Newbie...GPS ?

[AZ Steel Curtain]

I just bought a (used 2002) 20' Starcraft/Stardeck for me and the family to cruise and island hop (coastal Georgia). The "stock" depth finder doesn't seem to be very accurate (bad transducer?) Anyway, my concerns are accurate depth readings and mapping my routes/waypoints/markers etc. Garmin seems to be the GPS of choice. Can anyone offer a model (or different brand) to meet my needs? I don't want to break the bank but realize I'll have to pay to get what I need.

All opinions welcome...thanks

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Newbie...GPS ?

Welcome to iboats.
Electrics, Electronics and Trolling Motors (not engine)

 

[JB]

Re: Newbie...GPS ?

Garmin is #1 in my book, AZ. I have had 7 and all were first rate. Better yet, their customer service is without equal.

I currently use a GPSMAP276c for hiking, vehicle and boat, but for boat only I think I would go for the much less expensive 172 (or latest replacement), which has everything you would need for your application.

Now, the SONAR. What makes you say that the (unidentified) one you have now is inaccurate? Sonars usually either work or they don't. Some work badly, but inaccuracy is very rare.

If you want to replace it the Garmin 178 is the 172 plus Sonar, but I always prefer seperate units. The Sonars of my choice are always Lowrance or Eagle.

Good luck, and welcome to iboats.

 

[Esox]

Re: Newbie...GPS ?

The inaccurate reading on the depth finder may just be a setting. Most depth finders have a "keel offset" feature to tell the system where the transducer is in relation to the water surface.

 

[AZ Steel Curtain]

Re: Newbie...GPS ?

By inaccurate, it seems to always "default" to 1.9 Someone explained to me that it might be going back to a keel setting. I have to press and hold the up arrow for it to eventually show a reading (i.e. 10.2) then it seems to read accurate for a while and back to 1.9 I don't know the model yet. I can't find a manual online through the manufacturer, they wrote they only have a general maintence guide for the boat. I would like to take care of it all (sonar/depth/gps) in one shot if possible.- I'm sure it's probably user error.

Also, speed doesn't make much difference- it reads the same at troll and 20-25mph

???
Thanks

 

[AZ Steel Curtain]

Re: Newbie...GPS ?

41 views- anything else anyone?...

thanks

 

[JB]

Re: Newbie...GPS ?

Well, if you can't tell us what brand it is you probably don't know, so telling you to contact Customer Service would be useless.

Trash it and get a Garmin.