Depth Finder Advice - Striper Talk Striped Bass Fishing, Surfcasting, Boating

SmokeBringer · 08-19-2005, 06:12 AM

It appears as though my SI-TEX CVS-106 has finally crapped out, and so I'm in the market for a new depth finder. I'm looking at the Raymarine DSM-300, but I know this is 3 year old technology. What are you guys using that you like (or dislike)?

Also, is there any point in spending the extra $$$ for a 1000W transducer as opposed to the 600W models? I had a 600W and I seemed to get reliable data from that.

Smoke'

Newboater · 08-19-2005, 08:31 AM

I opted for the Humminbird 525 FishFinder/Depth Finder with temp gauge.
Installation was easy, templates provided were great. Turned it on and everything is excellent and operates at speeds up to 20 knots or better. Of course I have to slow down and turn around to get to the fish.

Sarge

likwid · 08-19-2005, 09:30 AM

1000W?

You fishing the canyons or something?

teaser · 08-19-2005, 10:34 PM

Are you looking for just a depth finder or a combo? If you're looking for the combo then definately go for the garmin series with the depth finder and GPS, these you can add the blue chip and it's unbeatable.

I have Garmin onbaord my vessel, best money I ever spent!

Garmin/ $800.00 to $1300.00 + Bluechip/ $150.00 = Priceless!

Clammer · 08-19-2005, 10:43 PM

Garmin color for gps / I have a si-tex -color depth finder /its good /but I,d like to dump it & go back to furano [sp]

capesams · 08-20-2005, 05:47 AM

garmin here too.

Hooper · 08-20-2005, 07:21 AM

I found a Raytheon L750 on eBay and bought it new in the box for $350. It's turned out to be a good machine, dual freq, temp graphing, etc. Maybe have a look at what's available on eBay?

pmueller · 08-20-2005, 01:29 PM

Garmin 188C it does the job. Nothing really fancy on the FF. It just works.
The GPS is awesome.
Pete

macojoe · 08-20-2005, 01:42 PM

Garmin!! But I like separate units, GPS & Fish finder, Both of mine are Garmin.

And they look good to

Fisherwoman · 08-21-2005, 11:48 AM

Smokebringer, we have the DMS300 with our C-120 raymarine combo gps/chartplotter/radar/fishfind. Thing is the balls buddy!!!! But it is pricy.

pmueller · 08-21-2005, 12:09 PM

macojoe
Initially I felt the same thing re: combo units. At this point it has not been an issue. The size of the console was an issue making this decison.
Pete

SmokeBringer · 08-29-2005, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fisherwoman

Smokebringer, we have the DMS300 with our C-120 raymarine combo gps/chartplotter/radar/fishfind. Thing is the balls buddy!!!! But it is pricy.

I ended up replacing the old Depthfinder and Raystar 300 series GPS with a C-80 and DSM-300 which is pretty much like your setup. I also have the old RL-9 Radar unit hooked up to a Raystar 600 chatplotter that I got for almost nothing on e-Bay. So I have redundant GPS charting which is a good thing. I'll report on how it works when I get my boat back from the folks doing the work.

Fisherwoman · 08-29-2005, 12:15 PM

Smokebringer, I don't think you will be disapointed at all. I love our c-120 its like watching TV!!!! and very accurate, best of luck with it.