which sounder- dams/offshore

[Steve B]

I need to get a new sounder or combo, not totally sure yet. I already have a stand alone plotter (which was a combo but sounder feature died). To be used mostly in freshwater dams, estuaries and shallow offshore (less than 50m) I am going to get one of the below. Particulary require good sounding quality.can anyone give me first hand experience or suggestions for the following. especially re: digital technology in shallow water, shallow reading etc. I am buying O/S, so no hummingbird, lowrance (due to warranty issues) and definately NO EAGLE!

Raymarine DS500x - my first pick digital. Can it attach a GPS at later stage? And a previous thread said they had trouble getting readings in shallow water?? has anyone had specific problems?

Garmin GPSMAP178c - good pixels for sounding, old format GPS

or Garmin GPSMAP 298c - Less pixels for sounding new G2 map technology.

I know many will say furuno fcv 620. - Out of my price range unfortunatly. But great looking sounder.

Any experiences or suggestions greatly appreciated
regards steve

[Owen]

Steve,
I have a GPSMap 178C, so I can comment on that one.
Firstly, if you have room for two units, don't get a combo.
I love my Garmin unit and it does everything I thought it would, but two units are easier & better to use.
The detail of the GPS is pretty good. I haven't seen a G2 unit in the flesh. so I don't know if all the features are available everywhere.
The sounder is also good, though I'd have to say I was able to compare it to a Lowrance 107XCF the other week & I think the Lowrance had the edge. Not chalk & cheese, but definition of small fish etc is better in my eyes.