GPSMAP/sounder ---HELP!!!

Lipripper · 02-19-2002, 06:13 PM

I am looking to purchase a GPSMAP/sounder. I'm leaning towards the Garmin models but I have no experience with GPS. Any one have one they like and just how easy is it to use.I would like one that has maps and shows you where you are in relation to everything(i,e, bouys, shore and such). I'm electronicly challanged so any input would be of great help. I only want to make one purchase and I'd like to do it right. Also any ideas on getting a seperate GPS and a seperate fishfinder. It's something I'm considering but space is a premium. Thanks

Pitch Pocket · 02-19-2002, 06:24 PM

Look at Standard Horizons. They came out with a very nice unit that is less expensive than Garmin. Take some time and learn more about them before you buy. I like the guy at Rogers Marine for a well informed sales person.

kenai · 02-19-2002, 06:35 PM

Do as much research as you can ahead of time. I own a garmin 12XL handheld that I've had for several years, it does a great job for what its for. Kind of hard to read in the boat at 20 kts though. Sounds like you may be looking for a chartplotter gps, considerably more expensive. Garmin, raytheon and many others make quality chartplotters. If you just want the basics take a look at the Garmin 152, its big enough to read in the boat and has all the navaids already in it, it is not a true chartplotter though. I cant speak to the combo units. Englund Marine in Astoria has a really good staff on GPS info. Good luck.

02-19-2002, 06:41 PM

I have a Lowrance LMS-160 MAP. Shows maps of where you are with bouys and other waypoints. You can download detailed maps and put them into the unit. Tons of features Im still learning about!

whitewaterbill · 02-19-2002, 07:17 PM

Botomline has a 5300 and 6500 that combine gps and sonar. I have a 6500 and like it a lot. I understand that the gps part is made by garmin. I use it for other stuff also...like following a trail or running to a location with auto pilot on the trolling motor as well as down rigger control with bottom track and other features.

FM2 · 02-20-2002, 08:20 AM

Pat, a couple of suggestion to ponder:

1. Fixed unit or portable
2. Sonar only or combination unit
3. How many satellites does the unit track
4. Features, speed, depth, water temp, distance
5. Customizable
6. Transducer range
7. Map availability
8. Multiple expansion interfaces
9. Battery type/ for portables
10. Cost

I had a Lowrance X85 Sonar unit had this is near top of the line. A very sensitive and versitle system that provided depth, water temp, distance travelled and boat speed. Has a very large viewing screen which is really helpful when your not sitting at the unit and/or getting older :-). You will need to purchase an external transducer to mount to your boat and needs to be located so your main motor or trolling motor will not affect it. This is a fixed unit so that is a question to ponder, fixed versus portable.

Lowrance also has the LMS 160 which is a combination GPS/Sonar unit. A very nice system that is much like the X85. Worth checking out.

Here are a couple of links to view that can provide some good information:

http://www.lowrance.com/Support/sonar.asp

http://www.lowrance.com/Marine/Products/LMS-160_MAP.asp

http://www.lowrance.com/default_flash.asp

Good Luck Bro! :grin: :grin: :grin:

Threemuch · 02-20-2002, 08:38 AM

The boat I just got has the Lowrance LMS 160 in it. I like it so far, but outside of buoy locations, it doesn't give you much in terms of the water. There are no depth contours, and it's representation of the land contour(shoreline) is weak. I wouldn't call it a chartplotter as much as a slightly higher functioning trackplotter.

And the Sonar signal is low power compared to some other units. Not a big deal unless you are fishing the deep salt.

blubeast · 02-20-2002, 08:47 AM

Couple of suggestions. First use the SEARCH function on this site for past discussions on this topic... Lots of great suggestions on this very topic.

Next, check some of the boat equipment sellers' web sites for product evaluations & comparisons - such as West Marine.

