GPS / Fish finder recommendations

[big_slab]

I am getting tired of my plain-old Humminbird 300, and thinking about stepping things up a bit with a GPS unit. I don't think I need anything too fancy with color or anything, just something that is easy to use, has detailed maps, and has a sonar to show me the structure and fish. Any reccomendations for someone new to that market?

[madddogg]

Big_Slab,

I have a Lowrance 334ic unit. It is a very nice unit. It is the same as the 332c only the 334 has an internal antennae. I heard a lot of negatives about the internal units not locking on or dropping sattelites. I have not had any issues in that regard. When it came down to it I just didn't want to cut a hole in my new boat.

The maps that come with these units do not have the depth contours for the lakes so you can expect to buy a map cartridge for the unit if you want the details. I was able to get some maps for my area so I haven't invested in a cartridge yet. The GPS is pretty accurate but not perfect. I like being able to download my trails and waypoint to the cartridge and then load it on my pc and go back over several trips and plan my next trip.

One downside is the documentation for the unit. The book is very thick and unless you like reading manuals well you know. I had my unit for several months and went to a seminar where a Lowrance rep was demoing units, I learned several yhings about my uit that day that frankly I don't think I could have found in the book. On the plus side they have emulators for all their units that you can download to your pc ans try them out before you buy.

Good luck.

[HPBB]

I have the Humminbrd 787C and a matrix87c they are about the same unit. They are great. I bought the matrix first loved it and the next year wanted to buy  a nother for the bow. well humminbird changed the models and I got the 787c.  they both have the same functions. the 787 has a few little other features. about the only difference is the name and the shape of the unit itself.I had a 300 like yours and these two units are miles above that old 300. I did like the 332c, but what made my decision was with going with a nother humminbird unit, I didn't have to change much. Mount still the same, power cord and a few other things.

Jim

[lovecranking]

I agree with maddogg, I have the same unit and it's been great. I did get suggestions from others on this website to purchase a dvd titles: Your Lowrance Part 1 by Doc Bruce Samson. As maddogg said, the manual is a little confusing. This dvd was well worth the money and I was able to better understand the Lowrance and make the adjustments i wanted.

[sodaksker]

Last year I bought the 737 for the bow and the 767 with gps for the consul. I like them both but wish I had gotten the color on the 767 but, I really wish I had bought the 947c. They are costly but from the testimonials and things I have read about them, I believe they are well worth it.