GPS Up Front by Trolling Motor

[Capt. Kerk]

I am looking to buy a GPS unit that I could mount up by the front trlling motor. I run my trolling motor a lot and it would be nice to have a GPS unit there. I do not want a handheld one as the screen is so small. I also want a reasonablly priced one as well(doesn't everyone). I already have a sonar unit mounted there. Any recommendations would be appreciated....I already have a X15 Lowrance back by the steering wheel, so it would be nice to use the GPS Module I already have if possible...

Thanks,

Bruce Kerkhoff

[REW]

Bruce,
I use the Garmin 162, and 172 units for the front and back of the boat respectivly. Both have self contained antennas, have a large screen, with the ability to load large memory chips.

They work very well and are available at a decent price.
You can often find the 162 on closeout, since it is a discontinued unit for about 150-200.

Take care
REW

[Rapaleye]

I second the Garmin vote and add the 272 unit. It is about $1-200 more but I really like the high def. color screen. I got mine at reeds for about $585. The 172 at reeds was only about $100 less.
Jim

[Rod Holder]

Before you make your decision to go with Garmin, be sure to check out what map charts are available for the area you fish. If a Navionics chart chip has more of the lakes you frequent, then you want to stay with a unit which can use Navionics chips. Last year I put a C-80 Raymarine in the front of my boat and got Premium hot maps Navionics chips, N & E. This unit is not inexpensive but the quality is unbelievable and I don't have to get close and squint to see the contour lines. I have a Ray L760 on the console which only uses C-maps (not too good for inland lakes!) but I was able to parallel the C-80 in on the Seatalk network to make use of the one GPS antenna. Might want to talk to the Lowrance folks to see if this can be done with their antennas. What I can say in regard to Garmin and lakes in Indiana is that they come up short compared to what is on the Navionics East hot map chip. Maybe for Minnesota or Wisconsin, it's another story, so I won't comment in regard to those areas. Good luck with your choice.

[Wade@JollyAnnMarine]

>I am looking to buy a GPS unit that I could mount up by the
>front trlling motor. I run my trolling motor a lot and it
>would be nice to have a GPS unit there. I do not want a
>handheld one as the screen is so small. I also want a
>reasonablly priced one as well(doesn't everyone). I already
>have a sonar unit mounted there. Any recommendations would be
>appreciated....I already have a X15 Lowrance back by the
>steering wheel, so it would be nice to use the GPS Module I
>already have if possible...
>
>Thanks,
>
>Bruce Kerkhoff

Bruce, All the Lowrance and Eagle stand-alone GPS units come with the GPS module in the package alreay so using your current X-15 module isn't going to be necessary. One thing you might keep in mind though is that it wouldn't be a bad idea to get a GPS unit that could use the LGC-12W antenna if needed (in the event of a malfunction). It's nice to have the ability to interchange parts. In that case, I would take a look at the Eagle Intellimap 500C. It's a nice little color unit with a very good price tag and it will run all the newest mapping option from Lowrance and Navionics. Shoot me an email if you have any questions.

Wade Kuehl - Jolly Ann Marine
Jolly Ann Marine can be found in the Walleye Central Business Directory under Electronics/GPS
www.walleyecentral.com/phpyellow/

[ebijack]

also if you buy another lowrance unit, you could easily transfer all your waypoints/icons between both units without having to do it on a puter.. just use a mmc card.

[jrl]

by the lowrance 3600 global map--built in antenna--you can use the same chips for your x-15-tranfer way points etc--power cord and you are ready to go I have the same set-up works great

[Capt. kerk]

Thanks for your replies guys!!! I got some good info!!! Have a good weekend!!

[grt1]

I agree with Wade, I got one from him last year and I love it.

[Wade@JollyAnnMarine]

The Lowrance suggestions are good too. The Eagle and Lowrance GPS functions are the same on these units. I was just thinking of the antenna issue as one factor to consider. Unfortunately the new Lowrance unit and the "old" Lowrance units take different parts.

Any of the above will work nicely.

Wade Kuehl - Jolly Ann Marine
Jolly Ann Marine can be found in the Walleye Central Business Directory under Electronics/GPS
www.walleyecentral.com/phpyellow/

[skeeter 1880]

Look for a used X-15, just the head unit only. You can tie the NMEA 0183 wires together between the 2 units and and this will let you use the existing GPS module. I have done this for my boat and for a few other people. It may save you some money instead of buying new. If you look around there are some of the X-15s on the market for a pretty decent price. Just a way to save a few dollars.

[Capt. Kerk]

Skeeter....found this on Ebay. Would this work????

http://cgi.ebay.com/lowrance-lcx-15mt-x-15-x15-depth-finder-fish-finder_W0QQitemZ7239673483QQcategoryZ29723QQssPage NameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[skeeter 1880]

That should work. Look in the manual and it will tell you which wires to hook up and how to program each unit. If you need help send me an e-mail mursch@nccray.com and I will dig out the sheet that I have that explains it in my own words.