about to upgrade electronics

[dmorgan]

Looking into add new front electronics "fishfinder" if you will. just wondering what the thoughts are from the locals. not paid off salesmen.. want the most bang for the buck.. not looking to take out a loan or nuttin like that.. just looking for advice... emoPlease and emoThanks

 

[Captain Hazmat]

i have a Humminbird 525 up front and just put a 565 Humminbird at the wheel...i am very please with both.

 

[ditchdoc666]

Changed over from H/B to Lowrance a month ago and will never look back,put a LCX-28C on the console and a LMS 520C on the bow and networked them together,The best combo I have seen,great detail and color is the way to go, The GPS is very close and at night or in fog they are a blessing running,P/M me for more detail if ya want to.

 

[lcw]

I"M WITH DOC I CHANGED OVER TO LOWRANCE LCX 28 HD ON THE BACK AND A 339 DF ON THE FRONT AND HAVE BEEN WELL PLEASED WISHED I HAD A 28 ON THE FRONT TOO ... BUT THEY ARE PRICEY ....DONT PUT A INTERNAL ANTENNA ON THE FRONT BECAUSE WHEN YOU STAND IN FRONT OF IT AND TURN THE BOAT JUST RIGHT YOU LOSE GPS SIGNAL ....BUT IT COMES RIGHT BACK WHEN YOU MOVE A LITTLE ....WILL THE PUCK DO THE SAME THING...... DONT KNOW SOMEONE ELSE WILL HAVE TO COMMENT ......AS FAR AS ACCURACCY I DROVE THE BOAT RIGHT PAST A BOUY ON THE LEFT SIDE AND TURNED AROUND AN DROVE BY THE OPPOSITE SIDE WITH IN 6 INCHES OF TOUCHING IT BOTH TIMES AND IT SHOWED TWO LINES ON EITHER SIDE OF THE BOUY.....CLOSE ENOUGH FOR ME

 

[boatersworld J]

lowrance units are my favorite fishing units. i really like the fishing hotspots and the lowrance hd units come with all the maps preloaded

 

[beetlespin]

Do yourself a favor and look at the humminbird 787c2's before you drop your money. They are the best in their price range right now.

 

[dmorgan]

we do t/y fellers this is what i was looking for opinions on what works for yourselves

 

[puddle jumper]

For just a good solid FF look at the lowrance 510, no bells and whistles but a great picture and deatail..
Puddle.

 

[AThornton]

I agree with Puddle. Ive got a 510c on the bow and I love it. Doesnt have all the bells and whistles like Puddle said, but it tells me how deep I am and shows me where the fish are. Thats what theyre made to do, aint it?

 

[fishinvol]

I own a Lowranace LCX 27c and a 520c and like them both, but have also seen the Hummingbird 787c2 at work and they are great units too. Can't go wrong with either.

 

[RangerRob]

I've never considered Lowrances to be good in the "bang for the buck" category. How can they be when the exact same models housed in grey plastic (Eagle) cost hundreds less? Don't get me wrong - I think Lowrances are good - but if GM released the Corvette under the Pontiac name for thousands less, why still pay for the Chevy??

Humminbird has always delivered more bang for the buck without confusing yourself with which color plastic to buy...

My .02

 

[dmorgan]

Well I do believe yall have some solid points. I have always been a fan of Lowrance. Yet there price does seem a little steep. Yet I have also wondered if the Humminbird would be adequate. So once again I do thank you guys.

 

[beetlespin]

A 787c2 is easier to use than a 520c, it looks better, and it is more dependable. They both have similar performance. I have owned both. The screen resolution is also better on the bird unless you get a lowrance HD but those things cost a bunch. Four years ago I wouldn't touch a humminbird but since johnson controls bought them they are first class.

 

[hl&s]

I have a Lowrance 520 and 522 networked and have no complaints at all. Compare the brands in your price range on display and get the unit that fits your use and boat the best. None of them are cheap.

 

[dmorgan]

Got a question whats w/ the networking? work off one transducer maybe? tyagain!

 

[Nickajack Angler]

hl&s - 7/16/2008 2:33 PM

I have a Lowrance 520 and 522 networked and have no complaints at all. Compare the brands in your price range on display and get the unit that fits your use and boat the best. None of them are cheap.

There's the best advice all night.... "NONE of them are cheap?" When you finally realize that, you'll be smart to buy the one you want and never look back. Go do the demo on all the models you can and spend some time with DIFFERENT sales guys that can show you what they think their units can do. You'll see one that you like and want.... they'll always come out with a better one in the years to come. But if I were to spend and get what I want? Side imaging has my eye and a lot of appeal, I'd probably go that route.

 

[hl&s]

dmorgan - 7/16/2008 10:07 PM

Got a question whats w/ the networking? work off one transducer maybe? tyagain!

With Lowrance units, networking allows more than one unit to share the same external antenna, waypoints, backlight settings, and various other optional devices such as fuel level and livewell temperature. You can't share map cards from one unit to another, each unit requires it's own card. One transducer can be shared between several units but only with the additional purchase of a broadband sounder and expansion port.

If you plan on adding an additional sonar/gps combo later, the antenna networking feature allows you to save money on the 2nd unit by purchasing the head only.

 

[Guest]

You don't have to spend much money to get a good finder. Its similar to leather seats look good and I can say hey ive got leather seats in my pick up but they function just the same as cloth. Humminbird 525 is all you need. Tip : read your owners manual to figure out how to tweak it they way you like.

 

[dmorgan]

thanks hl&s for the explanation! i was some what confused.....

 

[Guest]

I like the hummingbird 575