Fishfinder/gps

[grouly925]

Looking for some input on some new electronics for the boat. 22.5 ft searay with dual batteries so power shouldn't be a problem. Currently, I just use a handheld GPS for navigation and an old eagle fishfinder for the fish. I have reason to believe that the fishfinder doesn't work that well, and more often than not doesn't get used. Never have a problem catching fish, but get a lot of scetchy marks on the screen. Anyways, looking for input on a range of brands and types of fishfinder/gps units and possibly pros and cons of getting an all in one unit vs. two individual units. I am really not looking to spend more than $600. Some other things I would like are loadable depth charts and the ability to detach from the boat and put it on my ATV for the ice fishing season. I've been looking at Garmin's because thats the type of GPS I've always had, but really have no brand preference. Thanks for any help.

[KI Jim]

I have a Garmin FF and have not been happy with it. Last year, I put a Lowrance x-125 (grayscale-not color) on my Lund and I loved it. excellent detail. I think the best FFs I have seen are the Furunos, RayMarines and Lowrances. The problem with the first 2 are they are generally expensive. The new Hunninbirds have been getting a lot of favorable comments.

[toto]

I have a Lowrence X 524 (I think) and I love it. Color with internal GPS, works like a charm. I like the split screen for whatever reason. About $650, but mine was free when I bought the boat. At that time, if you bought the Yamaha 150 four stroke, they gave you a $750 rebate, so I used it for the Lowrance. Probably the only way I would have spent that much.

[toto]

I went out to the boat this morning and the unit I have is an LMS 522c igps. One of these days I need to start taking that geloaba stuff for my memory.

[grouly925]

Thanks for the input. I still have quite a bit of time before I really need to start worrying about it. The fishfinder I have on the boat right now, marks fish when we aren't catching any and then doesn't mark them when we are. Kind of a reverse fishfinder I guess. The screen on the handheld isn't really large enough to see from the back of the boat. Keep up the good comments. Thanks again.