Handheld GPS Question?

[eyedabassman]

This Spring I will be guying a GPS. My question is, is there a handheld model that has lake maps that you can see your boat route on the lake map? :-[

[Wayne P.]

There are handhelds that have the capability of reading mapping software and have a plotting screen.

A couple of discontinued but still available models are Lowrance H2O and H2Oc.

I have the H2O and use the Navionics Hotmaps software and the Lowrance Hotspots software.

Garmin has units with mapping capability also.

[eyedabassman]

There are handhelds that have the capability of reading mapping software and have a plotting screen.

A couple of discontinued but still available models are Lowrance H2O and H2Oc.

I have the H2O and use the Navionics Hotmaps software and the Lowrance Hotspots software.

Garmin has units with mapping capability also.

Thanks for the info, how much will this cost me when all said and done?

[Wayne P.]

The Navionics Hotmaps Premium software is $149 per region.

Do a Google search for the handhelds to find the best price. Just enter the brand and model number.

[burleytog]

http://www.lowrance.com/Products/Outdoors/iFINDER-H2O-C/

[eyedabassman]

This Spring I will be guying a GPS. My question is, is there a handheld model that has lake maps that you can see your boat route on the lake map? :-[

I am also looking for a easy to use gps. I don't want to have take a class to learn how to use it,if you know what I mean! I have been looking online at some and I think I am more confused. I am willing to spend about $ 300 and at the top end $400. :-?

[Wayne P.]

As with any electronic device, there is a learning curve. The Lowrance H2O was very easy for me to learn. If you are unfamiliar with GPS technology, the learning curve will be longer.

Each comes with a manual and you can do some research of a particular Lowrance model by going to their website and read/download the manual.

Here is the H2O manual:

http://www.lowrance.com/upload/Lowrance/Documents/Manuals/ifinderH2O_0148-461_05-21-04.pdf

You can get whatever unit and ask for assistance from owners on this site if you have any difficulities.

If you can afford the H2Oc, that would be my recommendation. It has a color screen and higher resolution screen than the H2O.

Maybe your biggest concern should be whether or not there is electronic software of the bodies of water you want mapping for.

You can check the Lowrance Hotspots software, and Navionics Hotmaps software sites for coverage.

Garmin is preferred by some due to particular bodies of water they cover or do better than the other two.

[eyedabassman]

Thanks for the help. I will have to do some home work. :-?

[BUCKEYEone]

I would also add that you should read as many online reviews for the product as possible.  Look at websites like amazon as well as retailers of the product.  You can get a better feel for the product than what the manufacturer says is great about their product.

[bmadd]

I will also give a recommendation for the Lowrance H2O. Good unit that is easy to get accustomed to.

[eyedabassman]

I will also give a recommendation for the Lowrance H2O. Good unit that is easy to get accustomed to.

I think someone said that the the H2O will not be made any more?

[eyedabassman]

I did talk to someone at Bass Pro who did know alot about GPS. He told me to get the H2Oc and that the replacement is not as good as the H2Oc. And that the new one would not take the software like the H2Oc. SO you guys and him help me make my mind up on the H2Oc. Now I just have to find one cheap!

[Wayne P.]

Most of the iFinder series are still available somewhere. Just do a web search for the Lowrance H20 or H2Oc and you should find plenty of suppliers. Usually dealers that market on E-Bay will have some.

Here are some on E-Bay:

http://shop.ebay.com/items/lowrance+ifinder+h2o+c?_dmd=2&_cpr=249&rvr_id=&crlp=27144657512_229191_229234&UA=WVI7&GUID=8f322c2a1250a0aad4836873fc1c8e5f&OVRAW=Lowrance+iFINDER+H2O+C&MT_ID=4&OVMTC=standard&OVADID=27144657512&OVKEY=lowrance+ifinder+h2o+c&keyword=lowrance+ifinder+h2o+c&OVKWID=244743242012&ff4=229191_229234