GPS/Fishfinder combos

[bj2455]

I see a number of post on here regarding the combo gps/fishfinders. I want a GPS/fishfinder combo that has excellent chartplotting with very reasonable fish locator capability. I want to use it specifically for salmon fishing Lake Michigan so I want good waypoint charting capability as well as good (accurate) bottom topology.

I've been looking at the new Lowrence HDS units that have both and the Garmin 500 series but depending on who you talk to in the stores, they are all opinionated to the brand they sell. Hard to get straight answers! I hate to buy a unit for $600-800 and have to live with the reality of a poor decision.

Everything I've read suggests Garmin has better chartplotting but Lowrence is a better and more accurate bottom graphics unit.

Any body out there using any of these and have a firsthand 'user' opinion? good or bad? Or other suggestions?
Thanks bunches!!

Bill

 

[JB]

Re: GPS/Fishfinder combos

"Everything I've read suggests Garmin has better chartplotting but Lowrence is a better and more accurate bottom graphics unit."

Exactly my experience, bj. I urge you to get seperate units for that very reason.

 

[slasmith1]

Re: GPS/Fishfinder combos

if your looking far a good all around unit check out the raymarine a-65 they can be found on line in that price range, or if you want to spend a little more and have the ability to add radar and other add ons later their c series displays are a good option for a network system. Also note that is is well worth the investment to spend the money for a through hull transducer (not a transom or shoot through) the reliability at all speeds and water conditions is very noticeable.

I currently use a c-80 and an older rl70c for a back up radar/plotter

transducer

 

[MLD]

Re: GPS/Fishfinder combos

I have a Garmin 530s. I don't have a lot of experience with fish finders but I've tried many settings to try to get good readings. I think I will sell this one and maybe go with a Lowrance model since their radar readings has more detail.

 

[dingbat]

Re: GPS/Fishfinder combos

I was at a boat show on Sunday and stopped by to talk with the Lowrance Pros. Had them demonstrate the HDS-10 mapping capabilities to me.

The regens on the unit where painfully slow. Even with the detail set on medium it was very slow. Asked the guy if this was normal. He nodded then asked me what unit I was running, Told him a Garmin 4208. His response was oh, and wondered off to talk with another customer.

Lowrance?s sonar is pretty good but their mapping leaves much to be desired

 

[Seon]

Re: GPS/Fishfinder combos

I've heard and read lots of negative comments about the Lowrance HDS models and that's the reason why I opted to buy the Lowrance LCX 112c model. Am quite satisfied with it.

 

[MLD]

Re: GPS/Fishfinder combos

So, should I keep my 530s or look for a Lowrance?

 

[whofan]

Re: GPS/Fishfinder combos

So, should I keep my 530s or look for a Lowrance?

For God sake keep your 530s or look at Humminbird instead.

 

[John_S]

Re: GPS/Fishfinder combos

I've heard and read lots of negative comments about the Lowrance HDS models and that's the reason why I opted to buy the Lowrance LCX 112c model. Am quite satisfied with it.

Google "linda colt lowrance": http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&source=hp&q=linda+colt+lowrance&aq=f&aql=&aqi=&oq=

She was the customer savior that has now been canned.

 

[tkrfxr]

Re: GPS/Fishfinder combos

I upgraded to an LMS 525C that came with a Skimmer transom-mount transducer...I needed it for the GPS, but also came with Lowrance-Net capability and an additional wheel speed sensor.

The thing works fine, but I can't have a transom-mount sonar (Six months in saltwater with abundant fouling) So I installed it as a shoot-through-the-hull in the bilge, and with a small amount of bilgewater, it reads accurate depths and shows some fish....Seems fine.

The GPS also has an Ethernet port that can take input from a Lowrance radar...I already had a Furuno...

The thing is, if you want to add other things in the future, like fuel sensors, these can be added on later to a Lowrance unit.