GPS with lake eried maps built in

[coach76]

I am looking for Garmin or others Gps black and white screen, hand help or mount in boat. I fish mostly eastern basin of lake Erie. I like to get one with built in maps of this lake and if there is such a thing, also of sw fla inshore areas. I want antenna with it not add on. I also like to know what is needed to downloat info to my computer. I appreciate any tips or suggestions.

[rebs]

I fish eastern basin of lake erie and have a lcx-19 and use navionics chips, I tink theyy are better than the built in maps. my friend has a 28hd with built in maps. I still prefer navionics

[K Gonefishin]

I don't believe any manufacture has a black and white unit with built in maps, you'll have to go color and an HD (hard drive) unit from Lowrance like the 28HD, 38HD 113HD these have maps built in for the entire US. If you want black and white and need mapping for both SW FL and Erie you'll need a GPS unit that accepts mapping chips and buy two seperate chips that will cover both areas.

Rebs, my buddy has the 28HD I have the 38HD and my maps are completely different than his and IMO mine are better, not sure what the difference is but they are in fact different maps and even look different, the 38 has a blue backgroud the 28 on my buddy's boat has a white backround. I don't get it. :smokin:

[coach76]

Thanks to both of you for suggestions. I might just keep my handheld, works fine without maps.

[Gilligan]

I'll agree with Rebs. I have a Lowrance 111 and added a navionics chip. The navionics chip for the east basin is very accurate. Been using that chartering out of Barcelona. The built in map isn't bad but not near what you will see with the chip.

[coac7]

What price range are you talking and how much for each chip. I am seein an eagle 430 x for under $300 or a eagle 502 c for alittle over three. I woul need maps for ere, south carolina, and florida inshore west coast.

[SAMSAMASAM]

I have a Lowrance Marine/Auto combo GPS unit ... it is called the iway 600c that has excellent background maps of lake erie with depth charts. It has a 5 inch screen and I paid $250 new; it has been on closeout for quite some time and may be hard to find. For some reason car people did not like this model but it works great for me. It does require a power connection at all times and it is a fairly large unit compared to most handheld or auto units.

I also own a Magellen 2500 crossover (and bouth 2 for some of my friends) for $150 and they work great too; just put a marine chart card in it for $50 and you have a nice small portable unit for around $200. This unit does not seem to "track" quite as quickly as the Lowrance so if you are into precision still fishing at a chart location then you may be disappointed --- but it works great for general marine navigation, waypoints, etc....

[coach76]

I can fnd the lowrance 600c at a good price, will try to dig some more, thank you.

[walleyedmike]

I have a LCX 38HD, and it came pre-loaded with the Great Lakes and Coastal U.S. maps.

[bob oh]

Coach, take a look at Garmin, their Erie chips are great. If you really want a mono GPS you can get a discontinued mono with a 10" screen for less than $700. Color 10" for $715. Chip is $100 -150.

[rebs]

I don't believe any manufacture has a black and white unit with built in maps, you'll have to go color and an HD (hard drive) unit from Lowrance like the 28HD, 38HD 113HD these have maps built in for the entire US. If you want black and white and need mapping for both SW FL and Erie you'll need a GPS unit that accepts mapping chips and buy two seperate chips that will cover both areas.

Rebs, my buddy has the 28HD I have the 38HD and my maps are completely different than his and IMO mine are better, not sure what the difference is but they are in fact different maps and even look different, the 38 has a blue backgroud the 28 on my buddy's boat has a white backround. I don't get it. :smokin:

the 38hd is an upgrade from the 28hd so the maps are probably an update and better as well
the 38 is a very good unit, a few of my friends have it and love it

[coach76]

I only fish inshor both in Floida and Lake Erie, so I only want to spend about $350 and cost of map chip. I looked for the dual machines and couldnt find any good prices, the 600c and 2500. I would appreicate any suggestions. Will keep looking at ebay and other places. I dont need for Christmas so will buy after.

[rebs]

what you may want is an older black and white unit that takes navionics map chips, such as lowrance LMS-240 to stay in your bidget and get what you want
just a thought, only you know what will make you happy

[coach76]

I looked up your suggestion, what is unit thati is just gps, dont need both at this time.