GPS fishfinder combo???

[branhamautomotive]

looking to get a gps fishfinder combo. i need one that has a tranducer that mounts inside the boat and sends the sonar through the haul. I dont need the most detailed unit out there, just need something to safetly get me there and back, and be able to store the common fishing spots and marinas, and be able to be seen well at night. i dont want to spend a ton of money but dont want to be cheap either. I dont have a ton of space on my dash either so size is somewhat needed to be in the facture too. I know lots of ppl have used many models just wonder what some ppl might sujest me to look for as needed option or actual unit they use or have used that fits what i am looking for.

[LOWE LIFE]

I have a Lowrance HDS5... It's a great combo.It does everything the average fisherman needs and the some.. I went out in the thick Fog a few weeks ago and literly drove my boat by the GPS...It's a great unit for around $550.. I took it to Bass Pro and got the update and the sales ppl showed me how to use it to the fullest potential..I love it and could not imagine not haveing it on my boat..Just my 2 cents..
LOWE LIFE

[gregnwtf]

I have the HDS series but something new last year from Lowrance is the Elite series. Go to Cabelas and check out all the units on display. Most of them are on to check out the ease of use of the features. They can help you get everything you need for the thru hull.

[Sleets]

I have lowrance and humminbird both on my boat. each are equally great gps and fish finders. i have 798 side imaging humminbird and love it. check to see what maps are pre loaded with each unit you look at and see if they are sd card compatible. also i like humminbird little better do to ease of removing the head unit for storage. push button and it pulls right off. lowrance you have to unsrcew 3 wires on my unit and unscrew wingnuts from mounting bracket. both are great units for the money.

[skipper9]

I use the Hds10 with insight with the b260 transducer, I also use the furuno 585 with the b260 transducer but it is just a fishfinder. The hds with the b260 is a great combo. its a little costly but wow it is incredable. Dont buy the hds series without the insight maps built in the navonics chip is not as detailed as the insight. trust me. it must have insight maps built in. you will not regreat it.

[ReelTime]

First off what's your budget? Need to know that before making a recomendation.
Like said above Lowrance offers a more affordable line in their Elite series. The Elite 4 is around $300.00 but the screen is really small. The Elite 5 is around $550.00 and gives you a bigger screen. If you move up to the HDS series you are gonna be in the $700.00 range for a fishfinder/chartplotter combo. Again, need to know your budget.

Another option and what I myself like to do is shop around on Ebay/Craigslist and the used market for a good used deal. Alot of good deals out there from guys who upgrade and sell their old units. Example, I just sold a Lowrance LCX-27HD 7" combo unit for $400.00.

As for the shoot thru transducer, you will spend as much $$ on a good transducer as you will the entire unit. You can epoxy a regular transom mount transducer in your hull but you're not gonna have a very good signal. A good shoot thru ducer like the Airmar M260 transducer will cost you around $600.00. What is the reason that you can't use a transom mount transducer?

Myself I am currently running seperate fishfinder and chartplotter. I run the Lowrance HDS7M chartplotter and a Furuno FCV-585 fish finder. I find that running seperate units gives me more options and better viewing capabilities.