Need GPS/Fish Finder Recommendations For New Boat

[zx2max]

I recently purchased a 21' Angler Bowrider and I am looking for recommendations for a GPS & Fish Finder for it. I will be using the boat in both fresh and salt water. Ideally I would like the price to be $500 or less. What make/model do you recommend? Thanks.

 

[DeepCMark58A]

$500 or under? you will be disappointed.

 

[zx2max]

Ok. What added features will a higher priced unit provide that I can't get for around $500 that make it worth the added price? What price range will get me something decent without breaking the bank? Can I get a quality gps/fish finder for under $1k?

 

[DeepCMark58A]

Most have a map card that can be purchased for the brand you have, if your depth finder has GPS the map card is key. You may want to buy a depth finder that hooks to your trolling motor too. Humminbird with Chirp is a good unit look on line for a deal on a non current model.

 

[zx2max]

Thanks DeepCMark58A. I will check out some Hummingbird units.

 

[airshot]

How serious is your fishing ? Casual or tournament fishing ? Often you can find nice used units when the boys with deep pockets want to move up to the latest units.

 

[zx2max]

Just casual fishing. I'm not good enough for tournaments. Lol. I've been browsing Craigslist and Marketplace for any good used ones. But also was just looking at Humminbird Helix 7 chirp on Amazon. Any thoughts on that fishfinder?

 

[Sprig]

All the major brands are pretty good. I’ve had Lowrance and Garmin brands. Liked them both equally. The number one piece of advice I give when looking for a gps/fish finder is get one with the biggest screen you can afford. You will want to use it split screen at least 50% of the time. Using a small screen unit in split screen mode is hard to read and interpret and makes visual accuracy difficult. Suggest nothing smaller than a 9” screen. Also $500 may be a little low to find quality and a 9” or larger screen. I really depend on my gps fish finder. My gps fishfinder has gotten me home safely on many a dark foggy night. Has got me where I wanted to go and has helped me find fish. Could be one of the most important devices on your boat. Spend the $$$.

 

[airshot]

Nice used ones typically pop up at at the end of the season. My Lawrence unit was a 2013 model and my MinnKota powerdrive was the same year. Like new units, bought them in 2020 for about 1/3 the cost of new today. More bells and whistles than I will ever use !

 

[dingbat]

Best bang for your buck right now.

Needs no additional maps . Plug it in and go boating

Sites-WestMarine-Site

West Marine

www.westmarine.com

 

[Captain Caveman]

I have a 10yr old Lowrance with a 7" screen, that was pretty good for its time. It doesn't have side-scan or any of the new technologies. I am a casual fisherman as well. I do use split-screen often but am mostly interested in seeing the depth, contour lines, water temp, and bottom composition (soft versus hard bottom to find the transitions). If that is all that you need, you should be able to find a good, used unit for your price range. If you're going to struggle seeing a "smaller" screen, then plan on spending more money.

I don't know if it's the same, but in the past Hummingbird linked with Minnkota trolling motors and Lowrance linked with Motorguide. If that is the same, make sure to get a graph that can work the contour lines with your trolling motor.

 

[zx2max]

I have terrible vision. So I'll be sure to get one that's at least 9". Thanks for all the suggestions and feedback everyone.

 

[zx2max]

I just ordered the Lowrance Elite FS 9.

 

[DeepCMark58A]

Let us know how you like it.

 

[zx2max]

Will do!