GPS/Fishfinder for under $400? Is there one out there and which is best?

[68rs327]

I was wanting a GPS/Fishfinder Combo. I want to stay in the $400 range or less.
I would love one that marks your favorite spots on the map.
Is there a GPS/Fishfinder out there like this for under $400? That's easy to use and has decent features?

I know I am going to get "spend more money" and called a "tight ***" but I am not rich and have to stay in a certain budget on my toys.

 

[68rs327]

Re: GPS/Fishfinder for under $400? Is there one out there and which is best?

I was wanting a GPS/Fishfinder Combo. I want to stay in the $400 range or less.
I would love one that marks your favorite spots on the map.
Is there a GPS/Fishfinder out there like this for under $400? That's easy to use and has decent features?

I know I am going to get "spend more money" and called a "tight ***" but I am not rich and have to stay in a certain budget on my toys.

Anyone own or know anything about this one ? Lowrance? Elite-5 Fishfinder/GPS Chartplotter $319.00 @ BassPro
Lowrance? Elite-5 Fishfinder/GPS Chartplotter | Bass Pro Shops

 

[Teamster]

Re: GPS/Fishfinder for under $400? Is there one out there and which is best?

That's a very good little unit,....

It should do what you want it to do,.....

 

[roach]

Re: GPS/Fishfinder for under $400? Is there one out there and which is best?

Try E-bay or BBC Bass Boat Central Forums(Electronics board) Most of the units are used and you could get one at
a reasonable price. I have purchased a few electronics and had no trouble with these used items.

FYI,
Roach

 

[JASinIL2006]

Re: GPS/Fishfinder for under $400? Is there one out there and which is best?

I've got a Humminbird 385 ci (might be replaced by the 386ci now) that I like a lot. You can get regional maps of rivers/lakes/deep water on SD cards, too.

 

[jerkoz]

Re: GPS/Fishfinder for under $400? Is there one out there and which is best?

hummingbird 581i combo,under 300.oo,on e-bay. almost everyone I know who has a lowrance has had trouble with custumer service.

 

[68rs327]

Re: GPS/Fishfinder for under $400? Is there one out there and which is best?

I looked at the hummingbird 581i . It's $100 cheaper than the Lowrance Elite 5x HDI, but it's gray scale only. I like the Color on the Lowrance. The Lowrance comes with the transducer and has the GPS, which is really what I was looking for. To mark waypoints and my way back to the boat dock. If I had a dollar for everytime I turned around on the lake and had to ask someone which way the dock is, I would be a rich man.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: GPS/Fishfinder for under $400? Is there one out there and which is best?

... If I had a dollar for every time I turned around on the lake and had to ask someone which way the dock is, I would be a rich man.

I might suggest another $10 be put into the budget and adding a Compass.

 

[68rs327]

Re: GPS/Fishfinder for under $400? Is there one out there and which is best?

I might suggest another $10 be put into the budget and adding a Compass.

Does anyone have the Humminbird Fishfinder 597ci HD DI Combo and how do you like it? Pro's / Con's?

Humminbird 597 ci HD DI
Humminbird Fishfinder 597ci HD DI Combo - Down Imaging Combo
View Larger ImageGENERAL INFORMATION
SKU:
39703
MFG #:
408120-1
Manufacturer:
Humminbird
Weight:
6.4


597ci HD DI Combo
Down Imaging Internal GPS Combo

The 597ci HD Combo features a Best in Class brilliant color 640V x 640H 5" display. Down Imaging and DualBeam Plus? Sonar with 4000 Watts PtP power output, 50 channel internal GPS Chartplotting with built-in UniMap cartography, a card slot for maps and saving waypoints and a Tilt & Swivel Quick Disconnect Mounting System. The new design also allows drop-in replacement capability for competitive in-dash models. Maximize your angling experience with the Humminbird 597ci HD DI fishfinder GPS system.

