Best GPS and sounder?

[zimm]

I'm going to do a panel to surface mount new electronics. I'm undecided on dual screens, or just one big one. What's the hot setup right now? The 2013 Garmins are coming out in May... I've also heard people say to go SIMRAD. I want the best high-res graphics and GPS plotter that's easy to use. Sounder is secondary- currently no need for a fish finder, but if I learn to fish, I'm sure it'll be useful- I mostly just need depth....

Then what transducer do I use and where does it go?

Ideas for a slick setup?

 

[Graybeard]

I'm partial to the Lorwance HDS line of GPS/Sounders. If you get the side scan option so much the better. Most of the light tackle fishing guides in my sector of the Chesapeake Bay use the Lorwance HDS units with the side scan option. I had separate GPS and sonar units on my old boat, but I'm going with a single GPS/sonar for my new GW Freedom 225

 

[Parthery]

Get the biggest screen your wallet will allow you to get. Space will not be an issue if you are going to flush mount. You should be able to pick up a Lowrance HDS-10 Gen II for less than $2K installed...

As for transducer, for what your use will be, a properly installed transom mount will work just fine.

 

[zimm]

Wow, I'm liking that HDS-10... If I can get a 10" screen in that dash and mount the VHF next to it, I'm set. Heck, I might even get the radio to fit. I need to get over to west marine and play with these things.

 

[magicalbill]

Hey Zimm;
Slightly off-subject, but I don't want to start an entire thread for this..

Where will you use the boat and why did the previous owner sell? Just curious..

I agree with Parth; Get a large screen without a doubt. I have a 2007 Garmin 3210 and it has been my closest ally ever since. (Well, the depthsounder too..)

 

[SmokyMtnGrady]

Zimm,
I know you sent pics and all, but does your boat have a hard top with a electronics box in it? I want to say no. In my old boat I used a Standard Horizon black box style VHF radio. This freed up space for a bigger GPS unit. You will use your GPS all the time and your radio some of the time. Parthry is dead on with getting the biggest unit you can fit and afford. Get a black box radio and mount it in the cabin and you can control the radio remotely with a command mic.

 

[Parthery]

Since I'm spending your $$$:

Standard Horizon 1600 VHF = $154
Standard Horizon RAM Mic = $105
Digital 529 Antenna = $117
4187 Ratchet = $37.50
Lowrance HDS-10 = $2106

Take a look at BOE Marine (www.boemarine.com). Jim is a straight up guy and he will give you an honest opinion of whether us hacks have made good suggestions, or if there is something better out there that might suit you better. I personally have reached out to him, expecting to make a purchase on one thing, and he has recommended something else. Hasn't let me down yet....

 

[SmokyMtnGrady]

Hey Brian, while you are at it, toss in some LED stern lights for you and me too. We provided technical advice...call it a consulting few (lol).

 

[zimm]

Hey Zimm;
Slightly off-subject, but I don't want to start an entire thread for this..

Where will you use the boat and why did the previous owner sell? Just curious..

Will boat on the Potomac River between DC and just south of the 301 bridge mostly. Would like explore the Chesapeake around Annapolis. Lake Anna, VA a few times a year. I'm Navy and move often- my potential future stomping grounds (several years from now) could include Jacksonville/Mayport FL and VA beach/Norfolk.

Previous is selling the boat becuase his son is old enough to be into auto racing and wants to do that- they need the garage space and they have smaller fishing boat for the local lake. The 226 is overkill for their small lake they boat on.

Break...

How about the HDS-9 touch screen? Or the NSS8 Simrad? I'm going to have to play with these in person I guess.

Break...
No hard top

Break... I'd hate to buy a whole new radio and antenna setup- I should be able to just mount the current one under the binnacle- I'll have to check it in person first though. I don't get the boat until this Saturday.