2016 Garmin Package

[kmoose]

Here are some real screen shots from my boat during testing.

[kmoose]

More

[kmoose]

Plotter

[kmoose]

Moree

[RUSTYNTABATHA]

Cabelas website has a garmin in their bargain bin currently for half price ...

[kmoose]

Originally Posted by RUSTYNTABATHA

Cabelas website has a garmin in their bargain bin currently for half price ...

That's the 73 SV non chirp and was a first generation of the SV models prior to Garmin adding chirp to the SV line. It's still a great unit but it's lacking chirp and other good features such as offshore maps. It has lake vu maps included but by the time you spend the money on a map chip for saltwater you still have a non-chirp unit and I don't think it does engine data. Another feature the 94 SV Chirp has is screen shot captures and real time bottom contour mapping. Yep, you can now build your own private detailed bottom mapping as you go. The 94 SV Chirp also has a very cool quick release mounting option that keeps you from having to disconnect the power and transducer cords. I wasn't sure if I was going to like it at first but I grew rather fond of it after dealing with the cables on my 7610 xsv. You also have to consider screen size. the 9" screen is a huge jump over the 7".

[Vezo, Part II]

Thank you so much for the info and feedback. I am not a tech guy by any means, but I can navigate my iPhone when I need something and someone shows me once or twice. (Read: Firefighter). I REALLY like the idea of engine monitoring without requiring a gauge, I mean if I lost the GPS, wouldn't I more than likely lose the gauge, as well. Of course I'll always have a compass as a back up, but I'd sure like to put the money in the unit and just keep the analogue tach.

I find Garmin kind of user friendly, however, after becoming comfortable with the 545s and its limited abilities, my ignorance steered me away from CHIRP, Sidescan and Naked vision (?). Now maybe I should spend some time checking out some friends rigs. I was sold on the newer 7407 xsv or whatever because we used one out of HB two years ago. 7 inch touchscreen I guess was the attraction. However I do not want to spend cash on two year old technology. Keeping an open mind. Thank you!!!

[Vezo, Part II]

Thanks Ken. I have researched the 94sv with transom ducer at $1299.00. I guess that this model has more to offer than the 7 or 8 inch series which include a touch screen? I really liked the touch screen but am familiar with the key pad of my last 545s. This would be the difference of the added features of CHIRP, sidevu and downvu which is not available with touchscreen? The value of the 9 inch screen seems priceless.

My 545, after nine years of thorough washing and little sea spray, the card door eventually stopped clicking shut, then causing the spring to rust and break. Has this been improved? Do you use the SD card? Reason I ask is, the area available to HB only goes as far south as Tampa, but of course over to NOLA!?! It's listed at $321.. And thank you for the offer of assisting with install!!!

Michael

[kmoose]

Mike,
You will be good with the mapping that is in the unit already. The only thing the mapping doesn't have is vision and that is worthless anyway. The card reader door is magnetic so you shouldn't have a problem and it takes a regular micro sd card for storing and transferring data. You can record the sonar, take screen shots and store the live bottom mapping as well.

To get touch screen you would have to take the next step up to the xsv series. They do it all but at a hefty price. Unless you absolutely have to have touch screen or need radar I would stay with the 94 SV Chirp. Give me a call when you get ready to order and I will see what I can do on finding the best price. The one you quoted was including the GT51 TM. That is a flagship ducer but the GT 52 is a very good, if not better a ducer than the 51 in the depths you will most likely spend most of your time. It's also shorter and may be a better fit allowing you to mount it at the bottom center of the hull where it works best. It's also less expensive than the 51 and would reduce the overall price of your package.

[Vezo, Part II]

Ok, I did not put together the xsv being the next level up. I do like the unit and it is what I had originally budgeted for. I was by my soon to be nephew in laws shop yesterday and saw the new style ducer. Big difference. Never thought of mounting it centered on transom. The one I saw was almost six inches long which may interfere with lower unit. I'm going to let him quote me for the unit, the GT2, and I'm not sure how much he knows about harness/adapter for connecting to the Etec. He is a Suzuki guy.

Needless to say, I will not be dragging the boat up here for the install. Hoping to be down this week until the 18th, and possibly back for Memorial Day. Received new SC title, registration and hull numbers in Hand!!!

Vezo, Part II