Suggestions , ff and gps combo

[cuzner]

Hi folks, I,ve had it with my garmin gps76map,works great however,in 3 years I,ve bought blue charts cd twice (200$ a pop),and still don't have the maps on my gps. A hard drive failure, new computer, and updating the unit via computer all are responsible for removing the info, Garmin's security unlock codes can only be used twice, and they want 160$ for a new one!!!!!! SCR.......w them!!!! Sorry for the rant, I've decided to clear the clutter on my helm and move up to a combo gps, ff unit.Anything but Garmin that takes a card. I was looking at eagle 500c, anyone have any experience with them? I'm mostly concerned with the mapping, is the detail good?<br /><br /> Thanks<br /><br /> Jim

 

[Boatist]

Re: Suggestions , ff and gps combo

I actualy like seperate units better but if that is what you want then Garmin, Furuno, Lowrance, and Eagle make great unit. Only way you can really tell which unit is best for you is to go to the boat shows or a dealer that sells all the units and compare. I do this every year when I attend boat shows. Some areas Garmin will have the best chart other area it Furuno or Lowrance/Eagle. In general I think Furuno had the best offshore charts For the San Francisco bay area and north. Garmin was great in spots but get outside that small area and chart not detailed at all. Lowrance new unit with the hard drive are suppose to be great for the US but very expensive.<br /><br />I also have a Garmin GPSMAP 76 and it works great but very hard to see in some light conditions. My unit came with a very good base map that has all the Light, Buoys and Navigation Aids. However same model last couple of years they have down graded the base map and it no longer has Lights Buoys and Navigation Aids. I feel they did this just to sell more detail charts. It has kinda of turned me off to Garmin. If you want a lighter power plug it is $29. Simular Lowrance units all have better base maps and all the Buoys, Light, and navigation aids. Unit eaiser to see in many light conditions and it comes with a lighter power cord in the box. <br /><br />So decide what you want then compare, compare, compare before you buy.

 

[gss036]

Re: Suggestions , ff and gps combo

I would go with seperate units. I have an old Impulse FF&Loran, which works great now, I did have to have it rebuilt once. They just charged a flat rate and I have no idea what was wrong with it.<br />I am also using a Garmin 176Cw/bluechart for the SanJuans/Seattle area, works great and I can take it on another boat w/me. Also Using an Eagle DF400 depth finder, it is ok, but I am having problems w/rooster tail covering the side of my engine w/saltwater spray and loosing bottom. Just thinking lout loud but may be useful info.

 

[DangerDan]

Re: Suggestions , ff and gps combo

Look for a FF that has GPS capabilities. You can just plug your handheld into the FF for a larger screen. This way you can keep the units seperate and also use them as the same unit, sort of. It also gives you more $$ to put into the FF.