I'm researching chartplotters on line and was wondering if anyone has any opinions. I'm thinking about getting the Lowrance LMS-525C.

My boat currently has no electronics on it, so I was thinking about a combo unit, something I can unplug and take with me when I moor it.

I mostly cruise the Weymouth, Quincy, Hingham areas.

Garmin users love Garmin
Raymarine users love Raymarine
Lowrance.......and so on......

Do your research and you'll be fine with any of the units on the market now. I don't believe there are any that are "bad"

Only suggestion is go with the biggest screen you can afford and fit in your boat.
I think that is the most important factor.

Good Luck

I would also suggest going with seperate units if you have the room. You'll wind up with bigger images and no single mfg. makes the best of everything.

Stay away from the Furuno..
did some fill in work on a boat, and was not a big fan of the plotter/radar combo...

I like garmin because they make them so easy to use. but had no problems with raymarine, I'm not a fan of furuno gps/radar because of their display, but my buddy is going on his 4th yr with the navnet system and it hasn't failed him.

as stated earlier seperate systems prevent lose one lose all (unles the the battery(s) go down)

Garmin just updated their stuff so the old stuff is clearing out. I bought the old 498 combo for $500, It's has a great built in chart.

I agree with Mako, get seperate units if space allows. If something goes wrong with one at least the other is still alive. The GPS needs to be big enough to see, the FF as large as you can afford. IMO

I have the Garmin 178C combo unit. Very pleased with it...

I like the Raymarine A65...

I have all Furuno products and they have been up to the task. I f i were to do it again I would get a seperate chartplotter instead of the combo but $$$$ was tight when I purchased the unit. Also Furuno is run by MOST of the commercial fleet so that should speak volumes.

Anyy suggestions for where to get a good price on some of the older models, e.g. garmin, that may still be available?

I definitely have limited space. I probably need to go with a combo unit.

"I have the Garmin 178C combo unit. Very pleased with it..."

Don't you have to buy a separate transducer for the Garmin products? I'd like to get a unit that's ready to go.

"I like the Raymarine A65..."

I would too. A bit more than I wanted to spend though.

Check gpsdicount.com for great prices

Try www.boemarine.com, I got all my stuff on there, best prices on the net, drop Jim and email and ask him anything you want and he'll get back to you.

Thanks for the links. Those prices sure beat West Marine. ;^)

West marine will usually match any price that is available as long as it is not below what they have to pay for it. Just tell them where on line to look and they will match. They have a computer right at store. I did it with several things.

West marine will usually match any price that is available as long as it is not below what they have to pay for it. Just tell them where on line to look and they will match. They have a computer right at store. I did it with several things.

That policy is handy if you need it right away. Otherwise I'd prefer to do business with the outfit that had the best price first. FWIW, by owner elect usually gets stuff to you within 2 days - without opting for special shipping.

I have an 18' CC and went with 2 units. I got a Garmin chartplotter, and a Lowrance color fishfinder. I was on a buddy's boat for the first time last week, he has a combo Garmin, and with both gps and ff on at the same time you need a magnifying glass to tell what is on the sounder. I am glad I got 2 separate units. JMHO

I have all an older Northstar 951, it works well, but I will probably switch to the Furuno 7000 soon. I have a Furuno 582l bottom machine and it is great.