[Tikiman]

I am buying a new 2103 Kenner. I will be installing the GPS myself which I have done before on my other boats the Question is which one. I really don't want to spend more than 1500 bucks however you know how it is you just want to buy it once. I have looked at the new Garmin with the above view that looks like your really looking from above but they said this option only works in some areas. The Garmin seems to be much more exspesive than the lowrance which I have had just didn't seem very user friendly. The Garmin don't seem to have a medium sreen like a 7 ince I don't need a super large one. Most of you 2 coolers have great info thanks for any help Jeff

 

[hoosierplugger]

I've got an old Garmin 176c that's going on 7-8 years old. It still works great and I'ved even used it on my kayak, so it's gotten soaked pretty good.

I think the replacement is the 476 or 478? Anyway, I've had really good luck with it.

Craig

 

[jakers]

Garmin GPS (ease of use is key in my mind) and Furuno bottom machine is hard to beat. If you are doing alot of near shore stuff in the gulf you will really appreciate the separate bottom machine. If you are just fishing the bay you probably don't need a separate bottom machine.

 

[Supergas]

Go with the Best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I only use Si-Tex or Furuno, but the Raymarine is also good stuff..

Had 2 Garmins & was not impressed..

There are some real good deals on 2-3 year old large screen SiTex & Furuno on the internet.... the big boys keep updating their stuff & sell off the old...

I have an 11" screen Si-Tex which sells for ovr 2700 bucks & bought it for 650 on the internet.... flipping fantastic GPS/Sounder/Radar etc.... Uses CMap/Jepperson chips which are fantastic...

SG

 

[ExplorerTv]

get the Garmin 540s.... I just got one for my new XLR8ls. The maps show the most detail I have ever seen on a chartplotter.

I paid 700$ for the combo.

 

[gregr1971]

go to bass pro, they have a lot of them you can have a hands on with.

 

[Don Smith]

I have a Garmin 545s and it works great. The transducer is mounted in my sump and it works flawlessly with no interference at any speed. The GPS detail is excellent. I've had several Lowrance units and they have worked well but the support stinks. I went to Garmin because of their great service and I have not been disappointed.

 

[Digidydog]

I have a Raymarine SL 760 and am not at all impressed with it as of yet. It came with the boat we purchased recently and it's a sounder/chartplotter combo. The problem is the sounder only will work half the time. For example, it'll be fine slow trolling shallow, but when we run it won't register anything, which is sort of to be expected, however a Glacier Bay doesn't go all that fast... (25 kts). When we get into water over about 300 ft, it usually gives up and starts giving random readings between 3 and 20 ft. Does anybody know anything about this?? We have it set at 200khz

 

[jjtroutkiller]

I have the Garmin 545 and also mounted a Garmin fishfinder next to it to keep from cutting down on the size of the screen. It only cost one or two hundred more dollars to go this route. The color screen on the 500 series is great.

 

[Tail-Gunner]

Garmin 540 S I luv it. Get a gms 31 antenna for XM weather radar. Very sweet.

tg

 

[hooknbullet2]

I would definitely run 2 separate units, one for depth and one for GPS. The lowrance depth finders have always served me well.

Good luck.