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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,972
10 point
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10 point
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,972 |
Need some imput....
I'm taking a boat down to orange beach to leave... (pleasure boat, not fishing boat) I want to get a good gps navigation system for it. Looking to spend in the 1000-1500 range.
So far, I've been looking at the Lowrance HDS 7M with a navionics chip but I'm open to any brand.
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 25
spike
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spike
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 25 |
Garmin is hard to beat in the chart plotting world. Peruse their website for their latest products, but, I have an old GPSMap 182 on my 19' Cape Horn and I run a variety of boats including charter boats with nothing but my handheld GPS Map 76.
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,077
10 point
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10 point
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,077 |
I'd get a Garmin if you are on a budget or a Raymarine or Furuno if you want the best. I have that 76 model I use for over land plotting, but I'd hate to have to look at that small screen in a rocking boat or trying to navigate a tight spot at night. One like this would be nice http://www0.shopping.com/xPO-Garmin-GARMIN-GPSMAP-2206
You all ain't nothing but a bunch of softies. I have to wait until my flomax kicks in or I will wet the bed. Yum u no wat i sy hu---- The Geezer
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,319
8 point
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8 point
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,319 |
It just all depends how big you want the screen to be. I've used just about everything out there from garmins, raymarines, and furunos. If you get a current chart chip it doesnt matter the manufacturer. The Garmins are the most user friendly but the Raymarines arent bad either. Just keep it between the navigational beacons captain!
At times my ambition far exceeds my talent.
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Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,556
12 point
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12 point
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,556 |
300 mag,
i just put a hummingbird 383c combo gps/sonar with the puck epoxied thru hull type transducer in mine. color maps and screen and progamable waypoints. very pleased with it. i dont have but $500 in gps/sonar/transducer. got off ebay.
you may be looking for more expensive setup and their are many of them on ebay. coastalgulfway our of houston is where i got mine.
if interested i will find the link and send u
Loving God and Loving One Another; Start Each Day With The Lord! Because He Lives I Can Face Tomorrow.
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,972
10 point
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10 point
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,972 |
Thanks so much for the replys...
One in particular that I was looking at was the Lowrance HDS-8M, however I'm hearing that they're name isn't so good with the saltwater guys. As far as screen goes, I would like to have at least a 5 to 7 inch screen.
So which chip would I need for my unit? Navionics?? Nautic Path??
I would like to get the chip with the most accurate detail available if possible.
Thanks again for all your help.
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,319
8 point
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8 point
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,319 |
I dont think it makes much of a differnce in the manufactuer of the chip either. Everyone I've ever used has been spot on. I also like the ebay idea. Buckgrunt had a good point with the hockey puck transducer as well, but I've had a hummingbird on a charter boat one year and wasnt that impressed with it. Your going to want a depthsounder that works at cruise speed. Probably want to think either Garmin or Raymarine
At times my ambition far exceeds my talent.
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 254
Member
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Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 254 |
Stay away from the new Lowrance HDS they are having a lot of screen problems!!!!! Read The Hull Truth, Reel Boating or Florida Sportsman forums under the electronics and there are some bad reports on the new Lowrance HDS systems.
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,190
10 point
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10 point
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,190 |
The Lowrance HDS series have had a lot of trouble uploading the chips. They were suppose to have a downloadable fix for this a few weeks ago, not sure if it ever came out. All the other Lowrance units work fine.
Check out the Navioics web site they have some very detailed maps and charts, but they are only compatible with certain units so buy the unit first.
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