GPS/Sounder

[lavocat]

Need to replace my old GPS. Looking at a combo Garmin GPS/Sounder. Anyone have experience with these? Looking at Garmin 531S and 541S. Any feedback would be appreciated.

[ForkedIslandFabio]

my dad has a garmin ,colorado 400c its alright if it gets you there its good.

[Sea-Trac Offshore]

For coastal areas you will be interested in the 541s or the 546s. The Garmin combos are very easy to use, good mapping, and stand up to the elements. Another plus with Garmin is if you have questions or a problem their customer service is best in the industry

[specktator]

I have the 441S and for the price it is best bang for your buck. Wish I would have got 541 though with a little bigger screen.

[simplepeddler]

I have the 540s and I am very impressed with the product and Garmin's support of it.
updates have been great. I have the GXM 31 for satellite weather and XM Radio........

I also have Bluechart g2 vison card and it's the shinizzle.
just don't have the time on the water to learn how to use it all

[Sea-Trac Offshore]

The sat weather is very nice. With the summer storms its nice to see which way they are moving to get out the way.

While yall are talking about Garmin, check out their site frequently as they have great updates for them often. They are free and you just download them to an sd card and plug it in. Could be a minor change or could be a drastic improvement sometimes.

[bluewing]

Just picked up a 541s. Cheapest site i found was www.getfeetwet.com.

[Dink]

How much? Transducer come with it?

[Sea-Trac Offshore]

Getfeetwet is 695.59
Southshore is 684.95

That is with transducer, cables, etc.
This is one thing you have to read carefully on the net when looking at marine electronics. This Garmin is offered with and without transducer and sometimes also refurbished as well. Becareful shopping

[all star rod]

A frind of mine as the 545s. Very nice but I think it cost him right at a grand at West Marine.

[Sea-Trac Offshore]

The 5456 was a great unit. The unit that replaced that one is now the 546s. Only difference is it comes nmea2000 ready so it can be interfaced to engines which are compliant

[Sea-Trac Offshore]

By the way. One of my last kayaks I had a 545s on it and believe me it went through some rough testing. Friend rolled the kayak and completely submerged it in the surf in Fl and so on. Never skipped a beat

[Dink]

I've got the 451s.......I love it, wish I would have gotten the bigger screen.... got it for 460 new from west marine BUT had to get transducer separate. ...it was another 75........

I want the new touch screen one!!! I think its the 7001?? But not sure......it is bad to the bone......not sure I have the room on console tho.......

[Sea-Trac Offshore]

Oh yeah. The 700 series is very nice but pricey!!!

[Dink]

Bout 2gs all rigged out right? Does that include radar???

[Sea-Trac Offshore]

1699 for unit and sounder if not mistaken. radar extra

[Finfeatherfur]

After being a long Lowrance man with multiple units over the years, I have made the switch. Lowrance was great, in my opinion, but after installing and operating my dad's new unit last year, I had a change of heart. I know I would have probably liked the unit had I dabbled with it more, but after running his new HS unit, I did not like the functions, and it was not as "user friendly" as the old style. But that is me, some may like it.

I just bought the Garmin 541s with the card and got a $200 Garmin rebate for purchase before 6/6/10, and I plan on updating it w/ weather overlay in the future. Would have liked to do it now, but need that money elsewhere in the rig up of the new boat. I also went with the flush mount kit to install in the dash. I really like the new Garmin touch screens, so if you have the cash, I would surely go that route. Very fine!!!!! My new stuff should arrive tommorow along w/ the power pole. Should be a fun weekend!

[Finfeatherfur]

Originally Posted by Southshore Marine

The sat weather is very nice. With the summer storms its nice to see which way they are moving to get out the way.

While yall are talking about Garmin, check out their site frequently as they have great updates for them often. They are free and you just download them to an sd card and plug it in. Could be a minor change or could be a drastic improvement sometimes.

That's good to know!!
Thanks