Fish finder/bottom map

[carlos515]

I have an old Lowrance Hook5. I would like to get a newer unit that is colour and a 7-inch screen. I was looking at Hummingbird or another Lowrance. Are they all the same? My use would be for navigating unfamiliar inland waters in Ontario, Canada.

 

[Chris1956]

The size and quality of the screen drives most of the cost of the FF units. You will want the largest display you can afford. The good news is that a lot of FF become discontinued (replaced by newer models), and have large discounts on them.

Garmin usually has built-in maps. You might see if the Ontario waters are included in the FF model you choose, or whether you will need to buy additional maps.

 

[dingbat]

Are they all the same? My use would be for navigating unfamiliar inland waters in Ontario, Canada.

No, they are not the same.

Garmin owns Navionics, but markets charts under their Garmin Navionics, Bluechart, LakeVu and Vision brands

Lowrance Supports C-map and Navionics charts.
Humminbird supports LakeMaster/CoastMaster (propriatray) and Navionics charts.

Garmin units typically comes with a set of preloaded charts. Plotter part number reflects which maps are included.

Lowrance and Humminbird typically come with just "base maps".

In the end, it comes down to cost and who has maps of the lakes your interested in.

 

[carlos515]

Thank you, I will see which maps are the best in cost wise with a unit. I have limited space for the FF, but I do not need the latest greatest. Last year's model is a good idea.

 

[airshot]

If you have any fishing clubs in your area, like Bass fishing guys, ask around as often these guys upgrade frequently and get new equipment from sponsors. Sometimes you can get their used stuff fairly cheap.

 

[Mc Tool]

Fwiw I have a lowrance hook reveal 2, 9" screen that came with c-map . Im real happy with it ,

 

[carlos515]

Fwiw I have a lowrance hook reveal 2, 9" screen that came with c-map . Im real happy with it ,

Thanks, I am leaning towards Lowrance, just figuring out how big of a screen.

 

[Mc Tool]

Thanks, I am leaning towards Lowrance, just figuring out how big of a screen.

I have had little screen ff's and trying to see it half way down the boat while its moving about.....agh . Big is better , specially if you use the split screen to view sonar and chart or side /down scan .
The only beef I have with mine is the screen is not active ....like not touch , you have to scroll thru using menu and navigation buttons .....just a pita after using touch screen smart phone keep stabbing at the screen and wondering why nothings happening

 

[dingbat]

The only beef I have with mine is the screen is not active ....like not touch , you have to scroll thru using menu and navigation buttons .....just a pita after using touch screen smart phone keep stabbing at the screen and wondering why nothings happening

I want nothing to do with a touchscreen on a boat.
Besides blood and guts all over the screen, trying to “touch” the correct entry in a pull down menu or hit the correct, tiny button while doing the Chesapeake waltz just suxs.

Don’t use touchscreens in the car either. Prefer dial/trackball setup