Choosing new depth finder and GPS

I am able to purchase Lowrance X-15 for $499. Of course this is depth finder only. I can add the GPS for around $300 for the X15. The Lowrance X-135 can be purchased for $389 and than add seperate Garmin 162 for around the $329 mark. I could go combination X-15 and Garmin 162 as seperate units also. Any input is appreciated. The money is not really the issue on the combinations. I like the big screen with the X-15 and I think the $499 is a pretty good deal. The x-135 is a $100 less expensive with higher pixel. The $100 difference helps finance the GPS. Info on plus and minus of running 2 seperate units is appreciated. Thanks for the info.

Many differant ways to go…and many different opinions.

Personally, (because of space, resolution and color) I would go with the Lowrance 330c…combo. Once you experiance color…you won’t go back. Sort of like watching a b&w tv. The screen is big enought to run split gps/sonar and when you don’t need the gps…zoom/regular sonar on the screen. I think Jolly Ann sells them for about $850…(?)

Take a look at the Vexilar Edge. I run the Edge along side a Lowrance GlobalMap 4800.

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There are many good units on the market like the ones Derek mentioned. I would recommend seperate units though. I want a full screen when viewing either a GPS or locator. I also like running units from the same company. That opens many options in your boat. As an example for around 750.00 you could get a Garmin 168 gps/sounder and a Garmin 240 locator. Add a second mounting station to power the 168 and hook the 240 to the 168 tranducer. By doing this you then could mount the 240 power and tranducer source either on the front or back of your boat and have the freedom to move the unit as needed. You can also wire the two units together and mark waypoints on your gps by using the enter button on your locator. You can also get fishing hot spot pre-programmed chips for the 168. Right now most retailers are offering the fishing hot spots map cd rom free with the purchase of the 168. Any questions give me a holler, Don.

Hey Duck, How’s that dog of yours?

You’re gonna to hear many different opinions on this one. Lots of good choices out there. One thing I will say is DO NOT go GPS combo on that x15 if you get it, if you ever plan to run any Navionics Premium charts. The x15 is not compatible and the GPS is out of date.

If you’re just gonna use the basemap that’s probably okay, but I would consider going with a separate GPS like the GlobalMap 4800, like Derek mentioned. I would even look at color units, like Brian said. Color mapping is awesome, and the Globalmap 3300C would work great, or even look into the Lowrance LMS 330C combo for color GPS and Sonar. I run that unit and love it. Used it up on Spirit Lake with the Navionics chart and it was SWEEEET! You might also check with Ryan Hale if you run into him up there.

Bottom line – if you get the x15, put a Lowrance GlobalMap 3300C next to it (or a 4800). Or, look at the LMS 330C.

Good luck!

Dog is good. Has not decided to jump out of the boat lately. He is going to be lights out on birds. Trained a few and he is beyond where I thought he would be at this stage. Thanks for the info. I will be out this weekend on Big Spirit. If I run into Ryan I will give him a shout. Thanks again.

HEY! There’s a birthday cake next to Derek’s name… he’s 33 today! Congrats ya’ old fart…

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Take a look at the Vexilar Edge. I run the Edge along side a Lowrance GlobalMap 4800.
Click Here

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Wade, I wll be in contact with you on the depth finder/GPS issue I have right now. Are you going to be in Spirit Lake in the near future? Rick Hughes

Happy B-day yesterday Derek

Happy Birthday Derek!!!

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Wade, I wll be in contact with you on the depth finder/GPS issue I have right now. Are you going to be in Spirit Lake in the near future? Rick Hughes

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Rick,

Not for a while. I’ll be heading to Ottertail Co., MN for a few days, leaving Friday. After that I’ll probably be spending some time with family and may get up to Spirit in early October. The best way to contact me is probably my email at [email protected] or you can email your phone number and I’ll call you when I get back.

Thanks,

Wade

Wade, That sounds fine and I will give you a call next week. Just thought if you where in the area wanted to see the unit on your rig in action. Thanks again. Rick

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Wade, That sounds fine and I will give you a call next week. Just thought if you where in the area wanted to see the unit on your rig in action. Thanks again. Rick

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Sounds good to me, if we get the chance I’d be happy to take you on a little tour of the 330C. I have some photos on here somewhere… I’ll see if I can find any.

Wade

The GPS is a new venture for me. After research Navionic mapping is a requirement for me and I understand the compatibility issues with X-15 and Garmin. I will get a hold of you next week Wade.