GPS hand held or in Fish Finder

TMAN · 07-10-2001, 03:10 PM

I ordered a new Alumaweld Super Vee and I'm trying to decide on a Lowrance X-15 with GPS or having a separate GPS unit. Does anyone have any advice. I want something very simple with downloadable maps. Can you mark bouys in the fog?

Thanks for your input.

TMAN

ol tuna skipper · 07-10-2001, 03:19 PM

I have a handheld Lawrance GlobalMap 100 that I can create my own maps or download others from CD. i'm very happy with everything except the size of the screen. It has all the features I need and I can use it in the truck. In the boat I mount it on a swivel base next to the fishfinder. I can take it with me on other peoples boats to show them spots, (or mark theirs [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] ) and it can be packed when hiking or hunting.

I didn't go with combo unit because they are more expensive and you ussually have to switch between GPS or fishfinder modes. I like to look at both at the same time and could not afford a $1000.00 unit that does all that and still be let in the house when I got home.

pirk fan · 07-10-2001, 04:37 PM

I agree, separate units are handier, especially if you aren't in a boat. They are little, and the mounts take up a minimum of space.

Gizmo Man · 07-10-2001, 04:54 PM

depends on how much potential fog days you encounter. If you are going to the ocean, I don't think spending on safety should even be an issue for you and your family. Personally, I would have both and I do. I also have a back up depth finder in the boat.

I also have a garmin III + which has built in maps and you can download additional info. I take it with me when fishing with others.

It came in handy several mornings in the Columbia when it was foggy.

Good luck. Check ebay for some good buys.

The Giz... [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

Tinman · 07-10-2001, 05:07 PM

Separate units for severalreasons:

1. Combo depthfinder/GPS units have very complicated control panels

2. Technology changes so fast that either your GPS or fishfinder will likely be obsolete soon. With separate units, you can upgrade with less money.

3. Portable GPS units are fun and handy for hiking, driving and general fooling around. I have a removable swivel mount for the boat, but use the unit lots of other ways.

4. If a combo unit breaks down, you have lost two devices for the duration of the repair. With technology changing so fast, electronics are often not worth repairing. Heck, GPS is down to $140...if it breaks, throw it away...the new units are apt to be smaller, cheaper and faster than the one that failed.

5. IMPORTANT! A portable GPS (powered by disposable alkaline batteries) keeps working even if your boat battery goes dead. This is an important safety feature. Carry a couple of spare sets of disposable batteries. For the same reason, I carry a handheld VHF to back up the main permanent-mount unit.

Bounty Hunter · 07-11-2001, 07:32 AM

Think of what you want to do with it.

It would look pretty silly carrying a fish finder around during hunting season.

TMAN · 07-11-2001, 08:56 AM

Do the small hand helds have the ability to download maps of say buoy 10? Aren't the screens very small to try to read when your in the fog trying to find your way back? Thanks for the input everyone.

TMAN

Fish Hunter · 07-11-2001, 10:18 AM

Tman, you may want to consider a remote antenna for a hand held, my Garmin 12 won't get a fix when mounted in the logical position on the console. The aluminum windshield frame seems to block it's reception. This Garmin works well for hunting.

ol tuna skipper · 07-11-2001, 03:41 PM

My Lawrance Globalmap 100 can upload maps from cd. I can outline my choice areas and select the amount of detail I want. I can zoom in to .1 miles or out to 60 miles. Havn't had a problem reading it due to the small screen. Has a backlight for dark hours. Have used it in the dark on the Columbia.

My recommendation is go to fishermans and play with the ones on display. Ask them questions and they will give you what you need to know. If you are not using it a a road map stay away from those type as they always pushing them at FMS.

If you want to meet up with me send an email. I'll show you my Lawrance and its features. For $140.00 I am very satisfied.
left me money for a new rod and reel this year and also a new UHF marine radio.

fish forever · 07-11-2001, 04:51 PM

buy both [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] you can never have too much gear.

seriously - as someone alluded to above, My opinion - it depends if you'll use it out of the boat and whether or not you want some of the fancy integration features like mapping and wanting to know the depth etc at your favorite fishing spot. My handheld works good in the boat if you just need to know where you are.

blubeast · 07-12-2001, 03:21 PM

I have two separate units... a Raytheon 420 gps/chart combo and the fishfinder. As stated above, technology is changing fast in each area. Prefer to upgrade each as necessary.