What's up w/Garmin?

[krono]

Been looking at entry-level mono-chrome combo units (Lowrance Mark-4 & H-bird 365i), and Garmin doesn't offer anything in this category. They jump from their single-purpose fish-finder Echo series direcly to their $400-$500 color combo units...nothing in between.

They also do not offer any models w/DI...or perhaps they call it something different?

Granted, I'm a noob at this, so I might be missing something, but Garmin seems to have huge holes in their line-up. Have they/are they addressing these shortfalls? Is Garmin just not that strong in marine electronics?

 

[dingdongs]

Re: What's up w/Garmin?

garmin makegood chartplotters and aftersales service is second to none and i'd rather know that im approaching a sand bar than hit it.most of the after market g2 vision bluecharts will have aerial photos of most harbours ,ports etc to sailers who are first time visitors at the click of a button and tides available at whatever port your at in most places in the world.if your unit faulters it will be repaired at usually no cost as many people r very happy.you get what you pay.

 

[krono]

Re: What's up w/Garmin?

You make a good point. Customer service is important for sure.

I just see a big gap in Garmin's line-up and was wondering if there was a reason why. I have almost no experience with any of the brands, and I like to have as much info as possible before making a decision. I wish Garmin made a basic combo unit.

I also think DI/DSI is something I would be interested in, but just not at this point since I have a budget for a very basic mono combo unit (Mark 4 or 365i). Perhaps Garmin is working on DI/DSI...or do they have it but call it something different?

I appreciate your help!

 

[JB]

Re: What's up w/Garmin?

SONAR was an afterthought at Garmin. They make GPS. Lowrance/Eagle makes SONAR. Better to let them both do what they do best.