Advanced Sonar Features:

Switchfire Sonar

Split Screen Zoom

Split Screen Bottom Lock

Wide Narrow Cone Split Screen

Freeze Frame with the ability to Mark Structure on Sonar

Selective Fish ID+

Real Time Sonar RTS Window

Sonar Echo Enhancement

TrueArch Technology

User-Friendly Technology

3D Chart View

Large Digits View

Custom View Selections

Custom Digital Readout Selection

Selectable Display Colors

Selectable Background Colors

Triplog

X-Press? Menu System

Specs

5" Display

640V x 640H, 256 Color

Down Imaging

455kHz / 86 degrees @ -10db

800kHz / 55 degrees @ -10db

Single Beam w/ SwitchFire

200kHz / 20 degrees @ -10db

Depth: 250ft (DI), 1000 ft

4000 W (PTP), 500 W (RMS)

50 Channel GPS

Humminbird UniMap

Single SD Card Sl

 

[88 206]

Re: GPS/Fishfinder for under $400? Is there one out there and which is best?

I have the Elite 5 and it does everything I need it to on the lake. I too was mostly interested in the GPS.

 

[Starcraft5834]

Re: GPS/Fishfinder for under $400? Is there one out there and which is best?

I bought the Hummingbird 581HDci. was about $400. nice product, GPS too. it's got an SD slot to take advanced maps,, It's performed very well for me..........

 

[ronaldj]

Re: GPS/Fishfinder for under $400? Is there one out there and which is best?

Anyone own or know anything about this one ? Lowrance? Elite-5 Fishfinder/GPS Chartplotter $319.00 @ BassPro
Lowrance? Elite-5 Fishfinder/GPS Chartplotter | Bass Pro Shops

Sorry to be late to the party
I have an Elite 5 and I love it.
I especially like the fact that there are pre loaded maps of the mid Atlantic area where I normally fish.
The app and plotting were the main reason why I purchased this unit

 

[AChotrod]

Re: GPS/Fishfinder for under $400? Is there one out there and which is best?

I also just got the Elite-5 DSI. Yet to be installed since its winter but looks to have everything I want and with 3000 lakes pre programmed most of the lakes I fish are already on it. From what I have read they are very detailed with 1' contours also.

 

[sutor623]

Re: GPS/Fishfinder for under $400? Is there one out there and which is best?

68, I am an Hbird guy. The 597 with down imaging is a really nice buy. The lowrance Elite 5 is also a sweet unit for the money. I went with the Hbird 898 with side imaging (SI) personally, and it makes finding bait super easy. As a live bait fisherman it makes all the difference. I also like the larger screen because I can easily have GPS and 2d sonar up when cruising around. Do some reading on the units and youll find what you like the best.

Humminbird also has a really nice DI/SI forum. It has really helped me learn how to effectively use my unit. That was what helped me lean towards the humminbird. www.sideimagingsoft.com

 

[ArrowNaughtic]

Re: GPS/Fishfinder for under $400? Is there one out there and which is best?

68, I am an Hbird guy. The 597 with down imaging is a really nice buy. The lowrance Elite 5 is also a sweet unit for the money. I went with the Hbird 898 with side imaging (SI) personally, and it makes finding bait super easy. As a live bait fisherman it makes all the difference. I also like the larger screen because I can easily have GPS and 2d sonar up when cruising around. Do some reading on the units and youll find what you like the best.

Humminbird also has a really nice DI/SI forum. It has really helped me learn how to effectively use my unit. That was what helped me lean towards the humminbird. www.sideimagingsoft.com

I too bought the 597 ci HD DI unit and am amazed at all the features it has. Upgraded from a HB 525 unit and the difference is night and day. Paid just under $500 for mine shipped to the door. My largest hurdle with this unit is trying to upgrade the map to get better resolution/depth readings in both marine and lake maps.
Humminbird has awesome Customer Service and they are quick to respond and provide a solution for any issues. The link sutor623 provided is my next stop after posting here. Good luck in your search and do let the community know which unit you decide on. This forum has all the answers!

 

[sutor623]

Re: GPS/Fishfinder for under $400? Is there one out there and which is best?

Arrow have you joined up on the Hbird forum yet?

 

[ArrowNaughtic]

Re: GPS/Fishfinder for under $400? Is there one out there and which is best?

Yes sutor, I did earlier today and posted my question in other humminbird products thread.