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What is the best GPS under $1000.00? I have a Garmin 192 on BB that I love and I ve looked at the new model (492) that is nice, but just wondering if you guys know of one better thats cheaper?? I like having Bluewater and chartplotter on it and I dont want a handheld. I ve never owned anything but a Garmin so Im open for ideas. Also , I m looking into a Riptide 24V trolling motor. Anybody got any ideas on anything better?? Just asking for a little input.

I know I'm in the minoiry but I love my Lowrance. I've got the 28C HD model which is a GPS/FF combo, due to lack of room on my console, it has several details that make it nice such as a more detailed marker map, better contour lines and if it's good enough for planes then it's good enough for me.
My $0.02 anyway.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=150&pID=8060#" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I can tell you that I bought a MotorGuide TM and there is not a day that goes by that I wished I had bought a Minn Kota Riptide Pro w/ lift assist and 3X steering.

BayGator wrote: I can tell you that I bought a MotorGuide TM and there is not a day that goes by that I wished I had bought a Minn Kota Riptide Pro w/ lift assist and 3X steering.

Really? My Motor Guide has done a good job on my boat but I had it to do over again I would have gotten the remote version instead of the hand control. I'm kicking myself over that one.

BB - once you go Garmin you never go back...or if you do, you're disappointed. I picked up a 176C on ebay for 100 bux and it's all that and a bag of chips. was about to buy the brand new 1006 for 700 which was a steal, but to get it to do most of the stuff mine can't do required another couple grand in add-ons.

RC I think the only reason you're in the minority there is that the Lowrance sonars get some pretty horrible reviews from a lot of people in the know. It ain't the GPS.

Sorry Mook, but I will have to disagree with you there. I have had Garmin and Lowrance, and the Lowrance is by far a better depth finder. The GPS functions are fine with both, but I like the Lowrance if you are going with a dual unit.

The issues with Lowrance was their 50khz sounder and the lack of depth penetration. I never use 50, just 200 because I am never in 500 ft of water.....

I have a 7" color screen LX18C (same as Eagle Seachamp 1000C)and Nauticpath chip that gives me the ENTIRE US marine charts for 99 bucks.

My vote is also for Lowrance.

One other thing I love about the Lowrance is the chart record feature. You can turn it on while trolling, and then at home run the bottom playback on your PC. I have found several good ledges that way....

Here is an actual screen shot of it on the PC. See anything interesting? That was recorded while traveling at about 15 knots. Of course, I removed the cordinates that were there.



Dubble

Wait a minute fellas, he doesn't have the boat to put them on yet.

Barhopr wrote:Wait a minute fellas, he doesn't have the boat to put them on yet.

He's got the duck boat.

If you can afford it, nothing out there even comes close to the Humminbird Side imaging. People with this technology simply catch more fish than people without it.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOy5ml2GhiQ" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Side view is not too helpful when you are fishing 2 feet of water.

Barhopr wrote:Wait a minute fellas, he doesn't have the boat to put them on yet.

Soon, my impatient son, soon!!!

Jumptrout51 wrote:Side view is not too helpful when you are fishing 2 feet of water.

True, and neither is regular sonar at that depth....

I will have to admit, the side imaging is kind of interesting. I would love to try it out out in grouper waters....


Dubble

Side imaging will allow you to see 50' of bottom in 2' of water. It would allow you to see the red fish on the shoreline 30' from the boat just by cruising by. I think shallow water is where the side imaging is ultimately effective. I wish I had it.

MrGreenJeans wrote:Side imaging will allow you to see 50' of bottom in 2' of water. It would allow you to see the red fish on the shoreline 30' from the boat just by cruising by. I think shallow water is where the side imaging is ultimately effective. I wish I had it.

I would have to see it to believe it. The only side imaging shots I have seen were in 20 to 30 feet of water. I have not seen anywhere Humminbird doing 2 feet of water....I just do not think it will work that shallow.

Dubble

I've played with side imaging but don't own it. You need a little depth to start getting effective readings off the side. I'd say about 8-10 feet. It is very cool though.