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Posts: 462
Location: Syracuse, Indiana | My fiance' has given me permission to upgrade my electronics. I drool over Lowrance units that combine GPS with depth revealing capabilities, especially the color units with background mapping. However, my boat, motor and trailer is probably only worth $7000 or so. I have a hard time justifying a $2500 (or more) "investment" in that boat (No. I do not have permission to buy a 621 - yet). Any thoughts on:
1. I fish in IN (Webster, Tippe, Barbee), WI (Eagle River), MN (Big-V), and Ontario (Eagle and LOTW). I'd like to expand to MI (LSC) and OH. I like a BIG screen, and don't want to mess with different chips. Recommendations for units?
2. Anyone else put a third of the value of a boat back into electronics for that boat? Did you later think it wise?
3. How best can I thank my fiance'? |
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Posts: 670
Location: Otsego, MN | Check the classifieds, you may be able to find some larger older Lowrances for sale. Also try Cabelas they usually have some good deals on older units if they still have them in stock. |
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Posts: 291
Location: Minneapolis | 1. I have a Lowrance 322 GPS/Sonar. I think it's been replaced by the 522. The detail is great, but a larger screen would be nice. But if you went this route, the upgrade cost would be a lot lower (under $1000). I know you don't want to mess with different chips, but I think you would be much happier if you did. The Hot Maps Lake of the Woods + 2K chip gives you all the big MN lakes from Mille Lacs north (many with 1' contours, including Vermilion, Mille Lacs, Leech), plus LOTW, Eagle, Lac Seul, Rainy and others in Canada. That's a great chip, but it does nothing for WI, IN.
2. I bought my rig used for $7600. It already had two sonars and a trolling motor, but they were not what I liked. I thought I got such a good deal on the boat, I didn't think twice about upgrading sonar and trolling motor. I think I spent $1600 on electronics. I'm glad I did.
3. I've heard diamonds are a girl's best friend... |
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Posts: 194
Location: Lincolnshire, IL | Buy something you like and you want to use....just because it goes on your current boat doesn't mean you can't take it with you if you sell it....If you watch closely you can find big screen electronics at blowout pricing....Boatersworld had another deal on 111's late this last summer for $1299....just watch closely and be ready when the deal comes along...Then if you want to keep it for your next boat, take it off before you list it or show it to anyone so that the electronics don't become bargaining points...Good Luck. |
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Posts: 3508
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | I'll chime in here as well...
one word...EBAY!! I have found great deals on ebay on different units. Currently have a Garmin 178C on it's way that has all the capabilities of both depth and mapping gps...a unit that ran brand new just a year ago at $580, I got new for $335 shipped.
last year, I purchased an Eagle 500C GPS for $350 brand new...it sold for over $400 in last year's catalogs
My first GPS was a Garmin 126. Refurbished I paid $120 for it and sold it for the same amount 4 years later.
Lots of choices there, and if you are careful enough, you can find a great deal on a good used unit that has everything you need but the chip.
Steve |
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| Good electronics to me are key...having fished in some boats without so much as a locator I'm not sure how I ever fished w/ out gps anymore...
who cares what the boat is worth..get good electronics and you'll put more fish in the boat...
the 522's are nice though not the biggest screens you can get by with those...($547 at hodgesmarine.com each for those)...maybe get one for the back one for the front or maybe a 522 for the back and a 7" up front ...($910 at hodges)
so you could get those 2 and have some dough leftover for any other upgrades on the boat.... |
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Posts: 199
Location: Sandusky, OH | I saw a flier from Cabelas with Lowrance 110's for $1000; if they have any left it would be a great pickup.
Don't skimp on Electronics, and learn how to really use them, and they will be the best investment on your boat.
Eric |
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Posts: 80
Location: Clintonville, Wi | electronics make the boat go with the biggest and best unit you can afford--------agree on cabelas check there internet specials this spring when new stuff comes out. |
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| what Cabelas did you find 110's for $1000 at?
Thanks,
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Posts: 2384
Location: On the X that marks the mucky spot | If you keep your eyes open you can snag some good deals out on the internet. I don't recommend buying marine electronics on ebay. There's a bunch of scams and the deals aren't that great. Plus if you need to return something it's tough at best.
I think you can get a X-25 (or todays equivalent) for around $1000. That's a good sized screen, but it's not the monster. You're not old enough where this screen wouldn't be big enough  |
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Posts: 3518
Location: north central wisconsin | ...
Edited by Reef Hawg 12/18/2007 10:53 AM
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Posts: 462
Location: Syracuse, Indiana | Thanks to all. I am focusing on the LCX-38hd. A good sized screen and many options I like. Now if the ice will melt ... |
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Posts: 199
Location: Sandusky, OH | The 110 flyer from Cabelas was shown to me by a co-worker; it was mailed to him (he must be a 'preferred' customer!). He told me today that when he tried to order one, they were already sold out. Too bad, great price for that unit, discontinued or not. The 38 is a nice one too.
Eric |
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | "permission from a fiance"? ... dude |
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Posts: 462
Location: Syracuse, Indiana | jonnysled - 12/19/2007 7:51 PM
"permission from a fiance"? ... dude
LOL - She'd say she is training me correctly! 
The reality is she thinks I need to find a used Ranger 619 or 620! |
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| Cabelas were sold out on those 110's hours after the add ran.................I called for one myself NG |
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