Gps help

On my boat is an older gps that has had the buttons missing and so on. It works...it tells me the temp/speed/depth of the water. I need a GPS because since im new I really dont take many chances going away from the boat launch and i feel thats holding me back. Ive used my phone a bit but once it loses signal its not good. I want to buy something under 400 or so bucks that could help me. Something with a map thats shows me where the launch is and a map of where i am so i can see upcoming areas? Am I asking too much? Thanks for all the help!

Scotty:
I'm not sure what kind of phone you're using but Navionics makes an app for either IPhone or Android. I have the Android version and it works extremely well. There's several versions available with the most expensive being about 50.00. Mine cost me 9.99 a couple of years ago.
What you do is while you're on a signal, you download a section of map where you'll be fishing. Downloads quick and stays on the phone so you don't need a signal. There's a free version you can try first but it's bare bones and doesn't do much. They also have a free online app for the PC. Here's the url: http://www.navionics.com/
If you don't want to use your phone, I also have a Lowrance Elite 4m. It's discontinued now and they only make the 5m. Amazon still sells them and the price is right. Awesome little unit and has never let me down. http://smile.amazon.com/Lowrance-Eli...rance+elite+4m
I just bought a Dragonfly 4 combo unit which is really nice and has wi-fi for my phone but I'm keeping the Lowrance unit. I like it that much.

Enjoy,
Paul

The new Humminbird helix has several models less than $400. You can get a basic sonar and GPS for under $300 from Brian at BBG marine. He is a site sponsor here. A mapping chip for the DF really enhances the detail of the map and I feel is worth the extra cost. These units can record tracks on the map so you can easily retrace your path back to the ramp. Even though I have fished my home lakes many times I still sometimes glance at my tracks to make sure I am on course.

Helix units are very nice i just got the 7 with si and love it I just could swing the bigger screen but I was about to buy a 5 for the money the are the best out there IMHO

This is what I have.

http://i.imgur.com/TRBszwA.jpg


Are the newer ones better/easier to use? I downloaded that app...gonna use it Saturday at Henderson.

I have a 385 HB that I replaced with the 5" Helix. I also have a 7" HDS Lowrance. The small screen makes it difficult to see if you use a split screen for GPS and sonar. I think the biggest improvement you will enjoy is more detail on the larger screen. If yours is not a color unit, that will really jump out at you because it is so much easier to pick out the fish and structure with a color unit. GPS is easier to read too.

scotty, I have just such a unit and it works well. I have it mounted on the dash and use it for navigating and searching. I also have a 798 on the bow for fishing or I can bring it to the dash and use in on the same mount as the 383 for navigating. Here is a picture showing what the different buttons are for. I might add the the map doesn't have great detail but it will do to get you back home.
"gene"

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/f...AB11E4422C.jpg

Ya'll are making me antsy....I need a unit up front...well need is a strong word...but yeah...so I might could move my non gps to the front and install the hb at the dash.......NEEEEEEEEEEED....not really but WTH.....eck BRUCE:)

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Originally Posted by fishervet

Ya'll are making me antsy....I need a unit up front...well need is a strong word...but yeah...so I might could move my non gps to the front and install the hb at the dash.......NEEEEEEEEEEED....not really but WTH.....eck BRUCE:)

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:Rofl:Rofl:Rofl..........nonono..........:biggrin

If you just want a GPS to get back to the landing. Look at the Bushnell Backtracker. TGhey are under $100.00 and work well for what you want it to do.

Speaking of moving the DF from front to back, I always liked the fact that the HBs simply plugged into the mount and many models would work in the same mounting.
Unfortunately, the Helix went away from that. It has the cable plugs on the back of the unit and works like the Lowrance units, so you can't "plug" the Helix models into any of the other style HB mounts.
Anyone know why HB made the change and was is just the Helix or are all new HBs like that?

Any of the GPS options already mentioned will work just fine....... In addition always carry a paper map you can always terrain or marker associate and make your way back.......


Ray, I am guessing the change in mount from quick change to gimble type was necessary due to the wide screen format.

I was thinking about buying this one...but after talking to a install place...250 bucks to move mine to the front and install the new one is a little too much right now.

http://i.imgur.com/WHuqICU.jpg

looks like a good deal...you will be happy with it.

also with the lowrance HDI or HD series, you can add google or bing aerial maps to it, so you really see whats going on.

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...pszlno1dwd.jpg

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Originally Posted by Cobayashi

also with the lowrance HDI or HD series, you can add google or bing aerial maps to it, so you really see whats going on.

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f3...pszlno1dwd.jpg

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Hmmm...do they charge to get those maps? I noticed that if you want the NICE looking maps that look like google maps you have to pay alot?

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Originally Posted by SeaRay

The new Humminbird helix has several models less than $400. You can get a basic sonar and GPS for under $300 from Brian at BBG marine. He is a site sponsor here. A mapping chip for the DF really enhances the detail of the map and I feel is worth the extra cost. These units can record tracks on the map so you can easily retrace your path back to the ramp. Even though I have fished my home lakes many times I still sometimes glance at my tracks to make sure I am on course.

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I just ordered a Helix 5 with GPS and Down imaging from amazon for $324 last week. I haven't mounted it yet but I do like the reviews I have been hearing about it. It has way more techonology than I will ever use! I just wanted something that will automatically track a path so I can find my way home and from what I understand, this unit will do that.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SeaRay

Speaking of moving the DF from front to back, I always liked the fact that the HBs simply plugged into the mount and many models would work in the same mounting.
Unfortunately, the Helix went away from that. It has the cable plugs on the back of the unit and works like the Lowrance units, so you can't "plug" the Helix models into any of the other style HB mounts.
Anyone know why HB made the change and was is just the Helix or are all new HBs like that?

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Not sure why they went to that but I know on my father in law's boat sometimes the wires that plugged in from the bottom would sometimes get pushed down and we would have to readjust them to make sure they fit snuggly into the unit. This may be a factor in their changing designs. I too liked the idea of being able to plug different units into the same mount.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by shadow

I just ordered a Helix 5 with GPS and Down imaging from amazon for $324 last week. I haven't mounted it yet but I do like the reviews I have been hearing about it. It has way more techonology than I will ever use! I just wanted something that will automatically track a path so I can find my way home and from what I understand, this unit will do that.

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Are you gonna install it? That's not a bad price at all!

big john got a helix with gps. not sure if it has down imaging or not. but it does have sonar. we are gonna mount it either tomorrow evening or saturday between hunts. i will let you know how difficult it is/was to mount.

doc :)

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Originally Posted by scottyl44

Are you gonna install it? That's not a bad price at all!

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Yes, I have always installed mine. They are not that hard to install. Mine will be going on my trolling motor. For the ones that go on the transom, I have an extra piece welded on the back bottom of the transom by a weld shop. I have this piece installed so I don't have to put a hole in my transom for the transduecer mount.

Ok, got it installed this morning. Took a little over an hour taking my time and making sure where I wanted it. I put the transducer on the trolling motor. Now I need to find the transom mount for the other hummingbird that I have on there b/c it use to be on the trolling motor but now I'm moving it to the transom, anyone have an extra transom mount for a humming bird 150?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by shadow

Ok, got it installed this morning. Took a little over an hour taking my time and making sure where I wanted it. I put the transducer on the trolling motor. Now I need to find the transom mount for the other hummingbird that I have on there b/c it use to be on the trolling motor but now I'm moving it to the transom, anyone have an extra transom mount for a humming bird 150?

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Very nice! I might go buy that lowrance 7 chirp.. just still unsure if i can install it