Re: Lowrance/Humminbird/Garmin????
I'm ready to update my old lowrance for a new GPS/Fishfinder unit. I fish on the west coast of BC, frequently trolling at 150-200ft. Water depth can go >1000ft. i was ready to pull the trigger on a HDS-5 unit but read about ongoing issues with reliability/warranty and got cold feet. After more reading I'm now REALLY confused! I want the best bang for the buck (doesn't everyone) I'm leaning more towards the need for accurate sonar than the GPS as i also have a furuno radar on board (losts of foggy days). Eagle 642c, HB 788c,........ is it really just a Ford/Chevy/import personal choice at this point?
The Humminbird 788c is what I will look at if I were to replace my sonar. I installed one for a friend looked really nice I don`t know how it performs on water though.
My last Lowrance product was the 510c it was nowhere near as dependable as the older Lowrance X75 it replaced.
I replaced the x510 with a Vexilar EdgeII.
Humminbird has really stepped up its game since Johnson Outdoors bought Bottomline and Zercom Marine. These technologys made their way into the Humminbird line.
Johnson outdoors who owns Humminbird is also the parent company of Minnkota.
Getting a good Lowrance out of the box is really a crap shoot these days.
Furuno or Garmin seems to be preferred by the salt water guys.
You might want to visit "The Hull truth" forums. A lot of salt water guys there.