New Charplotter or color FF?..

[Sam3]

Hi guys,
I need to get some real electronics for the boat. I presently have a Garmin 540 (or one of those model numbers), and the screen is just too small for a 22ft boat. I've read that I should have a screen size something like 7" or larger. The Navagation with the Garmin is good, I just want to locate structure and fish more clearly.
Anywho, should I invest in a new Chartplotter that has the best of both worlds or just go with a Furnano 620?
What are your thoughts?

[IrishAyes]

Sam, if you are happy with the Garman and it does every thing you need it to so go for the stand alone depth finder.

I have the Furuno 585 which is the 8" screen (the 620 is the same machine with a smaller screen I believe). It is great for pinning you on structure and marking fish.

With a combo machine your screen would be too small for the time you would need it most. When looking for a wreck for instance, you would be using a split screen. One side for the chart and the other side for the depth finder. You would use the chart plotter and depth finder at the same time and would have a difficult time seeing any detail on both sides of the screen.

Another advantage of a stand alone is if one of your machines too a dump and you had to send it out for repairs. You would at least have the other machine functioning.

That is my opinion, I'm sure others will have a different one.

[Sam3]

Those are great points Joe. Thank you for your insight.

[Hunter 2]

If you have the room, 2 machines is the way to go, Lowrance makes  nice machines,  Ikat Dennis knows all about this stuff.

[IKAT]

   I KNOW NOTHING  

Thanks bud  --only cause I do it for fun  


PSSSSS After a phone Conv. with Garmin Yesterday--All repairs are done in TAIWAN   

[striperdad]

2 machines is the way to go provided you have the room for them.

[Maritime Matt]

Sam, if you are happy with the Garman and it does every thing you need it to so go for the stand alone depth finder.

I have the Furuno 585 which is the 8" screen (the 620 is the same machine with a smaller screen I believe). It is great for pinning you on structure and marking fish.

With a combo machine your screen would be too small for the time you would need it most. When looking for a wreck for instance, you would be using a split screen. One side for the chart and the other side for the depth finder. You would use the chart plotter and depth finder at the same time and would have a difficult time seeing any detail on both sides of the screen.

Another advantage of a stand alone is if one of your machines too a dump and you had to send it out for repairs. You would at least have the other machine functioning.

That is my opinion, I'm sure others will have a different one.

I couldn't agree more.

Its one of the points I tell all my customers when looking for electronics. I personally have a Furuno FCV 600L bottom machine and a Standard Horizon chart plotter. If you have the room, stand-alone units are great. But there are some great combo's to be had if you go with a large screen unit.  One thing to remember, Customer Service is most important. From the  manufacturer right down to who you purchase it from.
Capt.Matt

[DJ76]

If you have the room, 2 machines is the way to go, Lowrance makes  nice machines,  Ikat Dennis knows all about this stuff.

Hey Denn...now I have another reason to call you...i'm looking to upgrade my fishfinder and getting a combo unit!!!!!

[Hunter 2]

Dont forget to give Task Marine "Maritime Matt" a call for the best prices around.  you can pick his brain too.

[Sam3]

Thanks guys. I have a 22ft Grady Seafarer, so there is plenty of room for 2 units.
Now I need to do some research...