GPS & Depth finder

[wimpie]

Is there a good combination of these two combined into one unit that would be good for both salt water and fresh. I see Hummingbird has one but from everything I am reading about them I'm not sure that is the route I should take

 

[JB]

Re: GPS & Depth finder

Howdy, John.<br /><br />Different units are suitable for different environments and needs.<br /><br />For fresh water and limited inshore salt water use the Garmin 168 or 185 are great values. I understand that the 185 will be available in color this season.<br /><br />Moving up the scale to the top of the recreational applications are the Garmin 2006 and 2010, in mono or color. In that same price range is the very popular Furuno 1650.<br /><br />I recommend Garmin because you can get a variety of firmware on CDROM or memory cartridges to tailor them to a variety of needs. No other company offers firmware that is the equal of Garmin's Mapsource Bluecharts and Fishing HotSpots.<br /><br />Go to the Garmin site and read up on the specs and MSRPs of the different models.<br /><br />You might also visit Furuno's site.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB

 

[wimpie]

Re: GPS & Depth finder

Thanks J.B. ,, I was thinking Garmin but didn't know if they came as one unit with both the bottom and the GPS. I'm not even sure on the boat yet, but do think I will be going off shore a few miles for sure.

 

[Pursuit2150]

Re: GPS & Depth finder

I don't care for 2in1 units if one goes so does the other. Raymarine has some excellent units,and you can add a chart chip for your area.

 

[wimpie]

Re: GPS & Depth finder

Good point Pursuit !!!

 

[mad mahi]

Re: GPS & Depth finder

JOHN H-<br />The GArmin 2006 and 2010 are great units with some nice features and unbelievable display characteristics! However they are not combo units, they are just GPS/ Chart Plotters- no sounder capability.<br /><br />Also take a look at the Lowrance X-16 and X- 15 in color or monochrome. Great features, great price and Lowrance reputation for the sounder technology.<br /><br />If your going to do a lot of deep water offshore fishing, you can't beat Furuno. Inshore or Freshwater, I would say go Garmin.<br /><br />Raymarine (Raytheaon) has nice units but they are pricey and IMHO, are "mostly sizzle, no steak!"<br /><br />If you are doing a lot of serious offshore, I agree with Pursuit in not getting a combo unit if you're going to depend on the GPS/Plotter module to get you home! If you do inshore or inland, it shouldn't really matter except on the Great Lakes. The technology of the newer units is unbelievable! If you don't go far off, go with the combo. If it fails, you got a warranty and the manufacturers will usually turn it around in 72 hours (it will cost for shipping, though).<br /><br />Good luck!<br /><br />TSLTW

 

[wimpie]

Re: GPS & Depth finder

Thanks Big E, Hard trying to make up my mind on the first time, Knew if I asked on here Y'all could give me some great input on these. Thanks again

 

[FNG]

Re: GPS & Depth finder

I have the Garmin 180 and the Ray L465. I think both units have done me right the first season. I have a 21' WA I use in the Cape Cod area from Cape Cod Bay to the Vineyard. I fish a lot at night and have been caught in the fog. Having a good GPS is a matter of necessity for safety concerns. I bought my local chart cartridge for the GPS and it even shows the channels and channel markers. Its not radar, but its the next best thing. <br />When I am travel long distances I'll plot my course and use the highway feature to keep me tracking in a straight line. Might be surprised how much fuel and time can be saved by taking a straight track for a long distance!<br />In my first season I have learned a lot and think in the future with my next boat I'll get color. So if you have the cash, go with a color screen for both the GPS and the fish finder. I agree with the others, get separate units and if your going to be in large lakes or the ocean definitely get a nice GPS. If for no other reason a GPS can give your exact position if the need ever occurs to call for help on the water in poor weather.

 

[araiha]

Re: GPS & Depth finder

Look in the 2002 West Marine Catalog, they have good comparisons and write-ups AND then if you find it for less buy elsewhere.

 

[Pursuit2150]

Re: GPS & Depth finder

I have a Ray 465, it is not sizzle,(As fore-mentioned) it works great. A plus is that ray, will help you out ,if there is a problem. When I 1st bought it ,I had a problem, called them on my cell, while at sea, and they solved the problem. "That's customer service"

 

[wimpie]

Re: GPS & Depth finder

Thanks for all the input !! now all I have to do is make up my mind

 

[Pursuit2150]

Re: GPS & Depth finder

I purchased 4 gps units,before I decided which one to keep. When you purchase any one, get the ac adapter with it. Then you can fool with it at home, see how it is to operate, if you don't like it ,take it back and try another. I talked to a lot of store salesmen, they are there for the sale,and they really don't know about comparisons.

 

[wimpie]

Re: GPS & Depth finder

I don't think I can swing a color unit but and couldn't find the 180 in the west marine catalouge but did find a 160 wonder how much difference there is. I am also seeing a lot of the humming bird units with gps and sounder on some of the boats around here, I wonder if they are good or just cheap

 

[PeeWee]

Re: GPS & Depth finder

I use an Apelco 6760 combo unit I bought new in 1994, it has never given me any problems

 

[FNG]

Re: GPS & Depth finder

I am sorry John. The Garmin 180 was replaced by the 182 this year. Faster proccesor and better graphics. I outfitted my new boat early June of last year. Soon after that I found that the 180 was being replaced by the 182. I still am very happy with it. Some times its a little slow on refreashing the screen, but not bad, and like I said the 182 has a fater proccesor.<br /><br />I do not have any first hand experience with Humming Bird, but from what I have read they make a better fresh water unit than a salt water one. I would go Garmin or Lawrance or even Apelco over a Humming Bird.