GPS/FF recommendation

[270win]

I'm planning to use our 25' AJ on a local lake chasing Striper and one week per summer in the Gulf bottom fishing, scalloping and trolling for Spanish/Kings. I'm not looking to cheap out, but I also don't want to overkill it either. I like Garmin because that's what I fly with, but I'm open if there's a better (more user friendly/effective) option. Any suggestions are welcome. Thanks in advance for the input!

 

[MonacoMike]

Didn't we discuss this???

http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/50107-Garmin-441S-vs-Lowrance-5HDS

MM

 

[270win]

Yup, biggest difference now is that I'm looking at mainly Garmin so I guess more specifically, which of the Garmin GPS/FF come with the lake charts but can be upgraded to specific coastal regions? They also come with various transducers, which is best for lakes and ear shore depths? Also, I'm not going to panel mount it, just a swivel mount on the top of the dash.

 

[MonacoMike]

Yup, biggest difference now is that I'm looking at mainly Garmin so I guess more specifically, which of the Garmin GPS/FF come with the lake charts but can be upgraded to specific coastal regions? They also come with various transducers, which is best for lakes and ear shore depths? Also, I'm not going to panel mount it, just a swivel mount on the top of the dash.

The 441s or similar in larger models has a great base map covering all US coastal waters including the great lakes. Foe $99 you can get the inland lakes to add to your unit. The 431s has the lakes but would cost a lot more to get just part of the coastal areas. This makes the 441s a bettter value. (Disclaimer: Garmin changes offerings all the time so double check what is now available. Call Jim at BOE marine for expert advice on this topic.)

There are some "package" deals that include a transducer, but most of the time I see them not included. Be careful here as there are many options in this area. Some offer only depth, some add temp and or speed. I wish I had the temp.

I too wanted it dash mounted as I thought it looked cleaner, I even bought the kit, but alas it would not fit for me so I returned it. The swivel mount allows me to position the GPS where I can see it best if I'm standing or sitting at the helm, and no matter the sun or other reflections.

MM

 

[270win]

So the 441s will have wrecks and nav aids in the gulf? That would be better since the lake maps are less expensive. As you mentioned, transducers are another big question for me. Temp would be nice to have. I thought the big difference was making sure it was the right one for the depth you're in most often.

 

[MonacoMike]

So the 441s will have wrecks and nav aids in the gulf? That would be better since the lake maps are less expensive. As you mentioned, transducers are another big question for me. Temp would be nice to have. I thought the big difference was making sure it was the right one for the depth you're in most often.

Yes, I believe it, will have the navigation aids. Not sure about "making sure it was the right one for the depth you're in most often", what would this matter? They all have to read at shallow depths. I do understand some may not go 1000 feet.

MM

 

[270win]

Seems like I'd read that somewhere about the depth...idk, I'll be in way less than 1000 feet. Are the in hull transducers good with the AJ hull? I don't think it's a cored hull.

 

[Nehalennia]

I have a Garmin 545s and love it. I love the Garmin's linup. The 700 series wasn't out when I bought. I'd get one of those now if I was going to buy or upgrade.
I have limited space as you do.

 

[270win]

Actually, I have acres of room...I just didn't want to go "overboard" with it. Most of our time will be spent on the hook swimming in a cove somewhere.

 

[Nehalennia]

Well buy my 545s and I'll upgrade .
No if you can get the Garmin 740s (s = fishfinder and sonar) you'll be satisfied.

 

[270win]

If you're serious pm a price and maybe you can get the upgrade.