New 2007 Electronic's

billfisher · #1 02-14-2007, 05:18 PM

I hate to throw this out there, but I think it's the best way to get honest feedback on different manufacturers and their equipment, by talking to people that use them, not salesman. So, I'm looking for any information, (good or bad) on combination units that will do it all, Fishfinding, Chartplotting, Radar, Weather, Music, all in a 10 or 12 inch screen??? Am I asking for to much? So many to choose from, and to try to understand all the features, Geeeeeeeeze? Ease of use and reliability are my main concern, more so than a low price. I don't mind paying for quality, just hate paying for it and not getting it. Hopefully someone here may have some good hands-on knowledge for the new Garmin products as they look pretty impressive on their website. Any electronic's GURU'S wanna chime in here, feel free!
Thanks, Lou

Old'sCool · #2 02-15-2007, 07:01 AM

I just went with Garmin 2210 and Furuno 585 w/B-60 bronze thru-hull. Not '07 stuff but, I'm VERY pleased. I've never been a fan of combo units. Jim (BOE Marine) on this site has great pricing.

kwluis · #3 02-27-2007, 03:16 PM

On my 23 I have a Raymarine C80 combo that I purchased from Jim (BOE) from this forum. The unit has been pretty good and very easy to use. I just have problems every once in a while with the depthfinder losing signal...which I am told is a DSM 300 problem.

We just got the Furuno Navnet 2 system for our 34. We got the 10in and 7 inch displays with all systems.

I like both the Ray and Furuno...just make sure you get a good screen protector.

My buddy loves his Garmin and it has all of the weather and XM stuff, but I personally don't care for the fish finder.

Have you had a chance to play around with any of them at all? Are you leaning towards a particular make?

joseeli8797 · #4 03-14-2007, 12:20 AM

Take a look at the new Lowrance LCX- 113C HD at tigergps.com thats going to be my b-day gift. happy shopping.

Fishjack · #5 03-15-2007, 05:02 PM

I just "pre-ordered" one of the new Garmin GPSMAP 545 units. Really impressive units especially when you upgrade with the new Bluechart G2 Vision.

FWIW here is a link to the new Garmin stuff -

Garmin 2007

Expected delivery is April 4th. (No ETA on the G2 Vision cards yet)

I went with this smaller stand-alone unit because I recently (last year) bought a new Furuno 1715 Radar (lost my old one in Katrina) and have a good Furuno color sounder.

For me the jury is still out on the all in one units. I guess if I were buying all new (new Radar, GPS, Plotter, and Sounder) I would probably go with a single display.

Here is how I justify keeping my $$$ and my standalone units-

- If the "all in one" unit goes out then you have nothing (unlikely but possible so always carry a handheld GPS as a backup)

- When you try to view the radar, plotter and sounder simultaneously the screen size for each (Even on a 12" display) is small. Granted on most newer units you can overlay the radar onto the chart which helps..

- AND Some people (me included) prefer GPSs made by Garmin and sounders and radars made by Furuno etc. etc.

Anyway hope some of this helps and will let you know when I get my new Garmin installed..

FELLOW-SHIP · #6 03-16-2007, 10:32 AM

Ha Freejack

I am with you on your thinking. I too love Garmin on their GPS and Furuno on their finders. But as time goes on they All are starting to look and work pretty good I have been curious about Garmin and their 1000 watt sounders. I might have to re think everything again the next time one of my units breaks.

FellowShip

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