty Dogs. Has anyone heard anything about the FCV-620 model. More then my budget, but within the range of getting forgiveness from the wife.

I have the FCV 600 and it is clearly a good model. I suspect the 620 is just a newer version, though have not looked.

If it's in range of forgiveness go for it.

They say it's always easier to ask forgiveness than permission.