depthmeter, fishfinder what to buy ?

[mervyn]

Hi Guys,

I am looking for a solid but simple depth sounder or fishfinder..

Have been doing some research myself but there are really a lot of options..

Any tips on make/models ?

any advice = welcome !

tnx in advance

grtz. Mervyn

[simmons0]

Run a search onFishfinders and "Garmin 160 blue".

Nearly everyone has problems with there Garmin FF.

Lorance, Eagle, Hummingbird, Raymarine all good.

[mervyn]

to be honest I was considering a Garmin,
strange that they are so bad.. always thought
Garmin was a real good make !

grt. mervyn

[Biggles]

I have a Lowrance X51 and that is really good. Always getting wet and hasn't failed yet.

I have a Garmin GPS and that packed up after a couple of months of the same use.

Garmin have a good name but I don't know where they get it from.

At the moment I would say Lowrance is better.

But what you ahve to consider is what you can get for your money. You can buy units with everything in them and I must admit Garmin do some good computer software to link in to your GPS. Having said that I don't take the Laptop anywhere near the water.

Best of luck.

Nick R

[Richard B]

Hi Mervyn,

Yes, Garmin are excellent for most stuff, but from other people's comments it seems that their depth sensor has problems at certiain speeds, possibly something to do with the size of the transom mounted unit. Garmin's reputation comes from terrific customer service - they are even helpful with discontinued products that are well out of warranty. I never hesitate to recommend them on this basis. Also possibly because I have NIMRAG stamped on my forehead after an incident in rough sea which both the GPS and I survived!

Our Lowrance unit works perfectly (see the "Technical Specifications" section on our web site), but our particular model is discontinued now although I think it's marketed as an "Eagle" http://www.compass24.com/cgi-bin/abn...cs_Fishfinders

Also have a look at Lowrance's web site for their products: http://www.lowrance.com/marine/default.asp

[mervyn]

Thanks for your tips !

just came across an Lowrance X91 for only 259 euro.. seemed like a good deal to me..

Any of you have experience with this one ?

grtz. Mervyn

[DJL]

I have a Garmin FF100 Blue, originally fitted with the Airmar P52 transducer. It worked fine but occasionally lost signal above 25kts in rough weather.

In February last year, after a rather unfortunate incident, the transducer came in contact with the trailer and broke off.

Replaced it with a Airmar P66 which works perfectly all the time, although occasionally it pivots up after hard landings at around 30kts, requiring you to clip it back into position.

[nickjaxe]

We have a lowrance X25 on our dive club boat, it gets very abused but never fails very simple and cheap.

Nick.

[swginn]

I also have a Lowrance, although its an LMS 320 Chartplotter/Fishfinder. Its been battered about and has taken a fair soaking when left onboard a few times by accident. Still works perfectly, great display too!

Try www.onlinemarine.com for a price, they're a US mail order company that deliver worldwide. Got a great price on mine but I do live in Ireland where everything is more expensive than the UK. Worth a try though.

[seafariskye]

Hello

don't dismiss the humminbird range of stuff, i have on all boats, and have had no probs, apart from dropping one over the side.....

you can take the head off and take home wi you so as it does not get nicked, good prices Matrix 55 plotter/gps/fishfinder and other toys included for under £550, takes Navionics card for plotter.

Have an account for shop with them, if any takes your fancy, get in touch, and will get best price to you.

Have a look at www.humminbirduk.com

Cheers

Pete F

[thorper]

We use a Lowrance echosounder on our rib (chart and sounder all in one) and on our dive club boat (stand alone sounder, before it was stolen!) and both have been great to use.

Ricky

[Daniel]

Lowrance and Eagle are the same company, bit like Merc and Mariner (only they don't make engines).

Had eagle on last boat, excellent, no problems.

Garmin on current boat, loads of problems with the transducer, the GPS is great though.

Buy a cheap eagle or lowrance.

[mervyn]

Also based on your Tips I just ordered a Lowrance X47, seemed to me like a nice little fishfinder !

great to see how much feedback you get from one question ..

see ya !

[Alex Brown]

Just out of interest, has anyone gone back to Garmin moaning about the Airmar P52 transducer? - if so, what was the response?

I may change my transducer later on this year for another airmar model, but not sure if I can be bothered cos it generally works fine for what I need.

-Alex