fishfinders, wrong choice?

[paul watki]

This is similar to other posts on this subject but all the comments have made me question my own choice. I am to kit out my first boat with electronics and had chosen the HUMMINGBIRD PIRANHA MAX 20. Its seems hummingbird are not most peoples choice of unit. It looks like Eagle are the alternative but can anyone recommend an Eagle model similar to my original choice.<br />I have chosen a GARMIN 72 GPS and an ICOM M32 handheld vhf,if anyone has any strong opinions against these two I would be interested. Its an investment I cant afford to get wrong,help would be appreciated.<br />Thanks<br />Paul.

 

[JB]

Re: fishfinders, wrong choice?

Well, the H'bird wouldn't have been my choice, but that doesn't make it a bad one. I would have selected a Lowrance X-_, but that wouldn't make it a good choice for your needs. <br /><br />I agree with selection of the Garmin GPS and the ICOM.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[farginicehole]

Re: fishfinders, wrong choice?

Yeah, a buddy of mine has a Humminbird on his classic old Lund, and hasn't ever had a bit of trouble with it. Wouldn't be my first choice, but I can't argue that his has been very dependable. Not sure off the top of my head which model it is though.

 

[richstick]

Re: fishfinders, wrong choice?

Over the past many years, Humminbird units have proven to simply not have the quality of Eagle/Lowrance, Bottomline, or any of the other sonar units on the market. Sorry to say that! But, their new units - the Matrix series, are very high quality units. The Garmin 72 is probably the best non-mapping gps you can get - good choice.

 

[ThomWV]

Re: fishfinders, wrong choice?

You didn't make any mistake with that radio either. I agree with each of the comments given so far. There is one thing that you might want to give a little thought to though. <br /><br />About a year and a half ago or so a new company was formed with Ray Marine split off from its parent company, Raytheon. I don't know much of anything about the business end of the deal but the newly formed Ray Marine is located in Great Britan and I suspect their repair facilities are located there as well. I think that would weigh heavily on my decision when selecting marine electronics if I were you if for no other reason than shipping for repair would be faster if the unit didn't have to cross the Atlantic. Of course I guess it won't be at all long until all repair facilities are located in India or Taiwan. After all, its cheaper now days to ship a unit around the world and then repaired than it is to pay someone at home to work on it. How did that happen?<br /><br />Thom

 

[paul watki]

Re: fishfinders, wrong choice?

Thanks for the comments so far. I had decided on these models as a purchase here in GB, and as US prices are upto 40% lower, I have some freinds who live in East Lyme ct who will be bringing it over for me.<br /> There are US websites that will send stuff over GB tax paid and it still works out cheaper. I have used American electronics for years and I prefer them.<br />There might be a US/GB compatable problem eg power supplies, software etc. More research needed.<br />Thanks