Garmin Fishfinder 240

[fishtrap3]

Looking for info on this locator (good or bad). Has anyone used this unit?
Thanks fishtrap3

[fishtrap3]

"bump"

[EricCO]

Had one and wish I hadn't. Starting losing bottom after about 20 hrs of operation. Good unit, but I think they need to work on the kinks a little. Went with an X-85 and couldn't be happier.

[mckoz]

Easy to operate - to many glitches etc. switched to an X75
Mike

[SLIPKNOT]

Garmin fishfinder 240's are junk! Lowrance locators are MUCH better. I would rather have a 160 pixel lowrance than a 240 pixel garmin any day.

SLIPKNOT

[Greg W]

What did you guys do with all these "bad" units?

I have a 160 and am very happy with it. Must be the only one that worked from the factory.

[Melonbob(ON)]

hmmm....funny, I haven't seemed to have any problems with my 240 either. I've used it in everything from 5' to about 250' and never had a glitch. Picks up my 1/8 oz jig in 30' of water easily. Also picks my my downrigger balls without a problem. I guess Greg and I are just very lucky people. Not only did we get finders that work well, we saved about 150 dollars by NOT buying the overhyped x-85....

[Bedford Bob]

I must have been holding my mouth right when I bought my 240.Works great.

[JimmerAB]

I'm wondering if maybe it was the salt I threw over my left shoulder as I walked into the store to buy mine...for some strange reason my 240 has worked flawlessly as well! No operational problems at all with great power, detail, and clarity. Some must wonder how any unit not made by Lowrance can actually operate, much less operate well...

With tongue firmly in cheek......

Jim

[fishtrap3]

Well Thanks for the replys. I think I should take a look at them, looks to be a few people with good results.
Thanks Guys
fishtrap3

[Melonbob(ON)]

I'm just writing a note to apologise for my last post. Came off as a little too rude for my taste. I have no beefs with the x-85, I've used it and it is a great fishfinder. Unfortunately, Lowrance has built such a good name for themselves, they've become GMC or Ford. Some people just believe there will never be anyone who can build a product that compares. I'm very happy with my 240, I feel it performs as well or better than the x-85 I used, at a much cheaper price. the complaints I've heard regarding the 240 center around two main topics. Losing bottom, and losing bottom at high speed. My boat does around 34MPH, which is nowhere near some of todays boats, but isn't slow. I've never lost bottom at top speed. I also live on a Canadian shield lake, which is pretty much rock. This will help in getting solid readings. I always like to try new products, and at about 275USD, I think I got a steal with the 240....Take care!!!

[REW]

I find the comments interesting about the 240.
I have traced the comments on this unit - from when they first came out. I do recall and the archives will show that - that nearly all of the first reviews on the unit - as far as actual on the water use - appeared to be negative --i.e. comments similar to what were listed above.

Howver, comments, in the last year or so - appear to indicate that all is fine with the unit.

I wonder if the folks that had problems with the units - could give the time frame - that they had their units.

Is it possible that some of the units had problems - documented, and received back for warrenty - and then had the folks put in some design changes - based on these returns - and now have a good reliable unit???

I am just wondering, because I haven't heard any "recent" negative posts on this unit.

Take care

REW

[mckoz]

REW - I still have the 240 as a bow mount - I purchased it 2 years ago. The first problem I had was the complete loss of power ( turned out to be a bad fuse holder, my boss had the same problem.)

Second problem was loss of bottom - no matter what position the transducer was in. Im on a second transducer on a second boat and have the same problem. I finally decided to use the Garmin as a bow mount with the transducer mounted to the trolling motor.

I then purchased the x75 for the console. Much better results, no loss of bottom. Now I have a new problem - when trying to use both units (transducers seperated by the length of the boat and seperate power supplies and FrQ's) The Garmin will go haywire with readings from 5 to 300' feet or more when I power on the X75. The only way to reset is to power off.

While I do like its ease of use and inexpensive price I am dissapointed by performance. In the long run it is going to be replaced by the X75 and the 75 replaced by ????

Hope this helps

Mike