Gps portable or full size for boat

[steve dover]

I have handheld Lowrance GPS that I bought at the end of last summer but didn't use as I didn't realize how effective they can be until I fished several times with a friend who used his full size lowrance trolling for Walleye in the fall. I plan to use a GPS a lot now so my question is, is it worth the extra money to buy a full size GPS ?

[MLD]

Yes, MUCH easier to see the screen.

Mike

[Schnauzer]

I like hand helds better - especially if you get a mounting bracket in your boat. While you give up some screen size, you gain a lot of flexability. You can use it for other things plus you can enter your own GPS points from maps during the off season.

If you do get a hand held - make sure you get a mounting bracket and a cig lighter adapter or wire it so it can use the boat's battery to run. They tend to eat up their own AA bats pretty quickly.

[Chad]

You will need to determine if it is worth the extra money. I tend to use mine whenever I go out.

Maybe you want a full size at the helm and a handheld on the bow?

[1775prov]

Having used both I say go with the full size unit at your console. Try seeing that little handheld screen as your pounding thru big waves and I think that you'll agree. My .02

[JasonMN]

Look at Garmin's GPSMAP 176. It has the best of both worlds with a decent sized screen and the ability to run on batteries. It also is available in color.

[jerryr]

I'd agree with the others that the full size is the way to go mainly due to the larger screen. I started out with a Garmin GPSIII which I used for 3 years. I loved it, but if there was any chop to the water at all I had to almost stop the boat to see the screen. I now have a Lowrance Global Map 1600 and it's a lot nicer to use in the boat. It has an AC adapter so in the off season it's easy to set up in the house for playing with waypoints, etc. Both portables and full size have their advantages, but if you plan on using it a lot in your boat, a full size is the way to go. Good luck.

[skipjack]

i have a hand held mounted to my boat using a plug for it.now i only have a 17' fishawk and its a tiller,i fish inland lakes with no rough water to worry about.its mounted to my left so its easy to read.i luv its portability.like when u want to take ur boat to my lake i just bring it along or when u take me to ur lake,lol,or if hire a guide for say lake erie,u just put it in tackle box and let it run.
im sure if i was fishing lake erie all the time id have the larger unit.
later

[Sparky]

I have a handheld that does a good job. I agree with earlier posts that a full size is worth it as the weather gets rough. A long ride at night in rough water leaves you dreaming of a full sized screen. This usually happens on Lake Michigan when a King hits in the evening. You start fighting it in daylight and it's dark by the time you boat it. I still get a little surprised when the fish start hitting as you're pulling lines. Not that I'm complaining! A full sized unit will be my next electronic purchase. I'm just a little confused by all of the different mapping technologies. I don't fish canyons so, it'll probably have WAAS capability. Everything else is still up in the air. Hopefully the shows coming up will help.

[JCarp]

I've used both a portable and perm mount unit w/a separate fish finder and a combination gps/finder. I favor perm mount separate units.

Combo units are ok for open water trolling but switching back and forth between gps and sonar is less than perfect for contour trolling. The avail. windows options with my current combo unit (lms350) are less than ideal (max 1/4 screen for gps). I think some of the newer units have an even (50/50)split screen option that would be ok.

Port screens are kinda small for contour trolling. Accessory plug adapter is a must have. Look to RAM for a mount. If your buying a unit for fishing, it's my opinion that number of icons is more important than number of waypoints. I use icons to mark contours and fish caught. Waypoints can be used for the same purpose.

If you are always seated and pick the right mounting place you may be content w/port. If you have a bigger boat and move around, you'll appreciate a larger screen. Since you've seen a full size unit in action, try yours for a trip or 2 w/o a bracket and then decide. Good luck.

[mlc]

Steve, the determining factor for me is having enough space to mount a full size screen. My center console is already rather full so had to rule out the full size screen. I would prefer the full size screen.

I am now looking at the Garmin 176C. Its screen is a little larger than the typical handheld, but small enough to fit on my console, but it aint cheap.

Take care,
mlc

[ChuckD]

I have a Garmin GPS III (handheld) and I have a Ram mount in my boat, truck and snowmobile. All around great unit with mapping features. The screen is small, but it goes everywhere with me. Great for hunting too and avoiding getting lost in the woods. Weigh you needs and decide which is best for you.