Marine Electronics Forum - Depth finder/chartplotter combo recommendation
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feather thrower
09-05-2012, 06:45 PM
My very basic Garmin fishfinder(160 I believe) crapped out on me. I'm going to replace with a combo unit. Budget tops at about about $500 and must have at least some warranty. It's for a flats boat, that gets used plenty in deeper water, so durability is probably the most important thing. Lots of pounding and exposure to the elements. Humminbird, Lowrance, Garmin...others?
Not even sure if color screen is too important. I was never too impressed with the Garmin's sonar but it would sure be nice to not have to fool with a new transducer if the others are notgoing to be any better in this price range.
Thoughts?
semperfifishing
09-05-2012, 09:23 PM
A few new units to start with.........The Lowrance Elite 5 DSI ,Hummingbird 597CI, Garmin 521s will be in your price range.
feather thrower
09-06-2012, 11:47 AM
Of those, which would you expect to last the longest and have the least amount of problems in a saltwater environment?
semperfifishing
09-06-2012, 03:46 PM
"Least amount of problems in salt?"
To be fair, they are almost equal......I have sold a good many of each unit and think that the actual build quality is equal.....it is almost like they were run off the same assembly line.
For the $ they are all very functional and reliable units.
Just removing the unit from your boat after use, checking the seals, and storing it properly really make a difference with any unit.
Another unit to look at t is the Raymairne A57d..they used to retail for $1100. but now can be found for about $625 including a P58 transducer..a very good unit.