GPS/chart plotter/fish finder

bshillam · Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2012 9:06 am Post subject: GPS/chart plotter/fish finder

Looking to purchase a new unit as the old one has too small of a screen and no detail maps.
Most important, $1k or less
7 inch screen +/- just a bit
Must have pre loaded maps as I don't want an additional purchase above
Also should have the transducer included. In other words purchase, plug and play.
I don't need auto piolet functions or but would like radar function should we decide that's necessary down the road.

I ran the Lowrance hds 7 in the last Dory and really thought it was a good unit. Knowing as things do that things have change it appears there are a few other sub $1k units that might work out well. Any feedback or advice would be great. Thoughts?

BrentB · Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2012 9:44 am Post subject:

I have not seen a new 7" chartplotter with detailed map and transducer for under $1K. Maybe check eBay and Craig's List. My Garmin 545S has 5" screen with G2 map and transducer was $825 three years ago.

Spike · Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2012 9:50 am Post subject:

I have the Lowrance HD 7 in my boat and am very satisfied with it. Comes complete with dual frequency transducer, internal GPS antenna. Real easy to hook up. The only complaint I have is, Lowrances instuction manual. Not very clear on certian operating procedures. I found it hard to read and understand at times.

Writer_Ron · Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2012 10:14 am Post subject:

I'm engaged in similar search. The current Lowrance 7 is $999 to $1100 at Defender, depending on which charts you choose. I haven't found a less-expensive plotter with equal capabilities.

Matt Gurnsey · Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2012 12:13 pm Post subject:

Look at the Humminbird 858 series. The plotter / sounder model sells for $999.

BrentB · Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2012 12:31 pm Post subject:

That is a deal. I am finding $1500 on Defender site

ferret30 · Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2012 1:55 pm Post subject:

I bought my Lowrance GPS and sonar from BOEMarine and had positive experience. Here's a page of Lowrance HDS 7 models. Make sure you look for generation 2 models since they replaced gen 1 earlier this year. The price shown is the MAP price, but the actual price will be lower:

http://www.boemarine.com/category/marine_navigation_and_equipment?GroupID=dd0c7be4-7acd-4125-a53f-599d1948cee6

The HDS 7 Gen 2 with Insight maps and 83/200 transducer is $985. The HDS 7 Gen 2 with base maps and 83/200 transducer is $895.

You should also keep an eye on the Lowrance site and look for rebates. When I got my setup, I got $100 back on the $500 plotter, and $10 back on the $150 sounder.

BrentB · Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2012 2:06 pm Post subject:

I bought my Garmin from BOE.

thataway · Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2012 2:35 pm Post subject:

You do not want the Lowrance "Base" charting--pay the extra $100 and get the "Insight" charting. Which will be in the $985.52 price range. Lowrance is good, and has some of the best technology. However it is not as easy to use as Garmin. Lowrance has had customer service issues in the past. I have owned a number of Lowrance units, and was satisfied with them...but some minor problems.

I personally prefer toi have several smaller chart plotter/sounders. This way you can have a separate screen for each function. A 7" screen when split up 3 to 4 ways has a picture footprint smaller than a 5" screen. Currently in the C Dory 22, I have a 4" Sounder/chart plotter, and a 5" chart plotter. I run the AIS on the 5", and split screen sounder/ small scale (large area)I chart on the 4" plotter. If I have radar is is separate. Currently I have Garmin, but their fish finder is not as good as the best Lowrance or Furuno. However, their charting is better. ''

The Garmin 7" units are going to be $500 more than the Lowrance.

If possible go to an electronics or West Marine and see how easy the units are to use. You don't want to grab the manual every time you need to change a function.

ferret30 · Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2012 3:08 pm Post subject:

I basically did what Bob said. I have a Lowrance Elite 5 M (GPS only) sitting next to a Lowrance Mark 5 X (sounder only):

Another thing I'd highly recommend, to avoid adding lots more holes in your dashboard, cut a piece of starboard (or HDPE cutting board) and mount your electronics to that (see the pic), and then mount the block to the dashboard using existing holes from the hardware you took out.

Robert H. Wilkinson · Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2012 11:48 pm Post subject: GPS chartplotter

When I bought my boat last year the dealer recommended Standard Horizon. He installed the 5" combo unit with the gold card for $899. Very user friendly and fast redraw.

Good idea on your mount Ferret. Nothing worse than buying a used boat that somebody has drilled a new hole in every time he changed something!

Regards, Rob

Jake B · Posted: Sat Jun 23, 2012 12:26 am Post subject:

a lot of guys are against lowrance. but I have been using them for years and have been nothing but happy with them. learning curve i will admit can be a little harder at first but is not that bad.
I agree get the insight it is worth the money.

hds are good look for the originals and might get abetter price than the gen2.
I am rigging our new dory with a Helm hds-8 us insight and hds-5 nautic insihgt for the cockpit.