Re: Lowrance 3500c vs. Garmin 172c Chartplotters
I agree with you that the Lowrance 3500c has a better screen than the Garmin 172c. The Garmin gives you a choice for internal or external antenna. The Lowrance is only external. If your boat is the one pictured, you will probably run the external in either case. <br /><br />The Lowrance has a better base map than the Garmin.<br /><br />The Garmin used Garmin maps only. The Lowrance uses Lowrance or Navionics maps. I think the Garmin bluecharts are roughly equal to the Navionics maps for most boaters. The Lowrance NauticPath maps are inexpensive, but not as detailed. <br /><br />The mapcreate software is useful only for enhancing the base map with land based detail and add some navigation aids/hazards to the coastal water of the base map. If you want depth contours, tide data, etc, you will need the external map card (navionics or nauticpath). The nauticpath and navionics screens cannot be seen on your pc. <br /><br />Transfering waypoints, tracks, etc. from either unit to your pc is easy. Lowrance is probably easier since you simply need to pull the memory card out and put it in your pc. <br /><br />I think either is fine. On the east coast, Garmin has a well deserved reputation for quality and good customer service.<br /><br />Down south and in the midwest, the same can be said for lowrance.
