My GPS tells me I’m in Zimbabwe…

[dkooser]

…yet Zimbabwe looks a lot like home so maybe its time to upgrade from my old handheld brick Garmin to something that will mount on the boat dash. I am looking to spend around $700.00 for a GPS/depth finder combo. Opinions/options?

[REW]

The one suggestion that I would make would be to install a garmin GPS unit that is NOT a combination depth finder.

Whenever you get two units combined into one - you have issues about what happens, when one gets obsolete, but not the other one. What happens, when there is an issue with maintenance on either the gps, or depth finder, but not the other. In either case; both units will be down.

Unless, you have a cuddy cabin, I would also suggest that you get a unit, with a self contained antenna. That way, the only thing that you need for the unit is a source of power. This means, that if you want to use your unit in your tow vehicle, you simply plug it into the 12 volt accessory panel, and you have the gps in your tow vehicle. Mount the unit on a ram mount, and if you use it in the tow vehicle, you can either mount another ram mount to the dash of your tow vehicle, or mount it on a surface/box etc. that may be moved from vehicle to vehicle.

Make sure that you get a unit, which has replacable memory. That way, you can add memory as required; or program a trip or lakes on one memory chip, and install a 2nd memory chip for other locations.

Take care
REW

[pwrfshn]

Kooser,

Give Matt a call at Thorne brothers.

Those guys are marine electronic experts not because they say they are, but because they use all the stuff they sell and understand it.

I like my combo unit, but that is because I use it primarily for the GPS features and as a backup to my Genetron.

The Garmin stuff seems to be more user friendly to me, but I am sure the Lowrance would become just as easy to use with some time.

Matt or Josh will be able to help you out for sure and they have awesome pricing.

I've got the 168 on my dash, but for that kind of money you can get more of a unit these days.

Good luck,

PS: I still have the last email you sent me about the CWA stuff and am working my way down to it.

[dkooser]

Thanks guys - I like REW's idea for the reason that I can use it in the truck too....hmmm....

[dkooser]

REW/Mex,
Thanks for the feedback. I called Thorne and will have my Garmin 176C tomorrow.
Dave