Are we getting rooked?

A GPS is a tool. I compare it to a calculator and piece of paper or a scope on a rifle or a spare to a map and compass. I learned to shoot squirrels with open sights, and learned to read a map with a compass. I learned to add with a pencil and paper. I learned to mark brush with land marks (and I still do) but, a GPS is quicker and leaves less second guessing. Don't rely to heavily on GPS and remember it's only a tool that is as good as the operator using it. With that said, I would NOT turn any of my bear hounds loose with out GPS collars around there neck. LOL!!!

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Originally Posted by crappie1133

I would like a depthfinder with SI, DI,and 2D WITHOUT the gps.I don't believe its availiable.... Why???? Looks like Humminbird and Lowran are forcing Gps on us whether we like it or not. Am I missing something or is Gps that great . I can't see the advantages. Maybe you guys can straighten me out. THanks for any comments.

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So what fish finder are you upgrading from?

How about folks that like two separate units? I like to have an individual GPS and a sonar. I don't like splitting screens. I have a 798 HB and a separate GPS. With the extra costs going into the 798 for GPS, I'd of rather seen them soup up the sonar. PS Before I had my 798, I had a 778 linked to my GPS. So I could do all the things a combo unit could do, without splitting screens.

Ihave a Lowrance x-510 c on a Tracker PF 17 stick steer with transducers on the transom and trolling motor and a switch tro toggle back and forth.What about putting SI on the trolling motor? Will it worlk O.K.?

A little story about GPS. I was at lake talquin in Florida and its a shallow stumpy lake.....We followed a boat out from the ramp cause we didnt have any idea where the running channel was...While we were out fishing a storm rolled in and the waves got BIG so we couldnt see the logs and stumps that were sticking out of the water when we went out that morning....We were fortunate that the Eagle FF had Gps and just followed our track back to ramp......Its priceless in situations like this......

You could always use a sextant instead. No drain on your battery.

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I learned to use one when I started sailing many moons ago. Then Loran came out, then GPS. I still have the sextant but haven't used it in more than 20 years. I'm not even sure you can still buy the yearly tables needed.

Don't see where the side imaging would be that useful without the GPS. You mark a spot 75' to your left and it places a waypoint there (can't be done without GPS), you travel right to the spot. Without the GPS, you see it on the screen, try to remember how far over it was, turn around get closer and closer until you are over the top of it, throw a marker, triangulate with the bank. Come back next time, start over again.

I will say I used to be pretty good at triangulating until I started using GPS. Saves alot of headache and time. To answer your question, for the normal extra $100, it is worth it and now a neccessity to me.

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Originally Posted by bdorman

You could always use a sextant instead. No drain on your battery.

http://www.crappie.com/crappie/attac...px-sextant.jpg

I learned to use one when I started sailing many moons ago. Then Loran came out, then GPS. I still have the sextant but haven't used it in more than 20 years. I'm not even sure you can still buy the yearly tables needed.

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You can still get the tables. BTW They make plastic sextants in china now. ha

Coming from a non-GPS fish finder, I can understand why you don't really want GPS. But with the newer technologies out, GPS will help you get back to the same spot if there is nothing from shore you can reference. I personally don't like SI on the trolling motor because if you make any turns, that will distort the image if I was to go back and replay the recording. I have never gotten a real clean SI image going 1mph with a trolling motor. Something always messes up my direction going that slow.

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Originally Posted by crappie1133

Ihave a Lowrance x-510 c on a Tracker PF 17 stick steer with transducers on the transom and trolling motor and a switch tro toggle back and forth.What about putting SI on the trolling motor? Will it worlk O.K.?

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by crappie1133

Ihave a Lowrance x-510 c on a Tracker PF 17 stick steer with transducers on the transom and trolling motor and a switch tro toggle back and forth.What about putting SI on the trolling motor? Will it worlk O.K.?

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I have seen some images from some humminbirds with the transducer mounted on the trolling motor that were outstanding. it may take a little adjusting, but you can make it work.