Fishfinder w. GPS ?

[mike-munich]

Gentlemen, I don´t know if I´m posting this right. The "tech" section looks more like computer stuff and I didn´t know where else to ask this. If this is not the right place, could an admin please move it ? Thank you.

We just bought a boat, 15 feet with a 60hp Honda motor. We keep it in Greece, on the Peleponnes, at the Gulf of Kalamata.

I don´t know where else to ask this question but here, since there are alot of fishermen, hunters and outdoormen here.

Can you suggest a good fishfinder with GPS ? They are not very common here in Germany (and way to expensive), so I really don´t know what to get. There is too much around (like on ebay) and I don´t know which systems are good and which not.

We need it mainly to determine the depht, not so much for finding fish. It should switch to metric if possible, and should be detachable from the vessel (it´s open and we don´t want to leave it on there at the harbor).

Any input is welcome ! I am in a $250 to $350 price range. I saw Garmin and Hummingbird on ebay, but don´t know anything about these things.

I apologize if this is posted in the wrong section ! Thank you !

[Pete]

Go to

http://www.cabelas.com

and check out the Fishing section and then Boat Electronics. Good place to get some ideas and then shop around.

[Dominus_Potior]

Mike, I've just came from Germany. Now I'm in Italy. I have been carp fishing in Germany. Waiting for my license here in Italy.

Anyway, I have a Eagle fish elite 500c. I did have the 480 but it got shot when I was deployed. (Don't ask why I brought it with me, long story). The 480 worked great even though it had a black and white screen. The 500, to me, is the best option. It only comes with maps of the USA, but I found Germany, Italy and France online for it. A buddy of mine uses a Garmin, not really sure of the name, it has a noticiable amount of lag as targets are loaded.


Rob

[SFS0AVN]

There are several good fish/depth finders with GPS on the market, just search for GPS Fish Finders. When you decide on one, make sure you can get the software AND Mapping for the area your in! Some of the maritime software is not available in some units.

[Sacamuelas]

I have years of experience with Garmin GPS units and their Bluechart and topo electronic navigation charts. I have a simple old black and white Humingbird depth finder/fish finder that allows for plug and play compatibility with my handheld gps. The fish finder only cost me about $140 and is easily removed from the boat when I leave. The GPS is a mapping handheld and is an older model, GPS 76s, that has 24 megs of internal ram which is more than you will ever need. I think you can get its better brother ( the color screen 76cs) for around $200-300 these days. This was you can get what you need for fishing as well as having a handheld gps for other uses.

The garmin units have dropped DRAMATICALLY in the last few months as the older versions are being replaced by units that can utilize their latest nav charts,etc. The new chart features include actual satellite photos of your AO as well as much more versatile modeling functions like above and below waterline 3D charting. IF you are like me, then you don't really need that level of info for recreational fishing. In which case, you will save BIG bucks by buying one of the older units and the older software.

If you want a true dual purpose unit, I have used and played around while fishing with several different models of the Garmin fish finder/gps units. All were easy to use and functioned flawlessly. They should also be cheaper now that the new models are coming out.

Good luck.....

remember, a bad day fishing beats a good day at work!

[Ambush Master]

I got a Garmin GPSMAP 60SX from here:

http://www.offroute.com/

They had the best price I could find. Look at the package deals where you get the unit and software!! This particular unit was recommended in here by folks in the sandbox that claimed that they would keep sat-lock inside of uparmored vehicles. I can establish sat-lock in my livingroom!!!