Garmin vs. Lawrance

[bullfroglabat]

Could I get some feedback on Lawrance chartplotters vs. garmin in the $700 to $1000 range? Also how about comparing the detail and usefulness on Lake Erie between Garmin Bluecharts and the Navionics chart for Lawrance. Any help is appreciated-I'm from Kentucky, but I'm addicted to Lake Erie.
Thanks-The Bullfrog

[bullfroglabat]

If someone could help with the message above I would really appreciate it. Thanks

[Badger]

I just bought the Garmin 232 w/the Blue Chart for Erie. Others on Board also recommended Garmin. I feel I go the best mapping (bottom contours) for Erie with the Blue Chart. Came down to Raytheon (C-Map) or Garmin. Check the archives.

[W'eyes Guy]

We will be running the Garmin 2006c chartplotter this year, with the BlueChart for Green Bay, and let me tell you, this unit almost eliminates the need for a depth finder. The contour display is simply amazing. We've used the navionics systems before, and they just don't compare. However, the Bluechart is limited to your "off-shore" and Great lakes applications and will not help on inland lakes. Although,the Lake Michigan Basin chip does include Lake Winnebago (not Butts des Morts,Winneconne, or Poygan) as well as all of Green Bay and Bays de Noc. I was thoroughly impressed with what this unit can do, and cant wait to get it on the water. We used the Garmin 215 last year, and thought that was the "cat's pajammas; but it ain't even the "slippers" any more. Good luck with your decision, hope I helped some.

#610

[bullfroglabat]

W'eyes guy
Thanks for the info. I am wondering how much detail for inland lakes (other than Erie) is on the garmin 182 without bluecharts, and what charting software other than bluecharts is available for lakes like Kentucky Lake or Lake Cumberland? Thanks in advance.

[W'eyes Guy]

bullfroglabat

Well' I haven't had a chance to play with the 182 much. However, asfar as I know,the downlaodable "Mapsource" and "Hot Spots" maps are your option to "Bluechart". These would be more lake specific. but are limited to the lakes available. alist can be found at www.garmin.com I belive it's under "downloads and updates" on side menu. I hope this helps some.

#610

[Mike Michalak]

BFL...

Any Garmin questions will be answered with a visit to...
http://www.garmin.com/cartography/mapSource/fhs.html

There are hundreds of inland, freshwater contour maps available on their MapSource software. The Erie data was very highly rated by pros using it for tournaments. Good luck on the water!