Best bang for buck GPS? Depth finder?

[RCSConstruction]

I want to outfit my new boat with a GPS but have no idea what to look for in one.
I would be using it to chart special spots I may find and would like one for calculating speeds.
Portable or hard mounted I really do not care but don't want to spend an arm and a leg.
I also was wondering if there is a depth finder that will alert you of an upcoming sand bar,rock,etcc. ahead of me?
Thanks for any input.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Best bang for buck GPS? Depth finder?

A depth finder is great but it alerts you to a sandbar, rock, stump or whatever about a nanosecond "after" you actually hit it. They are useful if you continually monitor it in unfamiliar water as you can see the depth decreasing. But if you expect it to be of value at speed, when you see depth going less than 20 feet at a rapid rate, hang onto something and hope what you are about to hit is a big sponge. Don't forget to mark that point on your GPS. In unfamiliar water you really need a map.

 

[gss036]

Re: Best bang for buck GPS? Depth finder?

There are some forward looking sonars on the market, but they are spendy and only good if you really watch them and have deep water. I don't think they would be effective on lakes or shallow water less than 50 ft deep.
I think a chart would be your best bet and learn to read it and become familiar with the area you are in.