Abandoning Lowrance

[AceHigh]

I sent Lowrance an email a week ago requesting a return authorizarion to get my LCX-15mt fixed out of warranty and they still haven't replied.  This is a unit that still is still in their product line up that sells new for about $1,200.

I am used to getting fish finders fixed and back on my boat in far less time.  Is Lowrance going out of business, or is it that they just don't care about their customers?

The website says to allow two days, its now been seven.

I have already decided to switch to RayMarine or Furuno and right now I leaning to RayMarine.

[AceHigh]

You'll love this!  I called Lowrance's customer service number and after 15 minutes of phone mail hell and holding, I get this customer service rep named "Josh".  I told Josh the reason I was calling was to get a return authorization code and I had altready sent in an email a week ago trying to get a return authorization code but did not get any response and he said "Yeah, we're busy." and he hung up on me.

[texasbass1]

That is too bad. I have never had any trouble with Lowrance, once you get through the computer maze. I think I would write a good old letter to Josh's boss and drop it in the mail. With e-mail and computer menu's companies have forgotten how to provide customer service. But I would try that before I would go to RayMarine. JMO

[Sam]

I am planning to upgrade to a Lowrance next year but after hearing the horror stories I may get a Garmin.

Please let us know if your problems were finally handled in a professional and prompt manner.

Thanks.

[bassdocktor]

I've been having problems with them aswell. We bought a new boat this year and had a 332c put on the dash and the x51 on the bow. After using the boat 2 times the gps system could no longer lock onto to our position. We called customer service and waited quite a while until we finally talked to someone. He was helpful but unfortunately the gps receiver had to be replaced. This was done on the spot at the dealer.

Next we were caught in the rain. A few days later my dad woke up in the middle of the night and happened to look out in the garage and saw what looked like a strobe light. The unit was flashing on and off. As several people suggested we tried several ways of drying it out, none worked. We took it to the dealer who sent it out to Lowrance for us. We then waited three weeks for its return. we went back to the dealer for them to reinstall it only for them to find out the head unit on the gps was blown. Lowrance sent back a broken unit. The dealer then decided to simply put in a new unit for us. They too called Lowrance and were put on hold for a long time. However, I will say that D and R Sports in Michigan was extremely helpful with all of our problems.  

[ball_coach_1]

Let me add to the "Lowrance is poor" column.

I had my x125 installed March '04.  The temp gauge was out come March '05, after being on the water maybe 20 some times, and garage-kept.

I emailed twice, called and waited about five, and left two messages.  A MONTH later I get a call, 'sorry, were busy', and they sent me a transducer to see if that was the problem.  I still don't know, because they sent me the wrong piece.

Almost September, and the problem is STILL not resolved.

Do yourself a favor, do NOT buy a Lowrance unit.

Sad thing is, I would have not stated that up until the past year, but I have read the same stories as above about 50 times on other sites in the past month.  Business is NOT good at Lowrance these days.

[bassdocktor]

It's too bad that there are all of these problems because I know when my 332c is working it is a great unit.

[Gatorbassman]

I think that a link to this post needs to be sent to the CEO of Lowrance.

[scbassin]

I use Garmin products & they have great service. They will answer all you questions.

[Bass_junky]

Simply put, I will not purchase a Lowrance product again.  I am extremely unsatisified with the unit.  It locks up at wake speeds as well as on plane after 10 months.  After discussions with customer service, I have verified proper installation.  But by the time i double checked everything the warranty expired, now I am stuck with a 500 dollar temp probe.  What a deal...

[Grumpyless]

Have one of the first GPS Units they ever made! No Problems with it or the Depth finder.  I think this unit was made in 1999.  But I would let Lowrance know how you are communicating this information with us!!