If you guys were going out and going to buy a new "Combo" unit between $500-$1000 what would it be? Also, how do you guys like the mapping software that out there? Does it really work and show contour like you see in the pictures?
Thanks,
JignPig

Humminbird 787c2

I like the GPS screen/functions better than the rest. (no--I'm NOT sponsored by Humminbird!)

Steve Fellegy
651-270-3383

Humminbird 787c2

I like the GPS screen/functions better than the rest. (no--I'm NOT sponsored by Humminbird!)

Steve Fellegy
651-270-3383

I'm also leaning to a Humminbird purchase this winter ...but still have a eye out for any good non-lowrance replacements until that time...

I have an older 363 Humminbird combo unit right now and I am really impressed by it! I have been looking at the 787 and it looks like a great unit. I am debating saving my bucks a little longer and getting 900 series with a larger sceen for gps and sonar. Any thoughts? I think the features are about the same just a bigger unit/screen...???

I run two Lowrances on my boat. A 332, and 38. I like both of them, no complaints. BUT, I know a lot of people who are having trouble getting older units fixed. Seems that after Lowrance was sold, customer service is not a top priority. When it comes time to replace mine, I will seriously look else where's. Unless by that time Lowrance changes and gets back to taking care of the customer.

ffishman,
I think you would be pleasently surprised on Lowrance's Customer Service. Here is a link to a post from last month, and all issues were resolved at N/C to me. http://www.walleyecentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=147376

I like my Lowrance unit, as I utilize it for both soft and hard water, and wouldn't hesitate to buy another knowing the kind of customer service I received from the people at Navico. Tight Lines

I have to agree with Crooked Dave. I have found Lowrance customer service to be responsive and committed to making me happy with their products. I'll admit that has taken some work, both mine and theirs, but we got things fixed at no cost to me and I'm happy with the result.

I prefer to buy products that work correctly right out of the box, but what Lowrance customer service did for me is the next best thing.

Check out the Humminbird 787 series.
The 787 c2i Combo should do everything you want for around $600. It has a 5” color screen for sonar, GPS chartplotting and has an internal GPS antenna.

I picked up a 787c2i Combo NVB (Internal GPS and Navionics Gold and HotMaps Premium pre-loaded) last year and like it a lot. Worked perfectly out of the box and has never given me one problem. Internal GPS antenna works great (console mounted with small windshield). Menus are good, I was able to operate most of it before peeking at the manual.

The “NVB” option comes pre-loaded with hundreds of maps. I found the NVB option was a lot less expensive than buying the 3 individual Navionics maps that I would need. The pre-loaded maps are from 2006. Many maps have been upgraded to “High Definition” (more contour lines) since 2006 and more lakes have been added. In my case, the 2008 chips had the same lake and river maps that I fish as the pre-loaded 2006 maps (except one). You may want to make a list of the lakes you plan to fish in the next few years and compare. This is last year’s info, so my info may now be obsolete.

You also have a choice of transducers. I kept the standard Dualbeam plus (200&83kHz) transducer. Works flawlessly in shallow and great lakes depths.

And yes, the contour lines appear on the display just like you see in the pictures. However, the detail can vary from lake to lake. The best ‘High Definition” maps have 1’ contour lines, others may be at 3’ or 5’ or 10’’. Go to the Navionics dot com for more info.

Mr. Sauger,
Thanks for the info that is what I needed to know I have been leaning that way for quite sometime now and think that is the way I am going to go.
Thanks!

The Humminbird 787c2 units are now marked down significantly on clearance too. Not sure if the Nav bundle units are clearance though, if so, that is a deal worth looking into. They may be in short supply.

Took the plunge and baought one. Got a good deal found it at a Gandermtn for $549 down from $649!!! Got it out on the lake yesterdday and love it! Never fished with aanyone that had a color unit, well worth the price of admission!

The only bad thing is it finds the fish, but doesn't hook them too!!!

How do you guys with Humminbird units like to set the bottom display? I had it set on white line and structure ID, just wondering what you guys have seen to help out those bottom hugging eyes. The majority of the fish we saw were suspended, but did see a few bumps, spots right on the bottom that looked like they were fish.

Thanks to you that directed me to this unit, only got one day with it so far, but I am well satisfied!!!
Todd

The best bang under the $1000.00 is the 700 series Humminbirds.

New for 2009 is the NEW 788c,798cSI and 778c.
640x640
larger screen than old 700 series.
3 pre-set buttons
dual card slots

Plus the original features.
Swivel Quick Disconnect mounting system (This is the greatest for ease of removal or mounting.)
Plus the easy read in sunlight.
Menu is very easy to operate

Any questions please give me call.
George Feder
1-218-255-3535

George Feder