I am in the market for a new locator and/or GPS. I am looking for recommendations on what to consider. I have a Lowrance 334c which has performed ok. I have had some issues with power in deeper water (locating fish) and also satellite reception at times can be intermittent. Your suggestions and recommendations would be appreciated.
How much do you want to spend on one?
I would like stay in the 500-800 range.
I have the Lowrance 520c…I love it !!! I actually have two so full screen for both at the wheel and when I want to move to the front of the boat I can move one right up there and use split screen if I want !!! As far as reception in the river valley here is no problem…i just disabled the WAAS…(Thanks for the help on that one Wade) !!
Wade at JollyAnn Marine had the best price I could find !!!
Why did you disable the WAAS?
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I am in the market for a new locator and/or GPS. I am looking for recommendations on what to consider. I have a Lowrance 334c which has performed ok. I have had some issues with power in deeper water (locating fish) and also satellite reception at times can be intermittent. Your suggestions and recommendations would be appreciated.
There is some new technology hitting the market this year. In your price range, I’d suggest the Lowrance HDS-5. You can read the details for yourself, but one thing it doesn’t explain quite yet is that these new HDS units are compatible with the side imaging component that Lowrance is scheduled to release later this year. It will be an add-on feature you can purchase down the road if you wish to have side imaging. In the meantime, you get the benefit of high definition mapping and a built-in broadband sounder. The broadband sound is like a turbo charger for your sonar unit. It’s incredible. Like a buddy of mine stated, it’s like sonar on steroids! If you want a unit that is going to impress and has the ability to grow with you as new technology hits the market, the HDS series is a good bet. Holler if you have other questions. 
Have you thought about a Humminbird?
While they receive most of their accolades for their proven Side Imaging technology, they still make a darn good “traditional” GPS/sonar combo.
The 788ci falls right in the middle of your price range.
They have very simple plug-and-play connectivity, when you’re ready to add another locator to your boat.
They have some really great accessories that won’t break the bank.
They have very responsive customer service.
Software updates are easy and won’t send your unit’s performance backwards.
And, they are Navionics compatible for your mapping needs.
Just a thought!
Cabelas had the Lowrance X-27c on sale for $699. $300 off regular price. 7″ screen. Call to see if they have any left.
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Why did you disable the WAAS?
I’m curious also……
The reason i disabled WAAS was it kept on loosing signal…maybe because I was in the valley Pool 10…but after I did this I kept the signal 100%..
Worked for me !!! 
There are some locations that seem to have a hard time picking up WAAS and it tends to cause issues with GPS units. So, in those cases, it can be best to simply disable WAAS.
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Have you thought about a Humminbird?
While they receive most of their accolades for their proven Side Imaging technology, they still make a darn good “traditional” GPS/sonar combo.
The 788ci falls right in the middle of your price range.
They have very simple plug-and-play connectivity, when you’re ready to add another locator to your boat.
They have some really great accessories that won’t break the bank.
They have very responsive customer service.
Software updates are easy and won’t send your unit’s performance backwards.
And, thay are Navionics compatible for your mapping needs.
Just a thought!
Jason makes a good point. The new Humminbirds are a good option as well. Here is a quick link to the details on that 788C. Nice unit too!
Because Lowrance 520c tells you because it works better. that is what lowrance told me when i called.
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Why did you disable the WAAS?
It should be clairfied, it’s not really disabled, it just doesn’t require it for GPS postion, it will still use WAAS if it is good and available. I’ve done the same thing, myself normally I see the WAAS is working.
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Why did you disable the WAAS?
It should be clairfied, it’s not really disabled, it just doesn’t require it for GPS postion, it will still use WAAS if it is good and available.
Thanks for the info!! I’ll have to check it out.
Good clarification, thanks!
I have 2 lowrance HDS 5’s on my new z-520. I’m terribly disappointed in the inability to read the Navionics cards. The available Insight Maping, seems expensive for what it offers to the user. The update to read the map chips is not due untill April now; Kind of bummed about it.
Hey thanks guys for the good info. I will do some more research before I make a decision. Does anyone have any more information on Lowrance coming out with side imaging?
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Hey thanks guys for the good info. I will do some more research before I make a decision. Does anyone have any more information on Lowrance coming out with side imaging?
Right now, I just hear talk about how sweet it is supposed to be. It will be called the StructureScan™ Side-Viewing Sounder and will be an add-on component for all the HDS units. They have also announced a Promotion for 2009.
Wade,
What if I bought my HDS 5 before March 20th?
Am I out the $50 rebate? 
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Wade,
What if I bought my HDS 5 before March 20th?
Am I out the $50 rebate?
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I just got off the phone with Navico and was told they will offer the refund on any unit with the receipt and UBC code purchased after January 1st.
Excellent! You saved me a phone call! 
So, those of you who purchased a unit from Jolly Ann, if you run into any issues please email me to let me know and we’ll try to get them resolved for you.
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