GPS/Chartplotter suggestions

[Misty IV]

I'm looking for a new GPS/Chartplotter to replace my Raymarine RC425 which is no longer serviceable according to Raymarine. I loved the unit for all the years I've had it, but I've had it back to Raymarine twice for issues, and now I find out that the Navionics card for the unit is bad and no longer available or supported. Hence, I'm in the market for a new unit.

I don't need anything fancy, but I don't want a plain-Jane unit either. I like that I'm able to link the GPS to the Raymarine fishfinder I use. I'd like to stick with a Ray model, but I've seen some nice units from Garmin and Humminbird, too.

I've heard some negative feedback about Lowrance, and the last Lowrance fishfinder I had on the old boat gave me nothing but problems; left me with a negative attitude. Perhaps they've changed, perhaps not.

What is everyone using these days? Open to all suggestions. I'd like to keep the cost under $700, color screen, if possible. I only fish on Lake Ontario. Thanks.

Sent from my Verizon HTC Thunderbolt using the Lake Ontario United mobile app

[Little Crappie]

I for one love my lowrance HDS 5 with lake insight gen 2. 

[bigblue]

Have a look at the Garmin Echo Map 50 the map draw time is very fast . Great card maps available Blue chart, Vision Card and the new HD series all great lake Ontario data . Add a transducer and you also have a great sounder . I own five Garmin units on two boats easy to use and great factory support with updates etc and all have been trouble free.

[Shellback]

Take a good look at the Garmin Echomap series. I have an Echomap 50S, and liked it so much, I bought a 70DV. I now use the 50S for GPS and the 70DV strictly for sonar. The 70DV is a touch screen unit. Here's a screen shot.

[sszoldra]

Raymarine has rebuilt units on sale in their factory store. Good price for a touchscreen unit.

[dick black]

i have 2 lowrance hds 7s and they have been flawless--- just my 2 cents

[Adk1]

Nobody talking the low range elite series yet. Defiantly in your price range

[Misty IV]

Thanks for the replies. I spent time this weekend on each manufacturer's webpages comparing, and things are definitely comparable brand to brand.

Sent from my Verizon HTC Thunderbolt using the Lake Ontario United mobile app

[Misty IV]

Anyone used the Raymarine A50? They have a tempting special offer available as long as supplies last.

Sent from my Verizon HTC Thunderbolt using the Lake Ontario United mobile app

[NickR]

Bought a 859 humminbird for 600 love it 7" screen don't need extra maps. Only thing is no nmea connector for your VHS radio

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[Adk1]

Dont know if I can pass up the $100 rebate on the Lowrance Elite 7 base combo (not Chirp). I can see why they are all rebating them with the new Chirp line coming out.