What is Best GPS/Fish Finder unit?

[Epitome]

If money is not an issue, BUT not looking to go crazy, what combo unit is the best right now? I don't need useless bells and whistles. I read a thread here about the Hummingbirds being good units, but can have a problem with the transducer roostertailing. Any other input about this would be great. Thanks

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: What is Best GPS/Fish Finder unit?

If money is not an issue, BUT not looking to go crazy, what combo unit is the best right now? I don't need useless bells and whistles. I read a thread here about the Hummingbirds being good units, but can have a problem with the transducer roostertailing. Any other input about this would be great. Thanks

I have the 383c combo, both GPS and fishfinder with color display. Got it in Canada for $399 at Costco (pretty much same price everywhere) Not sure of US pricing.

It does everything I want like tracking waypoints, path, speedo, and fishfinder.

As for the rooster tail, if purchased and it doesn`t have the fix which is a plug that fits in the bracket, call Humminbird and they`ll ship it free of charge which fixes it.

I personally think its a great product for the price.

 

[dingbat]

Re: What is Best GPS/Fish Finder unit?

If money is not an issue, BUT not looking to go crazy, what combo unit is the best right now?

Depends on your interpretation of crazy and how much room you have.

 

[JB]

Re: What is Best GPS/Fish Finder unit?

The tool needs to fit the job. Different units are best for different situations.

In general, Garmin makes the best GPS and Lowrance makes the best SONAR.

For combo units going offshore the Furuno is probably the best choice, but that might not fit your particular wants.

I am happiest with a Garmin marine/auto/portable Gps and an Eagle SONAR.

 

[cdnfthree2]

Re: What is Best GPS/Fish Finder unit?

Humminbird should IMO only be an option when price IS a factor. Garmins are seemingly better.

All I could add about Humminbirds 383c is that it was being clearanced by Walmart.com when I got mine. (Price was a factor)$319.00 . It has a single combo 83/200khz transducer. They have prototype plug to fix the rooster tail issue available upon request. Back ordered 4-6 weeks though.
Don't be scared by the 3.5" screen. Being color, it is still easy to view.

 

[frankie g]

Re: What is Best GPS/Fish Finder unit?

IMO, I'd Go Garmin, GPS/chartplotter, allow $ 800.( or more depends on model ) and Furuno sonar, allow $ 900. w/transduser ( or more depends on model). Very good set up under 2k, both color, and 5-6 inch screens, larger are aval. but more $$. Now you've got a great system. Separates are best. No one manufacture makes the best of every thing. Combo's are for convience! and space savings. Check out both sites for the machine that fits your needs...you could get in there cheaper w/ different features, size screen, B&W vers. color, you see where I'm going. Remember, you could spend 1000,'s choose the one that fits your budget and needs, or go nuts and get all the frills you want!

 

[Cammin03]

Re: What is Best GPS/Fish Finder unit?

I got my Lowrance LMS-522c at walmart.com on clearance for 550.00 shipped!!!!

Its around 620+ everywhere...

Its a Chartplotter/GPS/Sonar w/ a 5" screen

It also, ifyou wanted, has a radar function that you can hook ur dome or array up to and have a radar also!!!

 

[whofan]

Re: What is Best GPS/Fish Finder unit?

Lowrance sonars now have had issues with locking up freezing in shallow weedy water.
If you like to pearch fish bays, I`d stay away from Lowrance.

Vexilar Edge is a nice sonar. Go Garmin for GPS.

I suggest separate units.

I had a Lowrance X75 that was an excellent graph.

I was really let down when I upgraded to the Lowrance X510c.

 

[jeep187]

Re: What is Best GPS/Fish Finder unit?

I just purchased this 383c what is the best way to set it up to find and avoid rocks.

 

[cdnfthree2]

Re: What is Best GPS/Fish Finder unit?

On what type of boat? I'd follow the instructions and make adjustments as neccessary. mine was adjusted twice before it wotked at over 30mph.

 

[Epitome]

Re: What is Best GPS/Fish Finder unit?

It's a 20' fishing boat with a small cuddy cabin, aluminum. I was looking at a dual unit just so i had both right there in front of me. I believe the original owner I bought it from had separate units, one above the steering wheel and one on the opposite dash. I am really leaning toward dual just for convenience.

 

[cdnfthree2]

Re: What is Best GPS/Fish Finder unit?

It sound like maybe you don't have the directions. Here is the link http://www.humminbird.com/pdf/transducer_faq/TransomInstall.pdf
Basically, 15" or more from the prop, Starboard mount for standard rotation- port mount for counter rotation, leading edge nearly even with bottom of boat, etc, etc . I'd read em. They're a little long but surely they;re that way for a reason. The manual is on their web site also in case you don't have it. It has an advanced mode with alot of options that are really nice.

 

[jeep187]

Re: What is Best GPS/Fish Finder unit?

It is an 2003 Express Bass Boat