Choosing New GPS/Sounder

[ken52]

Need some input on new setup. Selling my ols boat with my Garmin GPSMap 188C. I'm looking at the following systems:

Garmin 740s Lowrance HDS 7 Standard Horizon CPF390i

Any suggestions on these systems? I'm sure some of you guys have your favorites. I'll be using this on a Wellcraft 180 Fisherman in the Gulf probably not more than 10-15 miles out. Not sure the safe distance of this boat yet. Any likes or dislikes appreciated.

Thanks,

Kenny

 

[jhebert]

Re: Choosing New GPS/Sounder

If choosing a global positioning system (GPS) I would use the U.S. Air Force NAVSTAR GPS. It is the best global positioning system available. There is a Russian system but I don't think it operates as well as the NAVSTAR GPS does.

All of the GPS receivers you mentioned use the NAVSTAR GPS, so in that regard they are all the same.

Since you previously had a GARMIN GPS receiver and echo sounder, you will probably be more familiar with another GARMIN device. The Lowrance HDS series combination GPS receiver, chart plotter, and echo sounder are very strong competitors with Garmin, and the Lowrance is likely to be a better echo sounder. The Standard Horizon device is not a NMEA-2000 network device, while the other two are NMEA-2000 devices.

 

[ken52]

Re: Choosing New GPS/Sounder

Thanks Jhebert for your input. I have been leaning toward the Lowrance due to the fact I can get the unit, transducer and navionics platinum + for less than just the 740s. Need to go to a store and try out both in sim mode to get a feel for their menu system. Thanks again.

 

[ken52]

Re: Choosing New GPS/Sounder

Anyone what to chime in about the Garmin 546S?

 

[JoLin]

Re: Choosing New GPS/Sounder

I have the HDS7M (no sounder) and it seems to work fine. Resolution is very good and I haven't experienced any screen 'washout' in bright sunlight. I don't have much experience with boat GPS, though. I keep hitting some option that lands me in the middle of Nebraska, which would be fine if I had a way to get there, I guess. I really oughta sit down with the manual and the unit and spend an hour or 2 working things out. I've just been too lazy.

All that operator error stuff aside, you want the 'Nautic Insight' option unless you're planning to add a Navionics card. Good detail- I think it's fairly comparable to the Garmin built-in basemap in the 498C I used to own.

My .02

 

[JoLin]

Re: Choosing New GPS/Sounder

Anyone what to chime in about the Garmin 546S?

I kept going back and forth between that and the Lowrance. I decided I wanted the bigger screen. It's hard to find fault with a Garmin.

 

[ken52]

Re: Choosing New GPS/Sounder

Thanks for you input John. Just looked at some unit's today and not sure if the 7' units may be overkill for my use and setup.

 

[sschefer]

Re: Choosing New GPS/Sounder

If choosing a global positioning system (GPS) I would use the U.S. Air Force NAVSTAR GPS. It is the best global positioning system available. There is a Russian system but I don't think it operates as well as the NAVSTAR GPS does.

All of the GPS receivers you mentioned use the NAVSTAR GPS, so in that regard they are all the same.

Since you previously had a GARMIN GPS receiver and echo sounder, you will probably be more familiar with another GARMIN device. The Lowrance HDS series combination GPS receiver, chart plotter, and echo sounder are very strong competitors with Garmin, and the Lowrance is likely to be a better echo sounder. The Standard Horizon device is not a NMEA-2000 network device, while the other two are NMEA-2000 devices.

Very well said.. Remember the day's of NAVSAT... I chose the Lowrance over the Garmin and I'm not completely sure I know why. I have the HDS-8 and I would suggest that instead of the HDS-7 if you have room. I also bought the LWX-1 weather and radio reciever and the SonicHub media server so I have all my entertainment and navigation needs at my fingertips. I could also have digitial high def radar but I don't really need it. It might not make a difference to you but Mercury outboards now have NMEA 2000 data via the MercMonitor interface so all of your engine data can be displayed on the Lowrance unit. You can do that with the Garmin also.

 

[ken52]

Re: Choosing New GPS/Sounder

Thanks Steve, yea space is an issue. Thats why I'm rethinking unit size issues.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Choosing New GPS/Sounder

Thanks Steve, yea space is an issue. Thats why I'm rethinking unit size issues.

I run separate sonar and GPS units. Both have 8" screens. I couldn't see having a smaller screen on either, especially if you have to run in split screen mode and expect to see them from the back of the boat.

I would suggest you take the unit in question. Split the screens, then walk 10-12? away (back of the boat) and see if you can still see them in enough detail to be useable. A fish finder does me no good if I can't see it while fishing.

 

[jhebert]

Re: Choosing New GPS/Sounder

Take the Garmin 740s for a test drive to see if you like the touch screen user interface.

 

[ken52]

Re: Choosing New GPS/Sounder

Thanks guys. I didn't care for the touch screen on the 740, I prefer menu buttons. Was also told if you have something on your finger and if you touch the screen you could damage the screen too.

 

[ken52]

Re: Choosing New GPS/Sounder

Any Raymarine A57D users?

 

[dingbat]

Re: Choosing New GPS/Sounder

Was also told if you have something on your finger and if you touch the screen you could damage the screen too.

This is BS. The screens are uncoated glass. Wipe them off with a damp rag.

 

[ken52]

Re: Choosing New GPS/Sounder

Believe it or not this was from an employee at west marine.

 

[jhebert]

Re: Choosing New GPS/Sounder

I can offer you my experience with a Lowrance HDS-8. See my lengthy comments in

http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum6/HTML/002784.html

 

[04fxdwgi]

Re: Choosing New GPS/Sounder

Anyone what to chime in about the Garmin 546S?

I have the 545S (about the same as the 546S) and really like it. Lots of features and such and very easy to use and it's fast. Only thing is, if you want the high res maps with aerial shots, you can spend a small fortune on them. I have the ones for NJ all the way up to Mass and inland rivers and lakes (4 in total). Cost almost as much as the unit itself.......

 

[ken52]

Re: Choosing New GPS/Sounder

Thanks for the input. The HDS-8 is out of my price range and the size restricton on my helm but nice write-up on it.