Need some advise.

[turfman]

Got a $1000 cabelas gift card form a vendor I do alot of business with. I'm needing to update my marine electronics. I have an older Lowrance sonar and navigate by compass( been fishing the same spots in my family for over 30 yrs). I'll be honest and say that I have no clue where to begin.

I'm fishing coastal NJ waters; from the bays out to about 10 miles and depth no greater than 150ft.

I've been reading in this forum that combo units while good, might not be the best for someone who goes out 10 miles or so and the whole unit locks up. I see the point.

So I'm guessing two seperate units. Lowrance and Garmin seem to get alot of good reviews and would fit into my price range. I know there are alot of variables involved, but if you were in my shoes... What would you buy.

thanks.

turfman

 

[JB]

Re: Need some advise.

A Grand gift card? Wow!! That's a problem most of us would relish!

I think I would go for a mid-to-top range Garmin big screen color GPS and an Eagle big screen color SONAR, if both could be fit into the $1,000 ticket.

I would not go for a combo unit. . .too much risk of losing both at once.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Need some advise.

agree, combos are space savers, but one chip goes out, you lose it all.

 

[gunner1]

Re: Need some advise.

my choice would be to put some money with the gift card and get one of those new Humminbirds with the side imaging.

 

[turfman]

Re: Need some advise.

How about the Eagle 640c. The only gps they have by garmin is the 172, 378, and 478. The 172 looks to be smaller as in waypoints, the 378 and 478 are a grand alone.

What about the Lowrance 5300.

Also what add ons should I get( trannsducers, antennas, etc) As I stated above; I'm pretty clueless.

thanks for the help.

turfman

 

[dingbat]

Re: Need some advise.

How about the Eagle 640c. The only gps they have by garmin is the 172, 378, and 478. The 172 looks to be smaller as in waypoints, the 378 and 478 are a grand alone.

What about the Lowrance 5300.

Also what add ons should I get( trannsducers, antennas, etc) As I stated above; I'm pretty clueless.

thanks for the help.

turfman

How many way points do you need? The 172 has 700 onboard and after that you can transfer to card.

After 4 years of use I have maybe 100-150 way points on my machine.

Machine should come with everything you need except maps.

 

[turfman]

Re: Need some advise.

How many way points do you need? The 172 has 700 onboard and after that you can transfer to card.

After 4 years of use I have maybe 100-150 way points on my machine.

Machine should come with everything you need except maps.

I guess I read it wrong; thought it said only 50 waypoints. But i see its 50 per 50 routes. Also, does this unit come with a map or do you have to purchase them seperatley.

thanks

turfman