Next, I'd suggest you consider two units. One for depth sounding, another for Maping/GPS - I've been out with many boaters who have a single unit only to watch them have to keep switching from one to another mode. I personally have 2 Raytheon units one a fish finder/depth finder, and the other for GPS/Charting. I have both at full setting at all times! Also that way of one fails, you still have the other.

Lastly, look at the displays for clarity and resolution - which can you read in daylight and low light at the distance you'll be using it. There is a great difference in how easy they are to read.

Taylor's viewpoint · 02-20-2002, 10:08 AM

I have a Lowrance LCX 16 CI in my Duckworth. The unit is pretty expensive but it is really good.
TV
When in doubt, go fishing

ReelMcCoy · 02-20-2002, 01:37 PM

I have a Garmin 235 sounder/gps. It is an ok unit. The GPS part works well. I have the map chips for it while they are nice I don't have the detail of coverage of some of the competative units. This may be due to the fact the chip I use is the large one that covers all most all of the Oregon coast. When I bougut it I contacted Garmin as was informed that the large chip had the same information as the small ones for the same area. I not sure this is true. As for the fish finder half it also works well. I have no problems even at speeds up to 50 mph of tracing the bottom in fresh water. I due have problems in salt even when set for salt. I only get good readings when I'm drifting. I get no reading when under way. I have been out to the chicken ranch after halibut and once on the beds I get a good picture of the bottom. By the way the bottom there is over 500 feet down if your not aware of that. To answer the question I just bought another boat and intend to buy a different unit for that one. I don't intend to replace the one on the big boat.
I hope this helps.
The ReelMcCoy

Screaminreelron · 02-20-2002, 03:16 PM

lipripper; I too had been really wanting one. Santa brought me a Lowrance X-15MT :grin: . WOW! can Santa pick em. Then I found out my wife consulted my fishing buddy who pointed her in the right direction. It's great, let me tell ya why.
1. Very easy to install - did it myself w/o any trouble.
2. The screen is very large and readable in all lights.
3. The software includes nav maps that have all the markers, buoys, surverys, ect as well as roads /hwys., parks, citys, landmarks, points. All the stuff ya need when going somewhere new.
4. Most important!!! It's simple to use. Either the GPS or Sonar just follow the promps on the screen. First time out you will have it down.
5. Great split screan between GPS/Sonar.
6. Setting a good fishing spot or maybe a hazard is a simple as one buttom!
Anyway, I love it. It is the one I would have bought for myself. It is a little spendy but it is worth it. Good fishin :tongue:

Lipripper · 02-21-2002, 12:06 PM

Thanks for all the info. So many choices, so many options. I'm worse off now than when I first started. For the kind of money I'm going to spend I really want to do it right. I'm trying to stay away from those 4 digit prices but I may not be able to do so.

Rusty · 02-21-2002, 05:55 PM

Just installed a Garmin 168 Sounder in my new boat. It is a fantastic unit. Easy to use and priced at about $595.00. (Discounts do come up-try West Marine in PDX, ask for Kevin) It can be upgraded via CD Rom and/or the Garmin Website. No chip or maps to lose.)

Look into it.

Rusty

fish_on · 02-21-2002, 06:16 PM

Screaminreelron: Have you seen the Navionics maps for the X15? They really improve the background map adding depth soundings and better channel markings. I also have the x15mt love it has great bottom definition you can see the sturgeon on the bottom with a little tweeking. I bought a 64mb chip for mine at Fry's $50.00 lets you put the entire NW on one map.

Lipripper · 02-24-2002, 03:23 PM

Well, I think I have my mind made up. I'm leaning heavily towards the Standard Horizon CP-150 GPS Plotter. From looking around and and reading about the different features on all of the different units I think this one is the best for the money. Resolution is 320 x 240. Anything close to that resolution is $699 and up. Also like the C-map cartrige. I am going to settle for less of a unit in a Humminbird Legend 1000 but that is just temporary. Any thought and thanks for all your help.