Seeking opinions on Lowrance iFinder H2Oc GPS

[Jeff P.]

I am seriously considering buying one of these units.  I am looking at the color screen model.  I want to use it mainly for marking hot spots on my lakes, as well as mapping and navigating.  I want a portable GPS so that I can also take it with me if I go hiking, and also to use in the truck when I go on a trip.

Does anyone have one of these, and how do you feel it is suited for the above purposes?  Is there a different handheld GPS that you would recommend over this one?  Any other tips or info is greatly appreciated.

[Hot Rod]

I don't have that particular GPS, though I too have been looking at that model for the same reason as you.

I have a Cheap eTrex and use it for navigation while on big water and for marking structure and fishing spots.  It works well for that.  Like if you are fishing a hump, creek channel, drop off, etc. out in the middle of the lake you can mark the edges of it on the GPS while you idle around watcing your depth finder then go back and fish it.  It is so much easier to stay positioned on open water structure with the GPS for me than with the sonar alone.

The downside is that mine does not have the back ground map.  It also is a pain sometimes because it is not mounted it can slide around (I lay it right next to my fish finder when I'm fishing from the bow).  Been thinking of bying one of those suction cup mounts in BP to remedy that though.

[Long Mike]

I have the non-color H2O and absolutely love it.  I didn't buy the color version because it costs a hundred bucks more and I wanted to buy the "Lakes" chip, which also costs a hundred bucks more - and worth every penny.  The H2O is great for navigating on the water, but is pretty much useless for land navigation, especially when compared to the models that tell you to "turn right at the next corner"

I have never owned a GPS unit before, so I have nothing to compare it with, but, like I said, I love it.  FYI, I also bought a software package called MapCreate (another hundred bucks).  It allows you to up-load the "Lakes" chip to your computer and see detail you never thought possible.  You gotta have it if you are fishing lakes supported by the chip.  One odd thing.  You also need to have a topo map of the lake, such as those available from BPS.  For some strange reason, the chip may show information that the map doesn't, and vice versa.  For example, my BPS map of Lake Fork, TX shows pipelines and submerged roads.  The chip shows none.  On another lake,  the chip shows much more detail than the map does.  Go figure.  

[Wayne P.]

I have the H2O non color unit. I use it with the Navionics HotMaps Premium software and also the free download maps at the Lowrance site (has a good one of Lake Fork). I also use it a little for on-road navigation using the built in map. From my research, it is easier to use than other brands of handhelds. The main concern should be if the lakes you want are available with any software version.