Fishfinder/GPS combo

[MichaelMullis]

I am thinking about getting a GPS for using on the boat and marking Hotspots. I do not know anything about GPS systems and need some advice. I currently have a Eagle ultra classic fish finder and do not know if I should get a GPS/fishfinder combo or just get a GPS to go with Eagle classic. What would You do? I am happy with my Eagle even though it is about 10 years old. I also wonder what it will cost to get maps of the areas that I fish, Santee-cooper, Lake Murray, and the SC coast.Any advice and Info would be a big help.<br />Thanks <br />Michael

 

[AndyL]

Re: Fishfinder/GPS combo

It is only my opinion but I would have two seperate units. If you have a combined unit and use the split screen function each screen is so small that the useful effect of both is lost,or you have to keep switching between the two displays when life is getting interesting. (unless you are talking of a BIG display system)<br />If you have enough space on your dash go for seperate displays. Often you can NMEA link the gps to the sounder so as the sounder can display Lat/ Long and ground speed etc, and your other unit can display full mapping. You would obviously have to check compatibility with your manufacturer.

 

[JB]

Re: Fishfinder/GPS combo

I am with Andy on this. I have seperate units. Here's why.<br /><br />In a combo unit you can do one or the other well, trying both at the same time does neither well. If you "lose" the unit you are out both functions.<br /><br />I justified my GPSMAP 162 for multiple uses. I have a mount for it in my truck, where it spends most of its time.<br /><br />Just an opinion with which some will disagree, but I think Lowrance/Eagle makes the best value sonars and Garmin makes the best value GPS.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Fishfinder/GPS combo

I am not familiar with the low-end units but my personal preference is to reduce bridge/consol clutter, wiring, amp consumption, and to simplify. I would be looking for a single screen combo unit that displays a hiway used with gps navigation while underway, with a simple depth sounding readout, usually tucked in a corner of the screen. When looking for lunch, I would switch to a display that shows the sounding return with a simple lat/lot value tucked in the corner. If you check the transducer x-ref on the Airmar web site you might be able to find a new combo unit that uses the same transducer you already have installed in your boat. I agree with AndyL – split screen images are too small to be of much use. But they are fun for about 15-minutes, until you crash into a buoy. Just my personal preference.

 

[cigarxtc]

Re: Fishfinder/GPS combo

Yep, there's pros and cons to having a gps/sonar combo versus having seperate units. Good points mentioned previously. If I were in your shoes, I would sell your current unit on Ebay and use the money to offset the cost of a new gps/sonar unit. If you're still not sure which way to go, I'd check out the Lowrance or Eagle-Sonar websites They have software programs that allow you see the unit on your computer screen and play with all the buttons and functions before you buy it. That would be helpful in deciding whether the splitscreen or full screen options would work for your eyes or not. Just my 2 cents.

 

[ahein]

Re: Fishfinder/GPS combo

I agree with these replies that the viewable screen on a split-screen gps/fishfinder is too small. I also agree that Garmin makes some of the best GPS units available and Eagle/Lowrance make the best fishfinders. I currently have a Garmin 162 chartplotter and an Eagle 320DF fishfinder. Both units have performed very well, with no problems. If you decide to go with the split-screen GPS/FF combo, Eagle makes one called the SeaCharter 320DF. It's a combination WAAS-enabled, 1000 waypoint plotter and a dual-frequency (50/200 kHz), 500-watt RMS fishfinder. Boatersworld ( web page ) has them on sale right now for less than $400, including the transducer and GPS antenna.

 

[MichaelMullis]

Re: Fishfinder/GPS combo

Thanks for all of the feedback. I am wondering if a hand held unit will do. I fish a lot at night and realy need a system that I can note my starting point(landing) so I can find my way back. The lakes I fish are easy to get lost on. I have burned a lot of fuel and time trying to find landing after fishing. I was not lost.Heh Heh. I still had fuel,so I was just sight seeing.At least thats what Dad always said.I figure that if I have my starting point and the point where I finish at then these thing will show me the way back . Am I correct in this? This has got to be better than Mrs. baitkiller sitting in front of boat asking, do you know where you are?, Wheres the landing?

 

[Boatist]

Re: Fishfinder/GPS combo

BaitKiller<br />I like two seperate units if you have the space on your dash. I also like Garmin or Furuno GPS units and Lowrance / Eagle or Furuno fish finders.<br /><br />I have been useing a Garmin handheld GPSMAP 76 as a back up on the boat and it works very well on the dash under my Soft top. I also use it in the car and hiking and it works very well there also. Battery in daytime last about 16 hours with a 2000mah MiMH battery. If you are going to use it at night then you will want to get a DC power plug. The light will drain the battery. GPSMAP 76S has a built in compass that will display a compass when not moving and also a altimenter but battery only good for 10 hours. The GPSMAP 76 will give you elevation to about 100 feet any time you see 4 satellies and you will have to take about 4 steps to get a compass heading. One reason I wanted a handdheld GPS on the boat as a backup up and a water proof hand held radio is just in case find ourselfs in the water, we can still tell position and call Coast Guard. I also find Hand held GPS handy if you should go out on a party boat as you can record where you fished. Only bad thing is it pretty small and I have to use my reading glasses to see it real well.

 

[ahein]

Re: Fishfinder/GPS combo

Or you could just tie a string to the boat ramp, then follow it back when you're done fishin'.

 

[Melvin Hatcher]

Re: Fishfinder/GPS combo

JB,<br />I justified my GPSMAP 162 for multiple uses also. I have a mount for it in my truck which is a suction cup mount that stick to the windshield. What kind of mount do you use in your truck? I don't like the suction cup mount.

 

[ARCWINSTON]

Re: Fishfinder/GPS combo

Baitkiller,<br /> my take on this F.W.I.W is it probably depends on how comfortable you are with computery stuff will determine how you use it. Gps's have so many features that an average fisherman doesn't need or want they can be really scary! Mine is way beyond my needs but it will put me exactly over a hole with just it's basic go-to function which all most of us really need. As I have slowly learned it's tricks it can be fun and usefull. Don't be phased by the complexity, it's pretty hard to find a "simple one". As to getting back make it a habit to always put the ramp as the first entry at a new location...W

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Fishfinder/GPS combo

Aheim - I've tried it. The string only wraps up in the prop.

 

[JB]

Re: Fishfinder/GPS combo

Hi, Gofer.<br /><br />There are suction cups and there are suction cups. The first one I tried fell off every time the temp changed. I was almost at the point of drilling screw holes in my Mercedes dash! <br /><br />Then I found a cellphone mount at Radio Shack that has a hand screw suction enhancer. A little creative engineering and Viola! The unit sits on the dash and the "mount" attaches to the windshield and holds it in place very well without having to hold the weight of the unit.<br /><br />I can post a pic if you are patient. I will be on the road for the next few days.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[Melvin Hatcher]

Re: Fishfinder/GPS combo

Hi JB,<br /><br />Thanks I will be patiently waiting.

 

[Melvin Hatcher]

Re: Fishfinder/GPS combo

 

[JB]

Re: Fishfinder/GPS combo

Hey, DoferGofer!<br /><br />Forget what I said. I just got back from a 3,000 mile trip and the 162 dropped into my lap at a VERY bad time. . . not once, but 3 times! <br /><br />I am going to bite the bullet and put velcro on my dash and velcro the mount down with that.<br /><br />More to come, with pics.