Seeking GPS/Depth Finder Input

[FanOFishin]

I'm looking at getting a combination GPS/Depth Finder unit to replace the depth finder only unit I currently have on my boat. Any suggestions as to what features are must have in regard to the GPS side of it and which map system is preferred by boaters on the Lower Columbia and for lakes throughout Oregon and Washington would be helpful. Also, any recommendations on specific make/model to consider or other specific features that are desirable would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Flatfish]

In the last 8 years, I had 3 Lowrance units. All 3 units failed in under 3 years.

In the new boat, I now have a Garmin gps and a Furuno depthfinder.

Both please me and have not failed to function.

[Mooch]

Personally,I like seperate units. If a combo unit fails,you lose everything. With seperate units the chances of loosing both units is slim.

I've had a couple Lowrance units. They were great when the worked. Problem is there where too many times where they didn't work. Lowrance's customer service left a lot to be desired.

I went to Garmin back in '06 and haven't looked back.

[Highmark]

My question to you is. How much do you want to spend.??
You can buy low end stuff.
And you end up with the same. low end stuff.
I have had lowrance combo units in the last 3 boats. I have
not had one problem. Other then a swtich that would not turn off.
they replaced it no problem. I think it's all in the install.
if it's done right, you do not have the problems with failers.

I have a NorthStar m121 system on this boat great unit. also
have a Lowrance 337 on the back deck. it was my primary unit
for 3 years. But the screen is so small. So I upgraded to 12 inch screen
and a higher end unit. I'm happy with them both.
the Northstar brand is used a lot on the east coast,
more so there than here. My point don't over look all the brands. when choosing what you want.
The new Lowrance units are vary good units.
and the garmin is a good brand as well.
But if i was to go out today.
It may be a garmin 5212 touch screen.
it's got everythey you need at a touch. and user friendly.

[honker1]

Don't want to touch "WHICH UNIT IS BETTER", question, but will add my about the mapping software. I had the Lowrance western lakes and it was useless in Oregon. I would recommend the Navionics chip if you are planing on Oregon waters. I am using the Navionics in my Humminbird and Lowrance units, and they are far more detailed then the Lowrance chip.
Yes, I do have 2 units I am running. Wanted the Lowrance's GPS and the Humminbird FF, but when the time came, I got such a good deal on the Humminbird 787c that it also has the GPS feature. I use the Lowrance for GPS and tracking. Use the Humminbird for depth and FF. This way I don't have to switch between screens, or half & half the display.

[hot wire]

Give price range,
technical abilities with electronics,
Radar in the future?

[FanOFishin]

Thanks for the input. In response to HewesFisher's questions:
Price range - as high as $700-800, preferably in the $400-500 range.
Technical ability with electronics - average to maybe slightly above average
No plans for radar in the future - river and lake usage only.

[OB1]

For $700-800 you should be able to buy a Garmin 545S now that the 546S is out.

[cmb1998]

Originally Posted by FanOFishin

I'm looking at getting a combination GPS/Depth Finder unit to replace the depth finder only unit I currently have on my boat. Any suggestions as to what features are must have in regard to the GPS side of it and which map system is preferred by boaters on the Lower Columbia and for lakes throughout Oregon and Washington would be helpful. Also, any recommendations on specific make/model to consider or other specific features that are desirable would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

My boat started out life with a Lowrance X85. Complete ***. I could sit in clear water and watch fish swim by that it wouldn't see and sometimes it would show things there when nothing was going by.

The one nice thing about the x85 is it will show some engine info, so I left it on the boat and added a Lowrance LMS480. I bought it off here used. Its awsome. Much higher resolution, maps are very detiled. No complaints.

Later,

Chris

[hot wire]

You will prob want to spend 4-500 but will settle at the 6-700. You can get alot more for your money for the couple hundred in difference.

Lowrance HDS units are an excellent value. They come at a few caviots. They (Lowrance, Eagle, NorthSrar, Simrad, Hummingbird) are owned by Navico. There are so many complaints about the poor customer service, its not worth going into,.....but it's a real issue IF you have a problem with one. Longevity may be in question because they are new this year. Software can be buggy but now that the HDS units are the new focus at Navico/Lowrance, I have seen where they actively are working the ***** out. HDS-7 (6.4" display) would be a good choice if your doing more lakes and rivers. Built in GPS antenna thats not too shabby. LOTS of xducer choices for shallower water in lakes/rivers. Including a broadband type if you want to upgrade that down the road.

For your money, it's the one to get. Built in software too.

One thing for sure, don't get the 5". Too darn small to be very effective. Seems the older my customers are, them more the bigger displays need to be. Cheaper isn't ALWAYS the best.

I haven't been a huge Lowrance fan of late, but that opinion is changing.

Garmin units are too small. They're larger units (640 series) just had their production dates pushed back. Also, they do not have as good of a reputation for DF/FF as Lowrance. Lowrance has a heck of a leap on that and I believe THAT should be your focus. A GPS nowadays is an easier thing to create. A good DF/FF is not.

Garmin is very good too. But I would not forget how small that 5" screen is. The HDS's 6.4 is a significantly larger display, especially if you split screen the GPS and FF pages.

Just my opinion....

http://www.lowrance.com/en/Products/...-Chartplotter/

[FanOFishin]

Thanks again for the input. My brother-in-law recently purchased a Lowrance HDS-5 for his boat but hasn't actually used it much yet to my knowledge. He indicated the high-def display is very good. When I looked on line under a large sporting goods outfit website and read customer reviews of the HDS-7 five raved about it and five said it was the biggest piece of garbage they'd bought so that wasn't much help. I agree with Hewesfisher's opinion that the focus should be on getting the best DF/FF possible. At this point I'm leaning toward the Lowrance HDS-7 but will do a little more research before investing in one. Will post my thoughts/experience once I take the plunge.

[Hagar]

Originally Posted by FanOFishin

Thanks again for the input. My brother-in-law recently purchased a Lowrance HDS-5 for his boat but hasn't actually used it much yet to my knowledge. He indicated the high-def display is very good. When I looked on line under a large sporting goods outfit website and read customer reviews of the HDS-7 five raved about it and five said it was the biggest piece of garbage they'd bought so that wasn't much help. I agree with Hewesfisher's opinion that the focus should be on getting the best DF/FF possible. At this point I'm leaning toward the Lowrance HDS-7 but will do a little more research before investing in one. Will post my thoughts/experience once I take the plunge.

As a Lowrance user for the last several years, I think there are only two types of Lowrance users...... those that ARE sorry and those who WILL be sorry. If it fails, be prepared to just walk away from it instead of trying to have it repaired (unless under warranty and then be prepared to be without it for a long time). The HDS series is just too high priced for me to think of walking away from it if it has a problem.