fishfinder with gps-necessary to have gps?

[tmg1]

Hi, I have a Lowrance h20c GPS unit. I am looking to buy a Lowrance 520c possibly for a fishfinder. This unit comes with a built in gps. Do you think I would gain anything by actually having a gps unit on my fishfinder, other than the advantage of having to deal with just one piece of equipment. Thanks!

 

[whofan]

Re: fishfinder with gps-necessary to have gps?

You will have a mmc card slot that could be used to up grade your graph to a higher software version.

 

[triumphrick]

Re: fishfinder with gps-necessary to have gps?

One thought is if there is a problem with the unit you lose both your gps and fishfinder. Lowrance/Eagle has the fishmark 320 on sale at Wal Mart for $170. If you have room on the console for two units then you won't be without if one or the other feature dies on your combo unit.

 

[Tacklewasher]

Re: fishfinder with gps-necessary to have gps?

I have an Expedition, similar to the H2O. I found it difficult to read the speedo when testing my boat. I often would forget the handheld. I'd have it plugged into power at the helm and could not read trolling speed at the stern meaning I'd have to set the speed then check it.

As well, my FF was and older Eagle Fishmark 240 that was hard to read from the other end of the boat.

I now have a 522C. Much better all around. I can sit at the back of the boat and set my speed. I can see the fish and my location from anywhere in the boat. Have not forgotten it (but it is new to me).

It uses the same maps as the Expedition (or your H2O) so I have topo maps on my ff. I also have the lake maps but it only covers one local lake so was pretty much a waste of money.