lake maps preference - The Hull Truth

mattie · 01-20-2008, 10:48 AM

What is anyones prefered maps of the great lakes? I plan on getting a lowrance chartplotter shortly, see they will take navionics platinum now, but there are so many maps loaded on a lowrance anymore, is it worthwhile to buy something other than what they offer? I guess I'm talking about what a blue collar guy can afford. Navnet 3 is comeing out and is supposed to be great, but at that level, it would probably be worth another thread. Was going to ask about this on the other thread I started, but then thought this might get enough input to be a thread of it's own. Would welcome any input, am sure there must be other novices interested also.

mattie

Cousin Eddie · 01-20-2008, 01:53 PM

For lake Michigan go with the Lakemaster chip. www.lakemaps.com . I've got bot the Navionics and the Lakemaster and I like the lakemaster much better.

CarpetBagger · 01-21-2008, 10:17 AM

Garmin stuff is great as well...I have the 1st bluechart technology on my 182 and it is perfect for what i do.

CarpetBagger · 01-21-2008, 10:20 AM

Garmin stuff is great as well...I have the 1st bluechart technology on my 182 and it is perfect for what i do.

rllieder · 01-22-2008, 06:53 PM

Mattie,

I have a Lowrance 332C GPS/fishfinder and added the NauticPath chip. It covers all the coastal US including the Great Lakes. I'm very pleased. Depths on the chart agree with depth finder in northern Lake Michigan. It has been very helpful around the Manitou Island where shallow water with rocks can be far from shore. I believe the cost is about $90. Good luck.

Bob

Joel K · 01-22-2008, 08:14 PM

Many of the Garmin units have pre-loaded software of all the great lakes and parts of the Atlantic and Pacific although it's not needed. I have a 698, it's a combo gps/depthfinder. Garmin products for me have been very dependable and affordable. The maps show very good detail with only a few charted depths that were not in agreement with my depth finder. I don't think you can go wrong with a Garmin.

Creekwood · 01-23-2008, 08:14 PM

I have a Lowrance with the Navionics Gold East Great Lakes chip. It is pretty good around my area I think. On the main THT forum another GLakes boater said that he found that the C-Map charts were better for accuracy, at least in Georgian Bay area - (accuracy is a good thing if you have ever looked at what we boat through on the eastern shore of Georgian Bay)