I'm sad, need new gps

[redneck joe]

I saved my old garmin (about 12 years old) from my last boat. The transducer was shot in the head by a submerged 2x8. I only saved the unit, no power and transducer. Found a transducer on ebay no prob but no power so looks like I'm in for a new one.

If anyone has a single pin cord for a 531s, lmk.

So what I used it for was 99% of the time just location and underwater topography so I can follow channels. I like to explore back water and up river arms from my lakes. I never bothered to learn the fish finder. Looked at it a few times.

Given the technology advances since I got mine, recommendations under $400, preferably closer to $300 since my project is at or slightly over budget now.

I saw a couple garmin striker model that looked ok.

What else?

 

[aspeck]

But this is replacing a non-functioning piece ... this is maintenance and in no way should be counted against the budget. With that said, get a Live Scope XR ...I like spending OTHER people's money!

 

[dingbat]

Looks like you can pickup a 5", EchoMap UHD2 chartplotter for $399.
Gives you half decent sonar and Navionics "Inland"maps
PART NUMBER010-02590-51

Caution when comparing units.... "base maps" are pretty useless

 

[redneck joe]

But this is replacing a non-functioning piece ... this is maintenance and in no way should be counted against the budget. With that said, get a Live Scope XR ...I like spending OTHER people's money!

I'd have a tough time selling that idea to the boss. I've had this boat for what three or four years now and not had one. Might be able to talk her into a combo birthday/fathers day tho.....

 

[Lou C]

Looks like you can pickup a 5", EchoMap UHD2 chartplotter for $399.
Gives you half decent sonar and Navionics "Inland"maps
PART NUMBER010-02590-51

Caution when comparing units.... "base maps" are pretty useless

I just bought that unit with the coastal maps pre-loaded and transducer. Fits nicely in a small boat like mine.

 

[redneck joe]

I just bought that unit with the coastal maps pre-loaded and transducer. Fits nicely in a small boat like mine.

Does it have full screen chart plotter? Only pics I see are on split screen.

 

[Lou C]

Does it have full screen chart plotter? Only pics I see are on split screen.

I think you have the option for either
Haven't used it yet, still getting everything hooked up, installing it, a new GPS VHF radio and sound system all at once and cleaning up messy old wiring under the dash...

 

[dingbat]

Does it have full screen chart plotter? Only pics I see are on split screen.

You can configuration with full or "Combo" pages

 

[redneck joe]

Cool thanks guys.

 

[Mc Tool]

I saw a couple garmin striker model that looked ok.

What else?

Yes , Im looking at a Striker 4 ,I like the quick draw function . I too want it for cruising deeper channels, in an estuary looking for Flounder .

 

[redneck joe]

Yes , Im looking at a Striker 4 ,I like the quick draw function . I too want it for cruising deeper channels, in an estuary looking for Flounder .

Actually I'm the opposite. Not too worried about fish and want to run shallow but still see the channel relative to the rest of the water I'm on.

 

[Mc Tool]

Actually I'm the opposite. Not too worried about fish and want to run shallow but still see the channel relative to the rest of the water I'm on.

Sorry , I didnt make myself clear I meant that I wanted the striker to plot and then follow tracks along the deeper chanels using the quick draw ,so I can sneak about in the dark without worrying about running out of water at lower tides.
Looking for Flounders is actually hanging over the side with a flashlight and a glass bottom box ......not using a FF .

 

[cyclops222]

Love the glass bottom and calm water. Lots of eating fish to locate. We used a water can with the bottom knocked out. Worked great. Looking to the side of our boat. Good old days. We did not know any better.

 

[redneck joe]

Sorry , I didnt make myself clear I meant that I wanted the striker to plot and then follow tracks along the deeper chanels using the quick draw ,so I can sneak about in the dark without worrying about running out of water at lower tides.
Looking for Flounders is actually hanging over the side with a flashlight and a glass bottom box ......not using a FF .

Ah, makes sense.

 

[mike_i]

But you need it for safety reasons especially if your wife is onboard.

I'd have a tough time selling that idea to the boss. I've had this boat for what three or four years now and not had one. Might be able to talk her into a combo birthday/fathers day tho.....

 

[redneck joe]

Yeah she'll call bs on that one, in 18 years she's been on a boat with me having a functional unit about 5 times...

 

[cyclops222]

My wife only goes on 80' or larger withstaff serving Chardonnay

 

[rolmops]

I would buy a Garmin with a proper mapping setup that can be refreshed online. Tidal currents tend to change channels and their depth. The boss will not be happy if you show up late without fish and up to your neck covered with muck

 

[roscoe]

There are 2 lakes I go to that are not on the chips I have for my Hummingbird or Lowrance plotters.

I found a map on https://www.gpsnauticalcharts.com/main/

The app is available for windows, mac, android, and iOS
So I bought a cheap generic android tablet with gps,, bought the app , downloaded the map files for WI, MN, and part of Ontario.

So far it has worked well.
Total cost.............$119.

So now I have a cheap 10" chart plotter for the car and boat.

 

[redneck joe]

Huh, I gave my brother an old Samsung few years back he doesn't use, and he will be here for the fourth...