BigGrin

OK, planning the electronics for a new Center Console and wondering what the consensus is on the combo units. Pro's and Cons. I have been using a handheld Garmin Map76 for years so it's time for a better unit and I need a sounder, need something easier on the eyes. Oh, most of my boating is inshore Chesapeake bay area. Thanks BigGrin

abeal2

I don't have one myself but the new Eagle 480DF Seacharter looks pretty nice. 480x480 pixels for $500. I'm just speaking from what I have seen in the catalogs because my boat hasn't arrived and I don't know anybody that has one. I have heard good things about the fish finder version though.

Parthery

Just got done installing the Lowrance LMS480...nice unit..GPS..WAAS...runs about $650 or so.

The LMS 335c is a color version....maybe a few bucks more but if you prefer color.

If you go with the LMS480, download the installation pdf from their website...the owners manual is a little weak in that area.

Dave M

I dont know anything about the Garmins or Raymarines except they dont offer much under 1K. Id go with a Lowrance/ Eagle best bang for your buck! I have a LCX-19C its about 1800.00$ but its a damn good FF. Im not used to the chartplotter part yet... Its a little hard to go thru the menus. Still best value though.

Keysbound

;? Garmin has quite a few options for under a grand. You can get the 188C I believe for right at about 1000. If you don't want color, you can get a little bigger screen for under $1000 (like the 238).

blooney

I have the Garmin 188c combo unit and like it on my Triton 2286 WA.

cheers!

Mrossfly

I had a Garmin 188 on my Parker 18 cc which I was happy with. There is a new unit by Garmin (178) which will retail under 1K. Its a color unit with a faster processor and more pixils than the 188. Garmin plans to start shipping the 178 next month at which time I plan to buy for my new Parker 21SE

Good luck

150Sport

I plan on a 178C also, with internal antenna and dual-frequency transducer. With 128MB memory card, USB programmer, and BlueChart CD, it prices out under $1000 at several vendors.