I am new to this board and hope someone can help out on a delema. I need to get a Depth finder/Gps maping tool for my new boat. I am stuck between Lowrance 335c and Garmin 178c. Both are the same price, similar features.

Anyone have good or bad points on either of these tools?

Tough call (welcome to S-B by the way). Both units are brandy spankin' new. The screen refreshes on the typical Lowrances I've seen is pretty stinkin fast - certainlky fastest I've seen in its class. The 178 is the baby brother of the 188C which a lot of people are happy with. Both units are not likely to have as good of a sounder as say a Furuno. But have more current & faster screen and lcd engines.

I don't think you could go wrong either way. If it were me I might decide by which has better mapping/chart software

I am more than pleased with my Garmin 168. The only issue with it is that the screen is too small when running in split screen mode. I just purchased the 172c because I wanted a color unit. I am planning on using the 168 as a fish finder and the 172 as my main plotter. In my opinion, Garmin makes a great product and has great customer service.

I agree the screen is small, but so is the price when you look at these compared to say a 10" screen.

I have a Garmin hand held GPS I used for Hikeing, That worked on the boat. I just wanted the Maping side and a perminant system instead of a hand held.

I keep leaning to the Garmin, but Lowrance had a trial you can download off the web site. This makes it nice to try it before you buy it.

I purchased the Garmin Bluecharts. I think they're great. They have everything you need. I would stick with the garmin. Great product, reasonable price. Like I said, the 168 has been fantastic! The screen really isn't THAT small, I just felt like spoiling myself. I am definately fired up to check out the 172 with the color screen.

Best FF, hands down right now is the Raytheon, they set a new standard no one else has yet to come up to. Units may be too big/too pricy for you though.

I know in the if I were rich world, I would go bigger better!

It's that staying in a budget.

I need money for new fishing poles (I have penn 113's on ugly sticks for Cod or Bottom fishing) Need Striper rigs!

I need money for fishing gear!

I need money for Gas!

and my kids might like to eat some time over the summer:D

my vote goes to the Garman, I have been very happy with my 188 and handheld.

I have been using Garmin for 4-years, great company, great product.

Frankly I am amazed just how much the cheaper units offer. It really is amazing. I don't see how you can go wrong with a low end unit.
The most imortant thing to do is GET ONE...and carry an handheld as well.