gps

[bardfromedson]

looking at buying a gps unit and could use some help. never owned one before and was wondering if you can get any that are preprogramed with hot spots.

 

[Dogbreath]

You wish!
http://www.gpsnuts.com

 

[Tsquared]

Look at the newer generation hand helds that accept a chip with the charts you want. I looked at the site mentioned in the previous post and it seems dated to me. They mention Lowrance Global Map 100 and talk about how you can buy a chart for them. I own one and know for a fact that you haven't been able to buy a chart for it for over a year as the unit is at least one generation old and not supported any more. the H20 I Finder seems to be good for a handheld--it's chart is very accessible and makes fishing a new spot very easy. With a few glances at the bottom contours on your gps and then a tack or two watching how the "homesteaders" are fishing the spot you can be an old pro in one trip!
Whatever choice you make, make sure it is supported with good charts available either on line or by a inserted chip.
T2

 

[TheRock]

Another option I would recommend, (some what more $$ though) is http://www.nobeltec.com/ Run Nobeltec on your boat ! Run Nobeltec charting/mapping software from a computer or laptop computer to a lcd screen of any size to fit on your boat dash board ! All you need is simple gps to send the gps signal to the computer/ Nobeltec charting program.. Now you have an ultimate charting system!!! I find most gps's that accept the chart chips.. have poorer charts, less detail and small screens! Some gps's systems with charts chips have these tiny screens.. and some cost big bucks to boot! I'd rather put that money towards a nice 15 inch lcd screen running Nobeltec.! If your going to spend some money this could be an option for you.. You can pick up a lcd monitor for relatively cheep now days... Use an old computer or pop on e-bay and pick your self up an inexpensive laptop..., find a friend that has a copy of an earlier version of Nobeltec... You can have an ultimate charting system on your boat rather than spending allot of money on these all in one map chip Gps's with small screens. This could be an option for you.. Hope this helps...

 

[Kisinana]

I run a Lowrance Globalmap 100 tied to my laptop and use a program called the Capn. This way it allows me to follow the bottom contours and have waypoints for hotspots for prawning or snapper. I can also take the GPS hiking.

 

[Yote]

I own an H2O I Finder from Lowrance and I love it. I only own one map chip for it so far and that is the marine one with the whole island. Best money I have ever spent on fishing equipment. It is the single most valuable piece of equipment I have bought for fishing and well worth the money. I hunt also and like the option of keeping it mobile and off the dash of the boat for when I am tied up. There are contour maps and raod map chips that give very detailed info on all the backroads etc. I don't care about the samll screen because the portability of the unit is worth it, besides I don't stare at the screen all that much anyways and use it in conjunction with the sounder.

 

[casper5280]

Laptops are great if you have the the room(some were dry and out of the sunlight)I also believe that you would need a inverter.
I have a Garmin 182 and have 1 chip that goes from Gauges dock at Saltspring Island all the way round the outside of the island back to Port Hardy.Has the tide tables,great zoom,charts show all contour lines.I find this a great GPS for a 17ft boat.For $100-$200 more you can have it in color.

 

[knucklebuster]

do you have all those dang crab pots marked on it?<img src=icon_smile_angry.gif border=0 align=middle>

it must be something in the water

 

[Fins -n- Skins]

How much is the H2O I finder???

Tournament Proven !

 

[Tsquared]

Fins:My buddy bought one from Island Outfitters at the boat show this year with chip for the island and mount for $700. The way electronics go you could probably get it for less than that now.
T2

 

[Kisinana]

Ifinder at Steveston Marine is $379
http://www.stevestonmarine.com/

 

[5-Salt Fever]

Try http://www.roguewavemarine.com/store/product.php?productid=2424&cat=23&page=1

US $134.00 for the i-Finder H20.

I used it as a back up to my main gps - sweet unit. Accepts Navonics Gold chart cards and will take you about an hour in your easy chair to figure it out.

You can download the i-Finder H2O product emulator for your PC at http://www.lowrance.com/Software/PCSoftware/Install/iFINDERH2O/default.asp The emulator allows you to demo the unit on your computer just as it you were holding it in your hand. You can learn how use it before it arrives in the mail.






Strong Like Bull - Smart Like Tractor

http://www.ifish.net/forum/ubbthreads.php
http://www.wetsand.com/swellwatch/swellwatch.asp?CatId=275
http://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/op/b/fishcam.asp

 

[Mr. Dean]

I have that Garmin 182C on board. I agree, Nobeltech is a VERY NICE rig but wouldn't work on mine - to exposed for the elements.

Loooove that lil Garmin though. <img src=icon_smile_tongue.gif border=0 align=middle>

Some like it rough...
Others just puke!.
Mr. Dean