Gps & Fish/Depth Finder

[LFK]

Hello, I've been lurking these boards for about a month and though I have many questions I figured I would start with this one, since I'm ready to make a purchase.<br /><br />I'm new to boating... This is my first boat (1990 Wellcraft, 17' I/O, 3.7, open bow). I know, it's not the latest or the greatest, but my kids and I have been having a blast with it.<br /><br />Since I'm new, and don't know very much about the local water ways (The Columbia River in particular) I thought I might buy a depth finder that also doubles as a navigational unit (ie. GPS). I've been looking at both the Garmin 178c and the Lowrance M56. They both look good in print, but I trust end user advice more than marketing.<br /><br />Does anyone have any advice on an all-in-one unit that would both show the water way passage and the depth?<br /><br />I appriciate any advice on this topic.<br /><br />-Mike

 

[KCook]

Re: Gps & Fish/Depth Finder

That model Garmin takes their BlueChart data cards. While that particular Lowrance is limited to its builtin base map. Here is another thread that may help -<br /><br /> Repair and Maintenance » Electrics, Electronics and Trolling Motors (not engine) » Lowrance 337DF OR Garmin 178C or 188C <br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[HollaGeo]

Re: Gps & Fish/Depth Finder

Buy a bigger boat then worry about GPS. You have a little 17 footer. <br />1. You can't go far<br />2. Shallow water doesn't really affect you. Just lift your lower unit. <br />Not trying to sound like an a$$$hole. Boating is expensive, just trying to save you a few bucks.

 

[PuddleJumper]

Re: Gps & Fish/Depth Finder

River coves and inlets can all look alike and I certainly would still be lost on the Ohio river if I hadn't had a gps. You might consider an inexpensive depth finder and a handheld gps. The the gps would be useful on car trips and hiking in the woods.<br />(more use for the buck)

 

[njlarry]

Re: Gps & Fish/Depth Finder

Agree GPS may not be needed on a river, you can add it later if you want, I would want good charts and a depth sounder. Go slow till you learn the area.

 

[JB]

Re: Gps & Fish/Depth Finder

First bit of advice is to post questions about electronics in the Electrics and Electronics forum. Going there.

 

[phantoms]

Re: Gps & Fish/Depth Finder

Pick up a set of charts for the area you want to boat in first. Learn to read and use them and then decide if a GPS is still wanted. If you still want one, then keep the charts onboard as a back-up in case the GPS fails. Everyone should learn to read a chart and compass.

 

[whiteman]

Re: Gps & Fish/Depth Finder

LFK<br /><br />17' is heaps big enough to have fun and to get into trouble. A sounder is a must if only to know how deep you are. Good ones even find fish! For a GPS, I started off with a handheld Garmin 12 which I still use with my little tinny. However, since I've purchased a chartplotter for my larger boat my fishing has improved dramtically as you can plot bait schools and easily track them on a larger screen. Having the chart in the background helps for travel planning and when things are a bit unfamiliar.<br /><br />I'm not a big fan of all-in-one units as they tend to lock you in to a single technology when I usually buy GPS and sounder separately when needed. I've played with the Navman 6600 which is a very good unit with a 6" screen but I prefer 2 x 5" screens doing their specific job.

 

[LFK]

Re: Gps & Fish/Depth Finder

I have a sounder, but it's small and hard to read. I'm looking forward to learning about reading charts, and picked up some for a few of the water ways I'm interested in checking out. I also went ahead and grabbed the Garmin 178 (not the color one).....but only because I believe in having more debt than I'll ever be able to repay.

 

[seamegr]

Re: Gps & Fish/Depth Finder

LFK, you go right ahead and buy whatever you want for your 17' boat.<br /><br />Mine is a 17' bowrider and is my first boat too and I love all the stuff that goes with it. Now I have so much stuff I "need" a bigger boat. <br /><br />I have a Garmin 276C with a GSD20 sounder module. The 276C is a great unit, well supported by Garmin with regular no charge OS updates. The Bluecharts cover my particular boating areas so you should make sure that electronic charts are available for whatever brand you buy.<br /><br />I also use it on the road and would never be without an autorouting GPS again.<br /><br />All that said, if space and money allow, separate GPS/Plotter and a Sounder/Fishfinder would be the way to go. I will do that next time. Colour screen beats B/W hands down.<br /><br />(There was ice on my truck this morning)<br /><br />Greg