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Random Quote: Opinions are like a-holes...everyone's got one and they usually stink.
I am looking to upgrade my electronics in my boat. its an 18ft CC with one battery. I went looking for a Chart plotter GPS/Fish finder at the boat show in my region and left more confused. I know RM has received some harsh press for the waas fiasco but I need to know of the three units which is the best. I also need to know if there are any independent review websites that I could look on as well, a consumer reports for boating if you will. Thanks
I have the Garmin 545s, I like the all in one concept and when i did my research found this unit the best value. Very easy to use, comes with internal ant. which works fine on my CC with T-Top. Does not require additional sounder module and after playing with unit has so much more than even the garmin website lists. I also bought the optional g2 Vision card. This has a auto routing feature just like my car gps has, sat pix of all marinas and fish eye view of bottom and mariners view. almost like a pre 3d view...GREAT UNIT for the money.
One more nice feature that i found out on my own. You can go to Garmin website and check for software updates. My unit is 6 months old and have 3 software updates for free. All you need is a SD card and reader and of course a pc.
Later you can add the XM module and antenna, and have advance warning of rough weather at a third the cost and 5 times the range of a radar!
That said, you might want to consider a second battery, not because the Garmin has a bigger appetite (it doesn't) but just to make sure the engine will start when it really really has to. I know, I know; it would take up more space than a 6-pack....
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If it ain't broke, I haven't played with it.
I've been shopping for one recently too. THe sales guy at the Boater's World indicated that the RM A60 has a better fishfinder whereas Garmin's strength is the GPS and ease of use associated with it. The sales guy claims that the A60 fishfiner has better clarity and distiction on the fish finder module. I was looking at the A60 compared to the 545S and it seems that with the A60, the user is better able to discern fish from structure. Also, the sea bottom (in red) seems to be very clear on the A60 whereas sometimes the 545S is less clear about where the bottom is.
Any thoughts from actual owners and those who are familiar with both units are appreciated.
Also, the A60 used to be way more expensive and now it has come way down in price. I think RM is trying to move them out due to a new model coming out. You can get one around $582 on ebay now as of 6/9/08.
I like my 545s w/xm radio The fishfinder may not be as good as the A65 but it's worked pretty well for grouper fishin between 30-70 feet. I'm definitely still learning how to read it.
I've used both... the A60 at that price is the best deal. Go with the garmin if you think you will purchase the additional options later on, if not go with the A60.
I have the 545s with the g2 vision . I just added the XM antenna with the radar option. Must say I am a little bit disappointed with the display speed from the XM antenna. The updates are very slow.
Garmin 545S, Raymarine A65, Raymarine A60 HELP!!
The fishfinder may not be as good as the A65 but it's worked pretty well for grouper fishin between 30-70 feet. I'm definitely still learning how to read it.
