GPS-Chartplotter/Fishfinder combo or seperate?

[M3Spinner]

I am curious if guys recommend keeping the PS/Chartplotter separate from the fish finder unit. Do you have separate (two units) on your console or getting a unit with both features.

Very general topic as many factors play into it, but curious if anyone has found a system that works for them. Handheld GPS and a mounted fish-finder? Is portability important? best unit out there for each/combo?

Thanks for your thoughts,
Spinner

 

[Capt.Matt]

Re: GPS-Chartplotter/Fishfinder combo or seperate?

I like seperate units. If one goes down, you still have the other unit. I like looking at maximum screen size for each operation. My gps/chartplotter is combined and my color bottom machine is stand alone. I am going to add a second gps unit next year. I do carry a handheld gps as well as a handheld vhf in my ditch bag. You never have enough safety gear on board.
Capt.Matt

 

[dingbat]

Re: GPS-Chartplotter/Fishfinder combo or seperate?

Something about putting all your eggs in one basket comes to mind.

We do a lot of jigging and it’s a necessity that you can see the FF screen from the back of the boat. Anything less than 6” is very hard to see at that distance.

As for the GPS, bigger is better because of the screen scaling. I had a 4” unit and in order to see the contour and depth lines clearly I had to narrow the zoom down which limited my visibility on the screen. I’ve since purchased an 8” unit and can zoom out quite a bit wider and can still see detail I need when trolling.

I guess if you don't have the room separate units they are a good option but this is one case where bigger is certainly better. If going with a dual unit I'd go with something like the Garmin 5212 or the Raymarine E120.

 

[skimmer]

Re: GPS-Chartplotter/Fishfinder combo or seperate?

There are pros and cons to having a combo unit especially when fishing comps, they make it a bit easier to plot your course, when you've found fish in different areas you can punch them in as you go and easily find them again later n the day as you can watch the plotter and the finder on the one screen, not that you can't do that with seperate units its just a bit quicker and easier with a combo, plus if you don't have much dash room they can be an advantage. Cons, the split screen is not as easy to see as a seperate unit. Buying a handheld gps means you can use it anywhere not just in the boat which I think is a big plus. In a big boat I would definately have seperate units but I think combos have their place in small boats.