Fish finder/GPS for around $750

[RubyCreekTed]

So, What is the latest and greatest color FF/GPS for around $750? I need to repoace an old unit and want to add GPS too. It will be used in water less than 200ft great lakes and inland lakes. Maps of Lake Michigan and Huron are needed as will as Michigan inland lakes. How do the companies bundle these in the price? THANKS in advance for your recommendations.

 

[4JawChuck]

Re: Fish finder/GPS for around $750

This is the Lowrance model I bought last year, at Cabellas in Canada the total package was under $750 including map and taxes. I originally had a Hummingbird model but couldn't get a map for my area that worked with Hummingbirds. I was impressed with its build quality and features compared to the bird, its taken me a year to get used to all the things I can do with it. The next model up has a much larger screen but costs over $1000 but basically has the same features. The custom gauges screen is a particularly cool feature and the 5 inch screen is plenty big enough for me.

http://www.lowrance.com/en/Products/Legacy-Products/LMS-527C-DF-iGPS/

I am very happy with this unit and the build quality and the transducer seemed better constructed than similar Bird models. You can download a simulator and try the product on your computer before buying, it works the same as the actual product...except for actual fish.:redface:

http://www.lowrance.com/en/Downloads/Product-Emulators/

 

[RubyCreekTed]

Re: Fish finder/GPS for around $750

Thanks 4JawChuck for the simulator pointer. REAL SLICK. Now all, is there a similar simulator for the Bird's?

Also All, How much do you value the side scan feature especially in water over 50 feet deep? How about color vs Mono? Are their full featured mono boxes or do I need to go to color to get the high end features?

 

[4JawChuck]

Re: Fish finder/GPS for around $750

To get side scan your talking $1000, I really spent a lot of time thinking on this feature but in the end I decided not to spend the extra money. I would think side scan would be great for rivers and getting those bass out of the structures along the banks...oh well maybe my next boat.

I would like to hear how well it works and if it is worth the extra cash to upgrade to the $1000 range.

 

[whofan]

Re: Fish finder/GPS for around $750

So, What is the latest and greatest color FF/GPS for around $750? I need to repoace an old unit and want to add GPS too. It will be used in water less than 200ft great lakes and inland lakes. Maps of Lake Michigan and Huron are needed as will as Michigan inland lakes. How do the companies bundle these in the price? THANKS in advance for your recommendations.

The Humminbird 788 with the NAV bundle looks good. Installed one for a friend he hasn`t used it yet.

 

[rhinos]

Re: Fish finder/GPS for around $750

Lowrance 525 is a nice unit. I would also look at ebay under fish finders lowrance. The more pixels you have the better the images below.
MIKE

 

[bigbad 4cyl x2]

Re: Fish finder/GPS for around $750

i think its actualy time that we all get the fishfinders with gps and the sirus weather overlays, have you seen these units ,there just out . they have a gps built in and satilite radio reciver built in , and the recive weather dopler radar wich overlays over the map so you can see the rain coming , and acurate wave highth and water temp exactly were you are at . amazing . how could you make do with anything else

 

[Charlie in TX]

Re: Fish finder/GPS for around $750

I will only get a side image. I have developed a 'rule' when I buy something like this (electronics, gun, scope, camera, etc). When in question, always by the more expensive choice. If I by the cheaper, I kick myself everytime I us it saying I should have bought the other. If I by the more expensive choice, I regret it the day I pay for it but enjoy it everytime I use it.

Having said that, there are many Humminbird 798 SI for under $800. HERE is a link to one for $780 with shipping. I actually bought the 997. Go figure.

 

[4JawChuck]

Re: Fish finder/GPS for around $750

Here is a preview of the new sidescan/downscan sonar Lowrance has coming soon, I think I will spend that money on fishing lures and fuel for the boat instead.

http://www.lowrance.com/en/StructureScan/

 

[jrampey]

Re: Fish finder/GPS for around $750

I bought an Eagle Fish Elite 500C 2 years ago... for $500, Added an enhanced maps card for $90 and now I have depth/fish finder and detailed maps of southeast lakes. Everything that I needed. 5" diagonal screen - Color. I really like the upgrade to color! Viewable in bright sunlight. Eagle is the lower cost brother to Lowrance. Mine has the external GPS antenna - some come with an internal... can't give any opinions on that - mine locks on quickly and never looses the satellites. I have a transom mounted transducer and can maintain bottom reading up to top speed of the boat - 45 mph. Looked on Eagle's website today... looks like the 500C is no longer offered. The current comparable product looks like 640C. Here is a link.
http://www.eaglenav.com/en/Products/Fishfinder-Chartplotters/FishElite-640C/