chartplotters

[chris m]

Going through the process of looking for a chartplotter for my new boat, has anyone any feedback on the lowrance HDS -7m compared to the Garmin 550, (I am prepared to go smaller screen on the Garmin if proven to be better).
Q1 Any issues with Lowrance
Q2 Any issues with Garmin
Q3 How good is built in maps in Garmin compared to navionics in Lowrance
Q4 Is it worth spending the extra $500 on Lowrance

Cheers Chris

[Dantren]

Hi Chris.
Can't help you with Lowrance, but have been happy with my 550.
Has been accurate & reliable.
Not a bad price nowadays too. Only 1K compared to 1.5K when I bought mine.
Dan.

[chris m]

Hi Dan
How do you find the built in blue chart that comes with Garmin (enough info?). also have you purchased the G2 card.
Thanks Chris

[Dantren]

The charts are suitable for what I use it for.
No I didn't get the G2 card.

[Blackened]

G'day

I have the Garmin 550 and there's ample info on the provided charts.

I think it's a brilliant little unit.

Dave

[chris m]

Thanks guys, I think I will be going the 550
chris

[NEWBY]

I have just ordered the HDS 10 so if your not in a hurry, I will advise when I have it installed and use it. The reports in other forums around the world are sensational re the HDS especially with the Navionics Platinum card.

My stuff gets here end of July, early August. Also ordered the broadband radar.

[Pelagic 660]

I have just ordered the HDS 10 so if your not in a hurry, I will advise when I have it installed and use it. The reports in other forums around the world are sensational re the HDS especially with the Navionics Platinum card.

My stuff gets here end of July, early August. Also ordered the broadband radar.

Newby, did you order locally or from o/seas?

Trevor

[NEWBY]

Newby, did you order locally or from o/seas?

Trevor

Locally mate.
Got the HDS 10, External antenna, 1kw bronze transducer, navionics platinum card. AIS and broadband radar. $9000 fitted for the lot. I dont mess about with overseas stuff mate caus eif it goes wrong, its too hard to get it sorted

[ShaneC]

Chris I have the 5008, a bit bigger than yours but uses the same software I would imagine. I have the G2 card, and its great for what I use it for and I wouldn't go back to the built in maps. At the end of the day, you can always buy the card, so try it with the built in maps and if you feel the need to upgrade it, just buy it later.

I had an issue with mine and used a 550 on loan for a trip up north while it was sorted out, did the job beautifully, but I found the screen just a touch too small for my liking, however it was not mounted in an ideal location which didnt help.

Hope this helps.

[chris m]

Thanks for the advice guys, I have done a turnaround and looking at a new (old)A60 raymarine with nav gold card at a good price tomorrow, If it is anything like the new A50 or A70 I think I would be happy with it.
Cheers Chris

[Snapp]

Thanks for the advice guys, I have done a turnaround and looking at a new (old)A60 raymarine with nav gold card at a good price tomorrow, If it is anything like the new A50 or A70 I think I would be happy with it.
Cheers Chris

Good choice, I recently bought the A50, done 330klms & happy so far

[chris m]

I think I am getting worse than my wife, (changing my mind) after doing hours of research I have brought Lowrance HDS-7 and HDS-7M from Peter. After speaking to Peter (grand marlin) and looking at the HDS-5's on his boat I am now convinced the Lowrance units are the go.
Chris