Quote:
Originally Posted by Limey Linda
I am considering the Lowrance iFinder H20C. A little more pricey but a lot more capability. Accepts Navionics charts also, which is a big plus. This will be my primary unit as I do not have room for fixed chart plotter. it has seperate 12v power input and optional ext. ariel. Has anyone got one and can comment.
Thanks.
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I don't have the H20C - but I just picked up a cheap iFinder Map&Music on ebay (as I have lost my Garmin 76c
). For the price I paid (£60) I am impressed. I didn't want/need the music. I picked up a cheap Nauticpath chart for most of europe at the same time (£75). Mine has a b/w screen and screen seems even smaller than the 76c was. Features wise it is what I expected from the blurb. User interface is fine, like the garmin some simple things are a bit more effort than you would expect (e.g. changing the units, or datum requires a bit of hunting around and clicking if you aren't using the manual - but those are not things you do a lot).
With the screen size I am not sure that there is much to be gained from going to Navionics charts (unless you prefer their colours etc). You can get free electronic charts in the US - can they be used on the iFinders?
When I bought the garmin I wasn't actually looking for colour - it was a nice to have. Having now tried the b/w chart plotting - I think colour does help with quick interpretation at speed. If I could have found a colour screen for a low price I would have.
Overall the garmin was less attractive but seemed more solid (both are supposed to float with the right bateries in it).
So far my only real criticism of the lowrance is the size of the "speed" "course" "ETA" type info on the display. The garmin was much bigger. But there may be a way I haven't found to change that.
