Need some help here. Fishfinder/GPS combo

[dauz]

Have a Magellan Color Marine Meridian that is on the way out and am looking for a replacement. The unit is used remotely and on my skiff but I am willing to sacrifice the use in my vehicle for a permanent mount combined GPS/fishfinder. Currently, I'm running an Eagle 320 fishfinder along side of the Magellan on my console which will be replaced with the new combo unit. Cost is a factor but it must be a good weather proof unit as it is exposed on the console of my skiff. I have a 16' Carolina Skiff that I use in protected waters but as everyone knows this can be a wet ride sometimes. I fish mostly shallow water rivers and parts of the Ches. Bay so a deep water machine is not necessary. Also, I realize the sky is the limit on prices and charts but I am trying to keep it on the lower end of the price ranges. I'm partial to Garmin but certainly will consider other brands. Performance and durability and reliability are key with price a second consideration. I'd like to be able to convert all of my GPS #s to the new machine and preloaded charts would be a plus. Anyone other got some good ideas.

DaveHuz

[1987-cobb]

This one's for you. $599 plus a $50 rebate. A very popular unit
LOWRANCE LMS-520C W/ 200 KHZ DUCER AND LGC-3000 ANTENNA :: LOWRANCE :: GPS FISHFINDER COMBO :: MARINE ELECTRONICS :: BOE Marine (http://www.byownerelectronics.com/store/product.php?productid=37853&cat=2740&page=2)
if you don't need color, the non color version is a bit less.

[LandingCrew]

stay away from hummingbird and raymarine, there connectors dont last very long if your gonna be on the salt, i recommend either the eagle 640c or the 500c there no more than 550 at bass pro, also if your looking for a good one for your skiff there is the lowrance 68c s/map, it comes preloaded with navionics gold, the only thing is that the system doesnt have the ability to upgrade in the sense that you dont need to worry about adding chips to the system also saving you money in the long run. here is my number give me a call and ill see what i can do.

mark
7577639925

[CapitanAmerica]

stay away from hummingbird and raymarine, connectors dont last very long if your gonna be on the salt, there is the lowrance 68c s/map, it comes preloaded with navionics gold

Not sure about hummingbird, but I agree about Raymarine. They certainly have some
weak points, once you get past the sticker shock. But they do seem to have year-a-round
rebates.

Check here for information on the 68c s/map. Very nice little fishfinder, Has Built-in, special U.S. hydrogaphic mapping


Lowrance Self-Service Support (http://primus.lowrance.com/support/resultDisplay.do?gotoLink=2689&docType=1000&contextId=839%3A2689.2697%2C2469.2499%2C2523.2552&clusterName=ClusterPublic&lang=english&docset=%2FDocuments%2FUnits%2FLowrance%2FCombo&contentId=db60b9f7-6a94-4133-99f6-b90dfebb9491&responseId=135ccbe2cfd4f608%3Adcb03b%3A11be245a4f5 %3A3c8f&groupId=4&answerGroup=3&score=879&page=http%3A%2F%2Fprimus.lowrance.com%2Ficr%2Funit s%2FLowrance%2FCombo%2FM68CSMAPPub.htm&result=6&excerpt=M68c+SMAP&question=68c+s%2Fmap&resultType=5001#Goto2689)

Lowrance has rebates on the lms/lcx series till the end of August.

[Fish_Fear_Us]

I recommend the Lowrance LMS 525C series DF color. Just dismounted a Hummingbird wide 3D and installed the Lowrance and couldn't be happier. Between navigation and sonar, speed and water temp; this sytem rocks. Software is intuitive. Easy user installation just make sure you keep the cables away from power, VHF and compass cables. Day, night, rain; no issues. I installed the display on a RAM mount, but would caution against the RAM mount that collocates the GPS hockey puck antennae; you need at a minimum 3 feet separation.

[CaptHorn]

In it size range (5" color screen) the Lowrance LMS series is by far the best buy
for the money.

[ceteejr]

I have a Garmin 498C which is Great. It replaced a Raytheon.

[dauz]

Thanks for the input. Reinitialized the GPS and everything seems to be OK now. Will be able to defer the investment for the timebeing.

DaveHuz

[Gaffman2]

Garmin has a promotion going on now until the 30th of this month on the 400 Series Chartplotter & Sounders with a $100 mail rebate.

[chollyjohn]

I made the choice of keeping the GPS seperate or consider a GPS Charplotter if needed. As far as Fish/Depth Finder, I like the option of seperate water temp and bottom sonar.

Problem is: ya can't always get what you want in combo electronics :bigfish:

[ceteejr]

The Garmin 498C GPS/CHARTPLOTTER--Fishfinder, gives it all to you GPS, Chartplotter, Fishfinder, Compass, Temperature, Speed, Tides, etc.,etc, all for $500. I bought the 498C as a leftover, the new model does the same thing but has a few less buttons & cost more.