2016 Garmin Package

[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

[thehermit]

I just purchased an echomap chirp 74sv. Can't wait to let you all know how it works. Should be soon.

[Vezo, Part II]

Thank you Hermit! May I contact you the next time I'm headed to So. Wellfleet?

Vezo, Part II

[thehermit]

sure....I should be an expert by then :P

[Vezo, Part II]

Moose, got a response from BOE, old member here, yachtjim.

1 Lowrance Evinrude Engine Interface Cable-Red. $. 99.95
1 Lowrance Network Starter Kit $. 69.95
1 Garmin Chirp 94sv. $.1049.99
1 Garmin GT52hw-TM. $. 249.99

Or Garmin GT51M-TM. 12 point $. 489.99

1469.88 or
1959.87

The GT52 does not mention temp. Any thoughts?
Buddy getting me prices, comparing 7608 xsv touch also.

[gofastsandman]

Originally Posted by kmoose

Mike,
The Garmin 94 SV Chirp is an exceptional unit that I was allowed to test for Garmin before it was released. It's a 9" unit that does has everything including the engine monitoring features you want as well as traditional chirp, downvu and sidescan. I have tested all of the transom mount ducers and have not had one issue with weed loading in the worst conditions as Garmin radically changed design over the Airmar transom mounts. Garmin also offers a good in hull, liquid filled ducer but you loose sidescan with that and that is what really helps finding new bottom. This set up would be well within your budget and give you all that you want in bottom finding and awesome plotter functions. Installation is a breeze and I would be more than happy to help you do it right at my house. I have water near by so testing is not an issue.

My brother just got this on Moose`s rec and loves it. Makes my Runo 1650 look like a dinosaur.

[Terry England]

Originally Posted by gofastsandman

Makes my Runo 1650 look like a dinosaur.

Maybe the "Runo" screen sees the same thing when it looks back at the helm. - OLD! It could be a Kelvan Hughes 8" paper machine! You can have stuff on board that lights up like a Chrismas tree with all the bells and whistles but at the end of the day you gotta' ask - what's in the fish box?