Sounder / GPS Combo - Chart Plotter? for small tinnie

[NormC]

I currently use an Eagle Cuda 250 combo sounder/GPS. Bottom of the range simple unit, but has worked very well for us. Had one technical failure and it was replaced with a new one - hard to complain about that.

Am currently upgrading the tinnie which is used as a roof topper for trips from a 3.5m with 15HP to a 3.75m with 20 HP. Have sold the old outfit complete to a mate, so need to get a new sounder/GPS.

I prefer the combo units (yes I know separate units are technically better) due to the small size of the boat and the fact that we only fish in the dams, estuaries and more recently up in the Gulf. Plan on spending 10 or 12 weeks in the Gulf next year. But in the Gulf we are still confined to estuaries and close in.

The Cuda 250 can be bought for around $500. I was thinking of throwing in an extra few hundred and increasing the budget to $800 - possibly $1,000 for something 'special'.

From my web search I can get a Hummingbird 383CX with 3 1/2 inch colour screen for around $850. If I'm quick I can probably get an Eagle Fish Elite 502 plotter / sounder with 5 inch colour screen for a touch under $1,000 (without charts). Have never owned or used a plotter so not sure what it will do for me, particularly with the type of fishing we do.

Anyone have some knowledge on these units or something else that will give reliable service and some bangs for my bucks in my budget range. How much better is a colour screen than my current grey scale? Or am I better to save my money and stick with the $500 Cuda?

Not interested in buying from US as I want to have the unit within a couple of weeks.
Norm C

[Piscatory Pursuit]

Can you get an Eagle Seacharter 502CDF over there? We get them here in the states for about $500.00 USD. Its a very nice economical unit. You can also get a Garmin GPSMAP 498 for about the same money and it is very good. Both of these units would be definite upgrades over your Cuda. You can get stuff from the states in about 7 business days if the dealer has it in stock and ships USPS Express Mail International which is real reasonable.

You definitely want color if you can fit it in your budget. It is a huge improvement over grey scale. Also the 2 units above will give you a much higher resolution screen and more sonar power than the Cuda.

Good Luck!

[FrankFWM]

Hi there,

1. I would definitely go with colour.

2. I personaly would choose a lowrance/eagle, Furuno, or a Garmin over a hummingbird(personal experience)

3. keep in mind you need maps to be included in any costing and this should be part of your decision criteria. both Navionics(used by Lowrance/Eagle) and Bluechart(used by Garmin) have excellent maps(I just upgraded mine on both usits and both were excellent.

I have heard C-map is not bad either but I was told not as good as Navioics but can't refer to my own use as it is only someone elses opinion

Hope this helps.

Frank

[lippa]

i had a lawrance lms 337c d/f in my tinny, it was fantastic.
i beleive its been super seeded, by an even better model. should come in around the 1k mark.

cheers

lippa

[NormC]

Well I dropped into Bias Boating today to have a look at the Eagle 502C. They have it on special for $949. After having a good look at it and being pretty happy, I looked up at the Lowrance 527. 5 inch colour screen 480x480 pixel.
Ran the Navionics maps on a couple of areas I fish on both and I was sold on the 527. Well above my budget at $1299 for the unit and about $350 for Australia wide charts. Lashed out and got it anyway. The wife was there and encouraged me to spend the extra $ on the better unit.
I guess it will have to last a long long time. Won't get i t for a couple of days as they didn't have one with built in antenna in stock.
Lots of learning to do to get the best out of it once it arrives.

Norm C

[Dan5]

Have a look around for a garmin 298 combo they come pre loaded with g2charts and are around the $1200 mark which is good value for a colour unit.Dan.........