AdamS Posted July 3, 2014 Report Share Posted July 3, 2014 Hey everyone, So I was away at a cottage this past weekend, took my 89 ranger boat out, fished for a bit, got lost on the water and ran out of gas lol (I laugh now because I survived)... Luckily I had a trolling motor and the lake wasn't too huge. This made me realize I need some form of gps on board. So, I'm just wondering people's thoughts on a good starter gps that would go on my dash. I'm not looking to spend a fortune on this but obviously I want it to be reliable. From what I understand most of the units out there these days are gps + fish finder or other things (which is fine) and it seems like most people have Lowrance or Humminbird (although which is better seems like a chevy vs. ford conversation). So my questions are: What do you recommend or use? Do both companies offer packages with everything you need or do you have to buy each piece separately? Do both allow you to link to another unit? eg.1 at the bow. How hard is it to install/setup? - I know how to use tools but have no experience when it comes to boats. Any help is appreciated Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lape0019 Posted July 3, 2014 Report Share Posted July 3, 2014 If you want to cheap offering, The lowrance Elite or the humminbird 5 series are what I would recomend. Anything smaller than a 5"screen can be challenging. If you want to link the two together, you will need to look at the 7 series birds or I belive any of the HDS units from Lowrance. Both fishfinders need to be of the same make though and other than sharing waypoints or transducers, there really isn't a point for what you seem to be describing. Installation isn't too bad. The intstructions are pretty easy to follow. Both my units are run through a fuse panel that runs directly to the battery. I did not tap into another power source as that can cause interference or shorting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdamS Posted July 3, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 3, 2014 Hey Lape, thanks for the reply. I agree with you and want to get at least a 5" screen. I'll look at the 7 series too to compare. I'm happy installation isn't too bad as I'd rather do it myself than pay someone else if possible. What units are you running? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillM Posted July 3, 2014 Report Share Posted July 3, 2014 I run a HB 898C HD SI in the rear and a HB 747C upfront off the Terrovas US2.. If I am out on a big lake (Nipigon for example) I'll also have my handheld GPS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sinker Posted July 4, 2014 Report Share Posted July 4, 2014 An entry level handheld would get you to shore every time. The elite 5 is a good unit for what you want it for. Im a lowrance guy through and through. S. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moxie Posted July 4, 2014 Report Share Posted July 4, 2014 In the meantime and if you have a smart phone why don't you purchase the navionics app? Just a thought. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shloim Posted July 4, 2014 Report Share Posted July 4, 2014 I purchased the navionics app last year and it has been the best 15 I've ever spent. Heavily drains battery power though but a cell phone is certainly handy out on the water. Used it several times and haven't got lost. Plus it's navionics so I can see all the contours and depths etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
porkpie Posted July 4, 2014 Report Share Posted July 4, 2014 (edited) I have owned both over the years. Humminbird used to be pretty much junk, but they have come a looooonnnng way! I currently run a bird 597 and it's a great unit, however it is no better than a lowrance unit of comparable features. I have recently operated a bird 587, an elite 7, elite 5 and an HDS7 unit, all on friends boats, and while bird and lowrance are different they all are pretty user friendly. I don't think you can go wrong! If you have the cash I'd get an elite 7 touch. That thing is awesome!!! But I'm guessing you want to keep the budget reasonable, so in my mind you can't go wrong with a bird 597 or a lowrance elite 5hds. Have fun shopping! Edited July 4, 2014 by porkpie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roy Posted July 4, 2014 Report Share Posted July 4, 2014 GPS units are almost indispensable on the water nowadays. I run Lowrance and I'm happy with their products. There's one thing that most folks no longer consider and that's GPS failure. As a reliable backup, get yourself a quality compass and if you don't already know, learn how to use it. It'll save your azz on land or sea. Just sayin'. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Posted July 4, 2014 Report Share Posted July 4, 2014 What Roy says. He uses Lowrance I use Humminbird, personal preference, Chevy vs Ford.........Always carry compass and map of the water you are on, learn to navigate with them and you will get home. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Consigliere Posted July 4, 2014 Report Share Posted July 4, 2014 if you just need GPS and mainly for emergencies get the navionics app for the smartphone. Its smart to have that even as backup in case your onboard GPS craps out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lape0019 Posted July 4, 2014 Report Share Posted July 4, 2014 (edited) Hey Lape, thanks for the reply. I agree with you and want to get at least a 5" screen. I'll look at the 7 series too to compare. I'm happy installation isn't too bad as I'd rather do it myself than pay someone else if possible. What units are you running? I run a lowrance Elite 5dsi at the wheel and a humminbird 561 grayscale at the bow. They are obviously not linked... Lowrance now has the elite 5 hdi which gives you 2d and down imaging but I don't think there is a difference in the chartplotting capabilities. A color screen also really helps and there are no required add ons for temp sensors or GPS. Just know that if you mark a waypoint, it will be from where the unit is on the boat and not from the front or back. Edited July 4, 2014 by Lape0019 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillM Posted July 4, 2014 Report Share Posted July 4, 2014 if you just need GPS and mainly for emergencies get the navionics app for the smartphone. Its smart to have that even as backup in case your onboard GPS craps out. I wouldn't trust a smartphone as a back up GPS... Especially when they aren't even close to being waterproof. Even a old Garmin unit will work just fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdamS Posted July 4, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 4, 2014 Hey guys, Just wanted to say thanks for all the replies. You've all given me some valuable information to think about. I'm going to look into the models you've stated and see which one will work best for me. I will most likely end up get something in the 5 series but those 7 series do look pretty sweet. I completely forgot Navionics had an app out so I'll check that out too for backup; keeping in mind I'll need a charged phone or a charger on board. Just to clarify, when you buy the unit, it does come with the transducer and all the wiring you need? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillM Posted July 4, 2014 Report Share Posted July 4, 2014 (edited) Yup, unit will come with everything you need for install. (Sans a mapping card) Edited July 4, 2014 by BillM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike rousseau Posted July 4, 2014 Report Share Posted July 4, 2014 I've run 3-4 different brands now... Bang for your buck and easy to use go humminbird ... If money isn't an issue then the lowrance HDS lineup are great Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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