Best sonar-gps combo up to around $1500?

[farginicehole]

Just wondering what you guys' and gals' experienced opinions are? Considering Raymarine (maybe A65 or C80) and Furunos. Like the looks of the new Furuno digital sonars, but it looks like you have to get the Navnet models if you want to be able to add gps, and those things are pretty salty! Anyone have any experience with the higher-end Humminbirds (maybe 957 or 987)? They have really cool-looking graphics and features, but do these "gimmicks"(?) perform as well as they sound and look? Any other suggestions are welcome too - thanks in advance!

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Best sonar-gps combo up to around $1500?

I would suggest looking at the new Garmin networking systems. They are awsome in there capabilities and priced affordably.

 

[TrenchFisherman]

Re: Best sonar-gps combo up to around $1500?

i was at the NYC Boat Show and theyhad the C80 which was awesome but the face (monitor) alone is around $1500 and then you have to buy all the components to make everything work so its well over 2000 if you want the whole system to work. i did like the A65 but it doesn't come with Radar capabilities but if you don't need it then who cares. It does have a smaller screen but its not always about the size right. I am thinking about getting the A65 just because i love how crisp everything is and the definition blew everything out of the water.

 

[farginicehole]

Re: Best sonar-gps combo up to around $1500?

Reel Poor, what Garmin models are you talking about in particular? I got some sort of "what's new?" catalog yesterday from West Marine, which had some new Garmins in there. They did look pretty nice, but they were pretty pricey, from what I saw (at least for the 8" and larger displays). I think you had to add the sonar module and transducer, which would probably add at least another $400 to them, and I'm not sure that they came with the gps antenna either.

TrenchFisherman, I may have to have a closer look at an A65 if I can find one locally. I would like to add radar, but was kind of thinking I'd just go with a monochrome LCD standalone like a Furuno or JRC. Not sure I like the idea of having everything going through one single display - what if it failed?!

Now if I win the Megamillions drawing tonight, I may just go with an E120. . . . . and maybe a different boat altogether! 8) Thanks for the replies, guys!

Nobody has any experience with the higher-end Humminbirds?

 

[dingbat]

Re: Best sonar-gps combo up to around $1500?

Look at the Garmin 3208 and 3210 series. You can get either for the money your talking about and can add radar at a later date.

I went with the Furno Fish finder and have pretty much decided on the Garmin 3210 for chart and radar duty.

I like the new 4XXX series Garmins but you don't gain much over the 32XX series for the addtional money

 

[tommays]

Re: Best sonar-gps combo up to around $1500?

The Lowrance units with NEMA 2000 are the only ones on the market that allow you add things to the network Like a fuel flow meter without breaking the bank

While everything made right now is pretty good the cost of the interface boxs and cables of some brands is out of control



Tommays

 

[cjames]

Re: Best sonar-gps combo up to around $1500?

I have the garmin 3205, with the GSD 21 sounder, I'd reccommend it also. I'ts exactly what I need for now, and in the future I plan on adding radar and an additional 3210 display. I paid right around $1200 for the 3205, the gsd-21, and the transducer.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Best sonar-gps combo up to around $1500?

I like the Lowrance LCX-38C HD. It comes with a 30 GB hard drive with all the maps. Has 800 by 600 resoultion, dual frequency, speed and temperature.
Bright and Clear LCD.