Hi Folks, I am in the market for a Chartplotter / Fishfnder with a minimum of 7" screen size as I have given up with my old Navman The chartplotter will need to be compatible with a through hull transducer (P79) as I really don't think the transom transducers are reliable enough at speed.
So I am looking for any recommendations from anyone please.
I spent a little time with the Lowrance Elite last year and I would definitely spend the little extra on the HDS Gen 2 if you went down the Lowrance route. Personally I would go with garmin, the new 721 and 741 are really top notch bits of kit, or for a budget alternative, last years 720 and 740 can be got at a very reasonable price indeed.
Last year for the Round Ireland we went for the Simrad NSS7 for Baby Blue. It has the benefit of both touch screen and buttons - so you can use it with gloves on in winter. We also didn't have any problems with rain and waves causing the touchscreen to play up - which was a problem those with the Garmin touchscreens experienced.
Worth noting though - it doesn't come with any charts, whereas I think the Lowrance equivalents come with Navionics Silver pre-loaded.
We liked the Simrad unit so much we've just bought another one for Blue Ray.
Trev
Trevor I think that lowrance are only coming with a pre loaded chart of the us in Belgium at least ....means you need to buy an avionics chart costs between 140£ for the gold one and 280£ for the platinum I just baught a hds8m and hds 5 they re doing a good job !!!
Just bought a garmin 751xs. Think this is the latest offering from garmin on a 7inch plotter? Ive used garmin in the past and love how simple they are to use. I'll let you know how i get on with it
I just fitted a Raymarine E7D and am very happy with it, it is hybrid meaning you can use buttons or touch screen which is perfect on a rib as often wearing gloves and then the touch screen is great for when at anchor and planning stuff. And if you have a ipad you can plot stuff at home and wireless transmit to boat plotter later.
the E7D is the one which has the sounder function, I also fitted a through hull transducer and far out performs my original transom mounted one.
Good nmea0183 connectivity and even has a fusion connectivity capability for you sounds. And AIS connectivity if you want plus video feeds and other stuff.
Just bought a garmin 751xs. Think this is the latest offering from garmin on a 7inch plotter? Ive used garmin in the past and love how simple they are to use. I'll let you know how i get on with it
Wasn't the one on ebay that finished last night by any chance as I forgot to bid on that one
I am defintely leaning more towards the Garmin as the Lowrance and Raymarine models don't seem to store as many track logs as the Garmin unless I am looking at the wrong units
Wasn't the one on ebay that finished last night by any chance as I forgot to bid on that one
I am defintely leaning more towards the Garmin as the Lowrance and Raymarine models don't seem to store as many track logs as the Garmin unless I am looking at the wrong units
It was indeed i just put a last minute bid on it and won it. Pretty cheap too. Ive been researching them for around 8 months and have used different types and the garmin def is the best for me.
The chartplotter will need to be compatible with a through hull transducer (P79) as I really don't think the transom transducers are reliable enough at speed. 
Kalish
Into the Red
Ro Row
i just put a last minute bid on it and won it. Pretty cheap too. Ive been researching them for around 8 months and have used different types and the garmin def is the best for me.
