GPS suggestions... - Striper Talk Striped Bass Fishing, Surfcasting, Boating

jkjnp · 03-04-2007, 05:44 PM

I'm looking for recommendations for an economical GPS unit. Will be used mainly within the bay - 15 miles offshore. Want to have the capabilities to record way points...

Any suggestions?

MrHunters · 03-04-2007, 05:53 PM

price range?

Raider Ronnie · 03-04-2007, 05:57 PM

Ya, some more details would help.
Price range, what size boat, how familiar you are with electronics,ect..

jkjnp · 03-04-2007, 06:04 PM

Price range- let's say $500-$1000.
21' CC is the boat.

Currently don't have a lot of experience with GPS electronics, however I'm taking the Coast Guard Auxiliary's Advanced Navigation course right now. It's actually a great course. It does focus on "old-school" navigation techniques, but also will cover electronics in the future... I hope to have a solid foundation by May 1.

MrHunters · 03-04-2007, 06:09 PM

do you already have a fish finder:? do you want a fish finder? separate or combo?

jkjnp · 03-04-2007, 06:12 PM

Finalizing a deal on a used Seaswirl Striper that has a decent fish finder (Lowrance X67C) but no GPS. So, no I don't think I need a combo.

Raider Ronnie · 03-04-2007, 06:18 PM

I would suggest a Garmin chartplotter,
Garmin is the most user friendly one to use out there, and go with the biggest screen size you can fit and afford.

MrHunters · 03-04-2007, 06:35 PM

i agree. if your not going with a combo the garmin are pretty intuitive.

when you decide on a model check with user reviews.... I think i remember reading somewhere that some of the screens don't view so well with a good amount of sunlight.

Big Game · 03-04-2007, 07:00 PM

Garmin makes some really nice GPS/Chartplotters. I'd recommend getting a color display, although I think most all of them are color now.

I've had the 182C for 6 years on my 21 footer (which I think has been replaced by the GPSMAP292) and haven't had any problems with it. Pretty sure they can be bought for a little over $500.

taJon · 03-04-2007, 07:21 PM

garmin bar none. for 1000 bucks you can get a real nice one too.

beamie · 03-04-2007, 10:32 PM

I second the Garmin stuff. I just have a simple Garmin 152 GPS. For about $300. Will get you anywhere and back. Just not as fancy as the chartplotters but realistically does all the same just no overlay.

eelman · 03-05-2007, 06:38 AM

HUMMINBIRD 787C2.....

MrHunters · 03-05-2007, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by #^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&

HUMMINBIRD 787C2.....

thats what i got

and would highly reccommend that as a combo unit... For small boats its perfect. and the quality of picture i think is better than the garmins

eelman · 03-05-2007, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrHunters

thats what i got

and would highly reccommend that as a combo unit... For small boats its perfect. and the quality of picture i think is better than the garmins

I have one also, I am really happy with it, awesome crisp clear picture..Have not had any problems yet..Plus you can add the side sonar to this unit with a transducer change...But I love mine.

blaruffa · 03-05-2007, 07:45 AM

I also like the Garmin, Nice easy interface. I have the GPSMAP 172C. Color is worth the extra money in the chart plotter. I boat with a buddy and he has the Garmin 182 black & white. It always takes us a while to figure out again if the black bouys = the red bouys or the green.

Roger · 03-05-2007, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blaruffa

It always takes us a while to figure out again if the black bouys = the red bouys or the green.

Here's a tip - the red are always even numbers and the green are always odd.

fish4striper · 03-05-2007, 12:28 PM

I was thinking of a garmin combo for my new boat. They have a nice built-in chart. But that side sonar by Hummingbird is very intriguing. Does anyone know if their patent will keep the others from doing it?

MrHunters · 03-05-2007, 01:42 PM

yea... i probably will too. but its nice to know if i want it i dont need a new unit.

taJon · 03-05-2007, 04:39 PM

gotta say that system is nice. put us on a bunch of fish last year.

http://www.boatersworld.com/product/...-sounder-combo

here ya go.

saltyric · 03-07-2007, 07:09 AM

The Garmin 172c is a great, economical unit...cheap money......The bluecharts are pretty decent as well.

Striper1rn · 03-14-2007, 03:05 AM

Garmin, Raymarine...both excellent make excellent economical GPS units. I do however prefer my Lowrance.....awesome graphics...but again. all make great units.