Northstar electronics sonar?

bigeasy1 · #1 03-21-2007, 01:14 PM

Anyone know anything about Northstar fishfinders or gps chartplotters.I know that they were found on many commercial vessels and had a good reputation.
I'm now seeing them advertised in the big catalogs,like boaters world etc.It seems like they may be getting into the high end recreational market.

I was looking at their 467 color sonar,it's 600 watts,and seems pretty interesting.I thought it might be a good unit for my Tsunami rebuild.
If anyone has any experience or knowledge with the Northstar line i'd appreciate any comments.
Thanks all

Tarpun · #2 03-21-2007, 10:23 PM

I believe they were bought out by Nav-Man. They used to be a high end loran manufacturer. I suspect they were bought for their name.

spareparts · #3 03-21-2007, 11:37 PM

North Star and Navman were both purchased by Brunswick a couple of years ago, last I heard, they were both up for sale, and NorthStar's aviation division was being separated. The big time fisherman used to love NorthStar, but they've turned their nose up towards them lately, Furono and Sitex, can't say from personal experiance, theyall seem to work pretty good

SECF3114M73J · #4 03-22-2007, 12:09 PM

I have a Northstar 951X DGPS chart plotter, great machine. I've had it for about 8 years. I saw Northstar electronics in one of the catalogs, maybe Defender Industries. They still have equipment on the market but I don't know about the quality of the new units.

bigeasy1 · #5 03-22-2007, 12:51 PM

Yeah,they're in the new Boaters World catalog,and i thought they were nice,but if spareparts is right,and they're up for sale,i think i'll hold off a while.

I always ran Lowrance units,but got fed up with their customer service,and some quality issues,so i switched over to Garmin,They have performed perfectly for me,and i couldn't be happier.
I would like a sonar with a bit more power however.Maybe Furuno or Raymarine instead of the Northstar.
Any recommendations?

gbf03 · #6 03-22-2007, 12:56 PM

I have a 952 chartplotter and I couldnt be happier. With electronics I believe you get what you pay for.

ScottM · #7 03-22-2007, 01:27 PM

John123,
You can't go wrong with Furuno, but if you do a lot of shallow water (<10 feet) fishing, their machines don't read real well. Then again, if you fish that shallow you can probably see the fish!

bigeasy1 · #8 03-22-2007, 03:30 PM

Thanks all,i was leaning toward the Furuno,but the Northstar looked very good,and a little less money.

My fishing is always in deep water.It's all great lakes fishing,and for a good part of the year, we're in 300 to 500 feet.
Price is a little bit of an issue,but naturally so is performance.I figure i can spend around $1,200 to $1,500 for the sonar and Gps.

I'll be selling my other boat with the electronics,so i'll have to go new on the Tsunami.I was thinking about the FCV620 Furuno sonar,and the 492 Garmin gps.
I also thought about a combo unit,but don't like the fact that if one go's,your without both during the service work.

finestkind · #9 03-22-2007, 09:42 PM

I also would love the furuno!! But I must say I do love my Raymarine A Series DS500X Digital Fishfinder!! Which runs $549.99 and a Garmin Gps which will run you around $600 which will put you right on the money (money wise) for what your looking for!!! I've had no problem with the Raymarine, and it's not a huge unit sitting on my boat so I don't look like some goon with the biggest setup just cause..... it does the job and the garmin gps with my area's chip in it get's me home when the fog rolls thru!!!! Good luck shoping !!!! Oh and when i was buying my electronics check e-bay i was able to buy from liquidators and got a $100 bucks off the gps. brand new in the box!!! and 75 bucks off my chip brand new in the box!!!! Happy Shopping!!!!