Your thoughts on sounders!

[formosa1]

gday guys was wanting to know your choice between the Furuno 600L,Raymarine DS600X,and the Lowrance 107cdf.I know the lowrance is cheaper than the other two models,but am willing to
pay a bit more if needs be.Most of my work is the shallow reefs off the cape.wide cal,banks and
close reefs of m-bar.This decision is driving me insane(been talking to to many salesmen) :o
so any help would be very greatful.

cheers kane

[RAGINGBULL]

http://www.ausfish.com.au/cgi-ausfish/yabb2/YaBB.cgi?num=1125568231

[fishman7]

hi
as a expro and a charter boat skipper you cant go by the furuno also jrc are great to.
danny

[Marlin_Meg]

I currently own a Navman 4380. It's great !
Watch the warranty - often it's the screen only that has an extended warranty, not important parts like transducers ! E-Bay is a bargain, but if you buy someone else's sounder you can void the warranty.

[daz35]

I hav a furuno 600l and couldnt ask for anything better

[Fishinmishin]

If you end up deciding on a 107cdf and are in Brisbane, I can get them for $870.
Cheers, Jay

[grumpyoldman]

I'm in the same situation. Just sold my Bertie 25 FBSF and bought a Signature 1950L. Bertie had Furuno FCV??? - old technology but not bad. New tub has nothing, so I'm starting from scratch. Lowrance 107C DF impresses me, mainly because of its high screen resolution - 480 x 480. Most others in price range are much lower and I think resolution is pretty important for separation. I guess it boils down to personal preference and recommendations from people you trust (ie. other owners) rather than salesmen. Most well-known brands will give good service within their price range. It's the old story of "champagne tastes on a beer budget". If price is not a consideration, I would think that Koden, JRC, etc. are the go - horses for courses. If you're a good enough pedro, you should be able to get a feed without one at all - we did for thousands of years!!! :-[

[formosa1]

thanks for your info guys,GRUMPYOLDMAN i was thinking along the same lines,
the 107cdf impressed me with all its features and the price is very good,however
the lowrance units are filled and sealed with some chemical(hydragen?)so if u
ever have a problem with the unit or maybe even drop it you cant fix it,once
there opened up ther stuffed!and the warranty is only 12 months i was told(correct me if im wrong).im not saying there not a good unit and who knows
it might last 20 years,but would hate to have to buy another sounder after only
a couple of years! :o.Then again it might be a good way to talk the boss into
letting you get a bigger and better one ;)i went with furuno if your wondering.

cheers kane

[Owen]

I find it a bit hard to believe that if you open a Lowrance unit it is stuffed.
About the only reason for filling them with hydrogen would be to provide positive pressure in the unit so moisture couldn't get in.
I'd love to hear more though as the Lowrance is on my wish list if I can keep off the ciggies :D
Owen

[formosa1]

owen, i know mate i did'nt believe it either,but have asked alot of sales reps and they all said that this is true!but quickly reassured me that you would never
have to open one up ::)What if you drop it :o

[banshee]

G'day Kane,Lowrance units are filled with Nitrogen to stop them foging up,dosen't work in my area as my GPS fogs up every winter(sounder used to as well),no real drama for me cause the company gives me a new one when it happens.The reps are right,you won't have to open it up,lowrance do not repair their product,they replace or offer a replacement on a pro-rata basis,that is,if it's out of warranty the company will adjust the price on the replacement depending on how old it is,after three years your on your own and back to full price.If you've gone with the 600L you will not be dissapointed,four years ago I bought a Furuno and haven't had any troubles,in contrast the GPS unit that sits next to it has been replaced annualy.