GPS Fishfinder Advice

[DaddyO']

Any Electronic experts who might be able to offer advice on a compact unit -combo GPS/Fishfinder? I went to Bass Pro Shop today to check out the coices and there were too many to chose from and walked our more confused than when I arrived. I am looking to pick something that is somewhat compact due to the fact I have very little area on my dash of my Sundeck . I don't want to by junk and I am hoping to buy a user friendly unit. Also does any have an opinion on Handheld ship to shore vs dach mounted? I appreciate the advice.

 

[RUMNCOKE]

I purchased a garmin chart plotter/fishfinder back in 2006 for my 240 sd.
Have been very happy with it's performance. I would recommend whatever brand that you purchase, get the intergrated antenna. This will save you from running external wiring and finding a good place for mounting. You can mount any unit to the right of your dash with a good ball and socket type mount. They are available from west marine for about 30.00. Only takes 3 #10 stainless screws to mount it. Works perfectly. If you need additional info, leave a message.

 

[DaddyO']

Thanks very much did you mount right on the top of the dash?

 

[Weave]

Check out the guys at Ram-mounts....They have TONS of mounting options if you want to custom mount something. Thanks to SeaRayPaul I was able to mimic his mount. See the pics on my write up
http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11667&highlight=Garmin

 

[tobnpr]

There really isn't a choice to be made "between" a handheld VHF and a peramanent mount (12V) one.
A handheld has only a fraction of the 25-watt power of the permanent mount- a range of only a few miles at most. They're great for boat-to-boat transmissions in close quarters or as a backup for emergency use, but you really need to have the permanent mount as a primary transceiver. Plenty of inexpensive and reliable choices, all of them now can-and should- be connected to your gps for DSC distress calls.

 

[Newbie]

I'm also looking for a small GPS/FF combo for my new 15' whaler I just bought. After spending an hour or so on BOE, it looks like Garmin is the best choice. When you price out all the features, they're hard to beat. Just the ability to easily update charts in coastal areas w/ G2 cards is worth it to me. I have no clue on ease of updating Lowrance and others w/ the exception of Raymarine, but I'm not going there. Too expensive for my needs and I'm about done with any Ray products. Looks to be some nice units in the mid 4 to $600 range in the Garmins

 

[DaddyO']

Thanks I didn't know that and you saved me a headache. I was think ease but if the range is poor I not going there. Thank you again

 

[chuck1]

I've got a Garmin unit along with the black box interface for the sonar and VHF DSC interface. You can see the setup in my picture album.
If you plan to do any trip planning on your PC, one of the nice features with my Garmin unit is Mapsoure.

 

[DaddyO']

Thanks for direction I am going to check it out. That looks like to perfect place to mount
Thanks again

 

[lorenbennett]

Here is how I mounted mine with a ram mount. For the price I liked the lowrance lms520c. With it being so close it is very easy to read. :thumbsup:

 

[tollycraft]

Here is how I mounted mine with a ram mount. For the price I liked the lowrance lms520c. With it being so close it is very easy to read. :thumbsup:

I agree with the lowrance 520c. I have the same unit only I purchased the GPS puck as well. Its a 5" screen which you can split to show GPS and fishfider at the same time. It's an excellant unit, I have twin inboard screws and have the transducer mounted at the bottom of the transom. I do not lose bottom even at 35 mph! I have since upgraded and purchased another 7" unit as I have lots of dash room. I can network both units togeather and work them both off the existing transducer. I thought this was impossible but you can with these newer models. Good luck in your choice.