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I want to ask those that has experience with fish finders, hopefully one with GPS capabilities ( to mark the HOT SPOTS!) I've got a 97-21Ft Maxum to install it in, I dont want a bargain basement model so price isnt the determining factor. I would like one with EASE of use, color LCD screen, GPS navigation, speed/depth, etc...I'll be using this in freshwater lakes on the Inland Northwest (Idaho, Washington, Montana)
any ideas?
There are plenty of options you can go with, from bare bones to the best (for the size of your boat, obviously). I have found that for the best of both worlds (ease of operation, clear reading, GPS/Fishfinder/Hot Spots) I would go with Garmin. Check out the 435 and the 535's, they're super easy to operate (only a few buttons) they have all of the maps uploaded, and you can purchase the MapSource program from Garmin to upload more information to your Garmin if you wish. Now, if you want a bit more high quality, you should go with RayMarine. They install just about the same as a Garmin, but at the same time are a little more complicated. They run just fine by themselves, and if you get the Navionics charts, you will realize you can't find a better chart anywhere. The detail is amazing, and with the Navionics maps loaded up, they show cartography, depth charts and hazards/buoys (The Garmin gives depth numbers, cartography, NO hazards/buoys). Just remember, for a premium product you pay a premium price. I wouldn't hesitate to install a Lowrance, but only if the customer wanted a Lowrance! They also have the Navionics charts, but the machine/unit quality doesn't come close to the Garmin or the RayMarine. The trick is to go to a marine store and figure out which one you want and which one you like the best. Make sure you pick out a nice spot on your dash to mount it so that it doesn't obstruct your guages or your field of vision, and DON'T get a thru-hull or "puck" style transducer, get the transom-mount transducer. Use 3M 5200 Wet-Dry Fast Cure caulking in all of your screw holes to prevent water intrusion, use galvanized or stainless screws, and good luck with your choice!
