New GPS/Sonar

[jdawwggin25]

I am looking to eventually take my 20' CC to the ocean for offshore fishing. I really dont want to be out on the ocean without a GPS unit. There are so many options available so I was wondering if any one has had luck with certain brands or models. I was originally looking for a 5" due to the cost but feel something 7" or larger would be worth the investment. I also think that having the combo unit with sonar and radar would be a nice investment as well. I was looking at the Lowrance models but have heard mixed feeling from others. Any suggestions with ones that anyone has purchased and really likes or was not worth the investment.

 

[JB]

Re: New GPS/Sonar

The best GPS and cartography are made by Garmin. There are a gazillion different models. Select the one with the features you want and get a hand held for backup.

I would avoid combo units UNLESS you have back up GPS and Sonar. You don't want the loss of one unit to leave you with nothing for navigating.

The best SONARs are made by Lowrance and Furuno.

I think RADAR is overkill for day fishing, depending on the regularity of fog in your area.

 

[dingbat]

Re: New GPS/Sonar

Your looking at 5" units to save money but then you turn around and want to add a $1,500 radar dome to the system. You need to decide were your going.

A good Sounder, GPS, radar system is going to cost you $2,500 or more. If that is where you want to end up you need to buy seperate units or a large screen, multi-function display which is not cheap.

For GPS/ sonar and radar you want a 10" screen, preferably a 12" unit. For GPS and radar you can get away with a 8" unit if you have a seperate fish finder.

I'm running GPS and radar on a 4208 Garmin (8"). Works well. Wanted something bigger but I didn't want to modifiy the helm console. For Sounder I went with a Furuno 585 which also has a 8" display. Best finder I've ever owned.

 

[jdawwggin25]

Re: New GPS/Sonar

Cabelas is selling a lowrance radar unit for $99 if you buy any of the HDS units. My thoughts were originally the 5" unit and go cheap but I have learned over the years that it is always best to either save up a little longer and bite the bullet and spend more money instead of paying twice when you want to upgrade. If it is worth it to have a separate sonar and gps units then I have heard a lot of great things about Furuno

 

[dingbat]

Re: New GPS/Sonar

Cabelas is selling a lowrance radar unit for $99 if you buy any of the HDS units.

Better look again. You get a Sirius weather / Radio module for $99 plus the cost of a Sirius services.

http://www.cabelas.com/boating-electronics-2010.shtml

The radar dome is going to cost you $1,699

 

[jdawwggin25]

Re: New GPS/Sonar

Whats the difference in the module and the radar dome. I understand what the dome does but what is it that the module will do.

 

[dingbat]

Re: New GPS/Sonar

Whats the difference in the module and the radar dome. I understand what the dome does but what is it that the module will do.

http://www.sirius.com/marineweather

And it's yours for only $29.99 a month

 

[Starman]

Re: New GPS/Sonar

I have the Hummingbird 997 with Side Imaging. Cost is around $2,000. It is a combo unit with Sonor and Gps. Love the unit. Use mine on lake Hartwell, but I'm sure it would be fine in saltwater.