Garmin 4208 or Lowrance HDS-8 - The Hull Truth

dlevitt · 11-14-2009, 09:28 AM

I'm trying to help a friend choose "basic" electronics for his new center console. This is for his 2nd boat (his 28' CC has Raymarine E120, radar, autopilot, etc.) and he is basically looking for a quality GPS and fishfinder for inshore fishing - typically 50'. I've always been a Garmin fan (eventhough my boat has a furuno GP7000F) and I suggested the Garmin 4208. I understand that he will need to add a transducer as well as the fishfinder module. This brings the cost to about $400 more than the Lowrance HDS-8.

Also, he will not be adding a 2nd unit, radar, weather or autopilot. Another alternative might also be to add 2 smaller Garmin units 545 or 540 and use one as a GPS and one as a fishfinder. I would think that these would show a larger display than an 8" screen in split mode.

Also, since the boat has a new Yamaha F150, would the Lowrance be able to monitor engine conditions? How about the Garmin?

I know that there are so many opinions on this, but I'm just trying to help him out. Would he be making a mistake with any of these options? Have they gotten the bugs out of the Lowrance?

OldPete · 11-14-2009, 02:57 PM

Short answers:

If GPS is more important than sonar: GARMIN
If Sonar is more important than GPS: LOWRANCE

If you're going to be splitting the screen: NO 8"

That's my 2 cents.

abbor · 11-14-2009, 04:29 PM

HDS is probably the best fishfinder for inshore use. Go for the 83/200kHz transducer. HDS is also very good as gps/plotter, a large step up from the previous Lowrance units. I also like the user interface of HDS, especially the function keys below the screen (Raymarine style) on HDS-8 & 10.

I have E80, HDS-5 and FCV-620 in my current boat. I will most probably rig another boat next spring, this will only get a HDS-8.

Both Lowrance and Garmin can interface to the F150 to show engine information.

skrimp · 11-15-2009, 07:41 AM

Lowrance customer service is abyssmal at best and non exestant at the norm.

dlevitt · 11-15-2009, 01:47 PM

I just saw that BOE has a Garmin 3210 for $1100. This display with the sonar module should be less than the Lowrance HDS and also have a larger display.

Other than terrible feedback from Lowrance customer service, have people been happy or disappointed with the HDS units?

middleofnowhere · 11-17-2009, 07:29 AM

Lowrance has had it's bugs, but overall I have been very happy with my HDS-10.
When I was shopping, it was between the 4210 and HDS-10 for me. I ended up choosing the Lowrance because the broadband sounder was built in to the unit. There was no add on module needed. Also the internal GPS antennae was attractive, it works under my hardtop with my flush mounted HDS. The HDS is a much cleaner install than the Garmin would have been for my boat.
Lowrance can use Navionics (which I believe is not compatible with garmin). This opens up a lot of navigation chart availability for both salt and fresh water that is not available on garmin. I bought my Navionics platinum chart in July but was only able to get it working in October due to some bugs in the Lowrance software that were worked out in the last update.
If you are going to add radar, I believe Navico (parent company of Lowrance, Northstar and Simrad) has the best small boat radar. The Broadband radar is revolutionary, draws little power and has no warm up period.
I also plan on adding a "structure scan" in the near future, a Lowrance + in my book.
Good luck with your decision.

Fish'nFool · 11-17-2009, 09:31 AM

Love my HDS-8. The Sonar and GPS have performed flawlessly. Very user friendly and the screen is bright and crisp even on the sunniest days. Fortunately or unfortunately I have not had the pleasure of dealing with Lowrance customer service yet (knock on wood), but I have heard they are making an effort to improve their service.

jcoukos · 01-12-2010, 03:02 PM

twinvee260ex,

I'll be adding GPS/FF for my 22 walkaround this spring here in MA primarily for striper hunting near shore. Been reading all the posts and find actual users have a better prospective. I like the price performance of the HDS-10, interface, possible LSS-1. looking at Garmin, Raymarine, Furuno et al and am closing in on the HDS-10. I know the potential for customer service issues has me concerned. Jim at BOE says he's sold hundreds with no problems. I like the internal antennae and for a few more $$ than the Garmin 740S (7") you get a 10" display.

Any add'l guidance?

Thanks

JC