First Timer-Question about electronics

[striper sniper]

Hello to all-

I'm new on here-first post.  I am also a new boat owner.  I'd like to get some advice on a GPS/fishfinder combo.

I have a 20' center console that I am going to use for inshore fishing.  I would like to know for my purpose (stripers/blues) which unit or brand is best.  I don't mind spending money on a good product, but dont need it to have a million bells and whistles.

Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

D.

[Luna Sea 5]

very nice to have you.  I found that the Garmin makes a very user friendly unit.

[Bucktail]

In the low to mid price range, it's hard to beat a Garmin.

[PeggyLee]

I use  Garmin and Ray Marine units.
If you have the opportunity go to Consumers Electronics and check everything out at different prices with  different bells and whistles.  Good Luck.

[sealife]

I would look at machines in the 200 hertz range and not so much the 50.  Inshore means to me you are going to be in shallower water and the higher frequency gives better resolution.

[striper sniper]

Thank you for the warm welcome!  It would be great to list specific models if possible as I haven't used a fishfinder in 15 years!  I understand the concept of a GPS and fish finder combo, is this the way to go?  If so, what is the best model (no budget restrictions) for inshore fishing-without all the bells and whistles that I won't need?

Thanks again,

D.

[IrishAyes]

First of all, welcome to the site.

As far as electronics. As PeggyLee said, check the units out at Consumers.

On this or any other site, you will get opinions and the guys will point you toward what they have. But, you need to get a unit that is appropriate to your use.

A good electronic store (Consumers) can provide you with that information. You can check out several different units and hopefully get an unbiased opinion from the sales people.

I have a RayMarine combo that I am happy with. It has been discontinued, so no need to give any other info on it. That is a fact for a lot of the electronics...many that guys use and like are now discontinued.

If room on your console is minimal, then get the combo. If you have room, get seperate units. Reason being, if your GPS stops functioning and you have to send the unit out for service and won't have your depth finder also.

Good luck in your search. Let us know what you decided on and how it works. 

[0ffShoreRy@n]

Ray Marine It has all thosebells and whistles that you want but you dont have to use them but it does help you may be saying that now but later your going to want to use them for example the ray marine also the garmin has sirus weather and gives the water temp etc.... and with most companiesyou can upgrade your system woith the new techonlagey for a couple of bucks but i suggest the ray marine because i even know how to use it and im only 13.

[BottomLine 14]

Welcome! Garmin is a great investment

[0ffShoreRy@n]

i also had a garmin they are also very good it gives you tide and moon info which the ray marine does not

[PHIL]

Hey bro. Congrats on your new boat. I'm looking at a 20ft. c.c. as well. sea hunt. Garmin is my choice 545 combo. It has all the bells and whistles as well, but they are only there if you want to use them. Awesome unit. Probably around 800 bucks. You can find cheaper. But just remember, you bought your boat for a good buck. And, if you use it for fishing, why not get a great unit that will last and keep its value. Next, you may want to start chartplotting or mark great fishing holes wrecks or enter lat. long. locations on a chart that is known to have great fish. Its all there. just because you might not use it or know how to use it this year, most guys like myself in the off season watch alot of fishing shows, take boating and fishing courses, and really learn alot by videos, books, etc. that you WIll watch and read in the off season. Its not worth saving a few hundred dollars by getting something without bells and whistles and have to upgrade a year or two later. It's there if you want it. By the way I dont work for Garmin. I just don't want you to make the same mistake I made. When you buy a boat, never go cheap on electronics to an extent obviously and that include a good vhf. These are your lifelines. Sorry for the long response, but its something I firmly believe in. Good luck pal.