What is the biggest baddest sonar unit out there???

[Mike]

I am going to be getting a new boat next spring and I am looking for the best sonar unit I can find. While I do have a limit, I am willing to spend a little cash to get the right unit. I have a Magellan 6500 gps mapping unit with c-map nt and that goes with me to the new boat, so all I need is a sonar. What kind of fishfinders do charter boats use??

Looking for some advice.

Thanks much

Mike

[Dunn]

In my opinion the best Sonar/GPS/Mapping Unit out there is the new Lowrance series of graphs. I have neen very impressed with my X-15MT.

It's a bit of change to throw into a unit, but it's well worth it. With the ability to use a variety of Navionics Charts right on the graph, view a seperate map for other use that includes roadways and land marks, and have a sonar that sits in some of the best company in the fishing industry, I can't say you would go wrong getting one.
-----------------
Marshall J. Dunn
OffShore Release
Bluewater Research, Inc.
N.P.A.A. # 701

[KP]

I use the Interphase Advantage, dual frequency, high power sonar. It has a built in chartplotter, not GPS receiver, designed to interface with a GPS unit to provide additional fish finding flexability on user selectable split screen display. The transducer has a paddlewheel on it for speed, distance and temperature readings.

Interphase also has the Probe, Scout, and Twin Scope which are forward and bottom scanning sonars with the capability to show targets your approaching and follow them under the boat.

Know more for commercial and off shore applications, I've been using their sonars for recreational inland fishing since 1987 with a brief poor experience with Bottom Line in between.

Check out their website http://www.interphase-tech.com and make sure you look at their direct deals on factory refurbished units. That's what I bought 3 years ago. They also have some kind of rebate program for new units.

[Stizo]

Hands down, the Raymarine 760. This is an awesome unit. If you have a West Marine near, go "play" with one. I don't think anyone will argue with its quality and features.

[Denied]

LAST EDITED ON Jul-24-01 AT 12:23PM (CST)[p]Stizo; I've been looking at the 760 and have a few questions. If you would not mind give me an e-mail at cliftond@infinet.com

Dean

Fishing Western Lake Erie aboard "DENIED"
web page; http://www.cliftond.com

[JMC]

Mike, I have had a Raytheon (now RayMarine) L470 for 3yrs. I does everything I need and more to fish Lake Erie. For features, ability, size, & price I could find nothing better, it's similar to the L750 but in a smaller, cheaper size. I would suggest you look into this model.

[Rip Lips]

Dont over look Pinpoint,just love the stuff.

[curt quesnell]

if it is sonar you need and you want the best...
genetron....genetron....genetron.....

unless you are in the navy...this is the best you
can get.

i run lowrance stuff and it is good and comparable
to other stuff dollar for dollar. but the instant
i am ready to invest what the best costs..it'll be
genetron.

the biggest, the baddest, the most expensive...

genetron...

(and no i dont sell or work for genetron.)

curt (the huckster) quesnell

[Tom/ND]

I agree with Curt- I've owned a Genetron for about 6 years, and they are great. I understand the newer units are improved (and more $), but I'll keep mine as long as I can.

[JohnF]

I don't know what the "baddest" is; But, I did have the opportunity to fish with a couple of PWT pros using the genetron unit.

I have a Lawrance X85 and feel it does a very good job. The detail shown with genetron was simply unreal. There are some technical reasons that the genetron can show this data better. It is a CRT and as such has (more or less) an infinite number of gray values to use when showing sonar returns. Most LCD systems have 2 or 3 different gray values to play with.

My first encounter with the genetron was during a period of trolling crankbaits across a flat. You can see the fish in the bait clouds. I don't mean that you will see an arch to the side or below the bait cloud, but that you will see the arches IN the bait cloud. Plain as you can see your hand. The subtle difference of bottom changes is simple to see. Fish on the bottom are definite. A genetron will show you what my X85 cannot.

It is a CRT and therefor it consumes a great deal more space than most of the others.

Of the LCD systems that I have seen the new Lawrance X15 and the pinpoint systems all give me the performance I need.

You need to also consider the none sonar features of the system you are considering. This choice is best left to you, and to make it you will need to play with a few.

John

[sublux]

where is genetron found? I tried a dogpile search and nothing in sonar came up...

[sublux]

where is genetron found? I tried a dogpile search and nothing in sonar came up...

[curt quesnell]

i will try to dig it out for you. might take a couple of days
, cant find anything since i moved offices.

little help from fargo area anglers or pros who use em?

curt quesnell

[TERRY ROD]

Genetron is absolutely the best. You can contact Genetron Technologies at 701-298-0900 and speak with Dick Knutson.