Stand Alone GPS vs. Combination GPS/ Fish Finder

[zinger_79]

Are there opinions about a combination GPS/Fish Finder such as the Lowrance LMS-240 versus installing a depthfinder and a GPS individually? Other than taking up less space, what are the pros and cons of the combos?

[TBO/MN]

I live in Minnesota, and we have two seasons: winter, and road construction. During the winter I fish many very large lakes and need a GPS, same during road construction. Having a single unit attatched to the boat leaves out winter, so I prefer the handheld GPS unit. I have a RAM mount on the boat, and one on the snowmobile, thus the unit is interchangeable. I figure a GPS unit works seperate from the depth finder anyway, why not be able to use them in seperate situations. IMHO

Good Fishin'
TBO/MN

[RANGER]

I agree with TBO/MN, mine are separate as well. My GPS is also handheld (for uses other than boat) and on a RAM mount. And they have stayed separate this past weekend despite the fact that I just bought a new SONAR unit and chose to get it stand alone w/o GPS. My reasoning is that if one or the other breaks and they are in the same housing - you loose both!

[Hawgeye]

I have a combo unit on my dash and have a stand alone sonar on the bow. I like having the combo unit since frequently i am not using it while jigging "spots" or working in areas that i don't need it like pulling cranks in flats or working weedlines. I then switch over to full sonar mode. I use split screen if I am trying to mark a pattern on the fish. Personally I like the combination unit. Works well for me and the handhelds are too small.

[eye1]

Personally I like the separate unit route.Generally the split screen on one unti will give you two smaller screens than you would get with two separate units with a full screen dedicated to each function, provided one isn't a hand held. Also if using the combo unit and it needs to go in for repair you are out both the GPS and the sonar.

My two cents

[zinger_79]

Thanks for the feedback. I have an entry level handheld and the screen is awfully small. I will be rigging a boat this spring and for a few dollars more can get a bigger screen GPS and sonar. I like the fact that I can get WAAS as well as being able to download on to computer. I also never thought about one of the units going down and consequently being out a GPS AND a sonar. That could be a problem.

Thanks again.