Lowrance Question - The Hull Truth

phestaris · 12-06-2003, 03:27 PM

I just bought a new boat and among other things it came with a Lowrance LMS-350A fishfinder.I don't have GPS hooked up to this unit, it is a seperate system. Any thoughts and insite would be helpfull. Is this a good unit? Is it old and outdated? I mosly fish for stripers in and around Boston Habba, but with my new ride my boundries have just expanded!

21' Seacat w/Suzuki 90's

buckets · 12-07-2003, 08:29 AM

Can't speek for others but the one I had was a piece of junk!! I spent more than twice what I paid for it in factory exchanges. Finally got smart and bought Furuno 582 and love it. I'm sure someone has had good luck with one.

First Light · 12-07-2003, 07:57 PM

Two points: Have to disagree with "buckets." If he "paid twice as much in factory exchanges" then he had a problem, not Lowrance.

The 350A (discontinued around 2000) was one of Lowrance's better units. Did they have problems? Sure. Mine went back 2 times for repairs but Lowrances paid for the shipping both ways - the last time in 1998. You could get the 350 in 2 versions - with or without GPS - all 350's are GPS ready. If yours does not have GPS, all you need to add GPS is to add the GPS antenna, available from Lowrance (write or email them) for +/-$100 or so (although depending on the year of manufacture of your unit, you may have to send the unit back in to have it upgraded to the current antenna specs).

MrPat · 12-08-2003, 10:35 AM

Yes, it's old and outdated. If you fish saltwater offshore, save your money and but a color FF. There was a Lowrance 350A on the boat when I purchased it used. The t-ducer was damaged, so I replaced the whole deal with a Furuno 582. Color is great!

If you fish shallow fresh water, the lowrance should be fine.

snookman3 · 12-08-2003, 10:46 AM

the unit is good, for its time. it has now been replaced by units with much better screens and more power. if you need to find out how deep you are then save your money and use the one you have. if not, upgrade to a newer unit. the new lowrances are excellent as well.

AlexT · 12-08-2003, 12:53 PM

What ever you decide to do (buy the Lowrance GPS antenna or buy a whole new unit), check in eBay before you buy. There are quite a few new in the box units that fly through there at great prices.