Fish finders

[flips]

What is the best fish finder to buy.<br />As i live in australia and we do not have many brands available.What i want is something that as gps and can run fuel ect.<br />Dont want to go over the top. What should one pay and what brand is good.<br />Have been looking at navman not sure what model only need basic,but should i go that bit better or is it awaste of money.<br />all feedback welcome<br /><br />Cheers Flips

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Fish finders

Hi Flips...The “best” fishfinder? IMO, probably a Westmar. I like the ones with a 360-deg rotating transducer that is raised and lowered with hydraulics. I don’t have one yet but I plan to get two just as soon as I win the lottery. <br /><br /> http://www.wesmar.com/sonar.html <br /><br />Back in reality: considering quality/function/value it is really hard to beat Furuno.

 

[JB]

Re: Fish finders

Interphase makes some interesting scanning sonars, too, Flips, but I don't think they interface with GPS.<br /><br />You seem to be looking for a combo sonar/GPS. Both Lowrance and Garmin make several models. I don't think either can give you a fuel readout, though.<br /><br />I can recommend the Garmin 168. Monochrome chartplotter plus sonar.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[whiteman]

Re: Fish finders

Flips, have a real good look at the Lowrance X125/X135 range ($A500/$A600). Both are mono but have a whopping 480x480 resolution and really good software and button layout. I've got the X135 cause I like the white, rather than orange screen and I fish over 50m sometimes so the extra power is handy.<br /><br />In fishfinders, resolution is king. Colour is nice but it costs thousands to get good resolution. When calculating resolution, mltipl the nmbers together as you'll see the X125/135 has 230,400 pixels in a 5" screen while something with a 320 x 320 screen might sound good, it only has 102,400 pixels, or less than half.

 

[Triton II]

Re: Fish finders

I'm with JB... Garmin GPSMAP 188 which is available in monochrome or colour (188C). Great unit, very versatile, good fishfinder, easy to use, but I think to run fuel with any accuracy you'll need your area's blue chart chip and to program your routes/expected consumption into the thing... I haven't tried it yet as waiting on blue chart for Christmas... hint, hint Ms Triton. Have a look at http://www.gme.net.au/

 

[flips]

Re: Fish finders

Thanks you for the input sorry for the delay, i am trying to sort out what goes with what.<br />will post back shortly with more questions.<br />Am loooking at a navman as this does do fuel.

 

[ThomWV]

Re: Fish finders

What's wrong with your native company, Navman?<br /><br />Thom

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Fish finders

Actually Thom, it a New Zealand company - but close enough <br /><br />Aldo