2015 GPS

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Valet37
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2015 GPS

#1 Post by Valet37 » Thu Jun 18, 2015 11:42 pm

I'm hoping one of you smart people have already done the research for me and can provide a good recommendation. I've got a new toon and my first add-on is going to be a GPS/fish-finder. So here are some things things that are important to me.
- GPS, Fish Finder combo
- Good Chart coverage
- Color
- Down imaging
- Side imaging
- Big screen
- Flush mount
- Cost: Want a good value less than $700ish

I plan on using it primarily in the colorado river below lake mead, but I'm in the military so I want something that is flexible for both river and lake use and a varity of fish.

What would you recommend.
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LadyGT
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Re: 2015 GPS

#2 Post by LadyGT » Sat Jun 20, 2015 3:44 am

The hummingbird helix 5 SI is popular. I think that is what we have. It has everything on your list. $499 at most locations.
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Valet37
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Re: 2015 GPS

#3 Post by Valet37 » Sat Jun 27, 2015 5:41 pm

Thanks for the response. I spent an hour at basspro looking at them and have come to the same conclusion I think. The only thing I'm not happy about is that it doesn't come with a flush mount kit, and all I can find online is a sticky gasket for $50. I think I'll have to come up with my own flush mount solution for it.
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rancherlee
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Re: 2015 GPS

#4 Post by rancherlee » Fri Jul 31, 2015 5:02 am

With side imaging you will want a bigger screen, I have a 798ci si on my pontoon and while the side image is nice the details are hard to see with only a 5" screen. I've seen deals recently on the 899 unit for under 800$ which gives you a nicer 7" screen for viewing SI. Also the 899 is upgradeable to the HD-si Transducer and the Helix5 is not.
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smoker62
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Re: 2015 GPS

#5 Post by smoker62 » Fri Jul 31, 2015 5:09 am

I had the 1198 on my Ranger 620, awesome and big screen. My Crest came with the 385 ci ? in the dash but I have to wear cheaters to see the details. My dash has a sun screen so I can only fit the Helix 5 but it is still much better than the 3 series for viewing. I agree for the side and down imaging , get the biggest screen you can fit/afford.
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BobG
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Re: 2015 GPS

#6 Post by BobG » Fri Jul 31, 2015 8:22 am

smoker62 wrote:My Crest came with the 385 ci ? in the dash but I have to wear cheaters to see the details.
I have that on mine too. Do you have BigDigits turned on, in the menu?
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smoker62
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Re: 2015 GPS

#7 Post by smoker62 » Fri Jul 31, 2015 8:59 am

I can see the digits ok, just the navionics details and such.
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Reiner
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Re: 2015 GPS

#8 Post by Reiner » Fri Jul 31, 2015 12:11 pm

I'm a Garmin fan and have the EchoMap series Combo unit. There are some specifics between the units which will give you better fish finding results.
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JBO
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Re: 2015 GPS

#9 Post by JBO » Fri Jul 31, 2015 1:14 pm

We had a Humminbird 597 previously and just upgraded to a Humminbird 999CI HD SI. Single screen stuff was nice on the 597, but I couldn't imagine trying to view split-screen stuff with that small of a screen.
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COTTS4x4
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Re: 2015 GPS

#10 Post by COTTS4x4 » Fri Jul 31, 2015 1:51 pm

I have the Garmin EchoMap 70s and love it.
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MoeHoward
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Re: 2015 GPS

#11 Post by MoeHoward » Thu Aug 13, 2015 7:48 pm

My Garmin 53dv suits my needs, but it does not have side view if you are set on that.
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joe20toon
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Re: 2015 GPS

#12 Post by joe20toon » Wed Oct 28, 2015 7:47 pm

I just got my new boat and the Humminbird Helix 7.
I'm still learning/tuning the Helix 7. The GPS is more accurate than my old Lowrance unit.
The Helix 7 screen is bright... No problems viewing it in bright sunlight.
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Soonertoon
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Re: 2015 GPS

#13 Post by Soonertoon » Tue Nov 03, 2015 6:39 pm

Since I am THE worst fisherman in the world, all that fish finding stuff is useless to me. I couldn't catch fish if they were jumpin in the damn boat. Therefore, as long as it's got a depth finder and a chart plotter for navigation, I'm good...lol
Seriously...I suck at fishing. However I am a damn good boat captain, air mattress floater, beer fetcher, paymaster, boat scrubber , anchor retriever, sunscreen applicator and sandwich maker. With all these talents , no wonder I suck at fishing..lol
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RcgTexas
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Re: 2015 GPS

#14 Post by RcgTexas » Tue Nov 03, 2015 7:44 pm

I'll tell you one thing. My Humminbird 899 made me look like a professional fisherman this summer. My wife posted pics of the fish we caught at Rayburn and folks started wanting to hire me as a guide. Sheesh! I told them to get a Humminbird. An Ipilot and a good DI SI combo will make a landlubber a hero.
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Re: 2015 GPS

#15 Post by JBO » Tue Nov 03, 2015 8:49 pm

RcgTexas wrote:I'll tell you one thing. My Humminbird 899 made me look like a professional fisherman this summer. My wife posted pics of the fish we caught at Rayburn and folks started wanting to hire me as a guide. Sheesh! I told them to get a Humminbird. An Ipilot and a good DI SI combo will make a landlubber a hero.
Finding fish is easy. Getting them to eat your bait is the hard part :biggrin2
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