GPS/fishfinder Thoughts
 

Looking for input from you guys on a new GPS/fishfinder unit. Only plan to use it on BL or inland waters nearby. Hoping to keep it under +/-$700. I know everyone has their preferences, but, would like to hear all opinions. Specifically does anyone have any experience with the Raymarine Dragonfly? I have not decided on one yet so can be swayed.

lowrance Hds gen 2 touch or the elite series.

I have the hds 7 touch. i love it!!

I went with the elite 5 and really like it a lot but wish I could have afforded to get the 7 or 8 inch screen version. they are well worth the extra money because its kinda hard to see gps tracking info on a small 5 inch screen, but the fish finder part is great and very easy to see.

I have heard raymarine are difficult to use. I have no experience with them however. Ive owned garmin, lowrance, and simrad. The simrad is my favorite out of the three, but there is nothing wrong with the other two.

I had a Lowrance and now have Garmin. Garmin is hands down more user friendly and has better stock charts that come with the unit. However, if you want to upgrade to a mapping chip there a lot more options for Lowrance units. I also think that the depth finder and sidescan on the HDS units is better. If it were me, I'd go with Garmin. Simple easy interface. I get the tides, weather, Satellite radio, have the NEMA 2000 connected to my motor and can monitor on the unit. Its all right there easy easy. I am sure if I were using a lowrance every day I wouldn't mind it but when I use the one in my buddies boat I want to punch it often.

I'm using the Lowrance HDS 7 gen2 Touch with structurescan and really like it but I agree with Marque about the stock maps not being the best. It took me some time but I was able to figure out how to download Google earth (Youtube and free download) on my unit and I find that much better than the Insight stock mapping. Another thing I don't like about my lowrance is I find it hard to see the screen in bight sunlight. Besides that I'm please with it.