Combined GPS/Sounder

[chanquetas]

Im chasing a combined unit for the kayak. I need a through-hull transducer for the sounder, and an inbuilt antenna for the GPS. Whitworths suggested the Navman 5110 as the cheapest way to do this in one unit. Basically Im in the dark here, I dont know the quality of the Navman, and I dont know what else is available.
The Navman looked fine to me, not too large, removable cables, inbuilt antenna, and pretty simple. Also the price is below $1000, which is good. I can mount a 12V motorcycle battery inside the hull no problem, and run the cables through the hull.
Any thoughts from the watery Brains Trust that is Ausfish?

[ShaneJ]

What about a Garmin GPSMAP178C? Can also be supplied with a through hull transducer.

[chanquetas]

Shane, Good call mate. I reckon the Garmin looks pretty good too. Actually, from what I can gather the 5110 that Whitworths tried to sell me is a Chartplotter only. >

The GPSMAP178 (b&w version) I see around for about $800, so its my first and only choice at the moment, unless someone has some more suggestions.

[revs57]

Go the Garmin Chanquetas, I had a navman GPS unit for a couple of years in our old tinnie...not impressed, slow to reconfigure position and not as easy as others to change screens and it seems those who use them reckon the Garmin blue chart has it over the others at the moment judging but the threads on ausfish over the past month or so...so much so we picked up the 172C for our new boat...the chartography is seemless and processing speed is very good too...I can't wait to check it out when we finish the new rig

Rhys

[Owen]

Chanquetas,
I'll be gettinga Garmin GPSMAP 178C in about a month when I get back from holidays.
I've decided to swallow my pride and buy it from the USA. Much as I hate sending money overseas it is the difference between getting what I want and settling for what I can afford.
It'll cost me under $1000 Aus landed or a little over if I get a map card at the same time.
They seem to be $1500 - 1600 here
I'll put up a post with my thoughts on it when I get it.
Of course I won't have experience with another unit to compare with, but if I think it's crap I'll say so

cheers,
Owen

[chanquetas]

Owen, Who are you buying that from?

[ShaneJ]

Just remember that if they catch you bringing it in, you will be forced to pay import duties and taxes. If so, your final price wont be much/if any cheaper than local retail.

[gavsgonefishing]

Just been through the excercise from o/s. If they send it to your door not a problem with taxes etc. May be a prob if sent to a po box or post office. why? its got me stuffed

[ShaneJ]

I think it depends on how busy they are the day your goods come in. I buy alot of DVD's from OS and some times i'm made to pay the taxes and some times the goods dont get picked up. I guess it depends how lucky you are.

[Bowser]

For general information, there are no Duties on GPS sounders coming into the country althaough you may have to pay GST if the unit is assessed. A lot depends on the carrier your shipper uses and how it is handled coming in. There are different rules for frieght carriers and for Australia Post. I bought a Lowrance from the US and it worked out roughly 2/3rds the price and I paid the GST. Soemone is making too much money from the products in Oz.

[snapattack]

What about this?

www.graysonline.com.au/lot.asp?LOT_ID=504380

[chanquetas]

OK. ShaneJ raised a good point. However, I have bought a LOT of CDs (Im a big music fan) from the internet and never had a problem, never had to pay GST or duties or whatever it is that you may have to pay. Not sure if this is the same as buying electronics. Perhaps they dont care about CDs/DVDs etc.

Im also a fan of good warranties, and usually purchase extended warranties for items when they are available. Some companies have international warranties and its possible they honour them, but I dont know, I have no experience with the companies in question - Navman, Lowrance, Garmin etc.

Also, snapattack, that item looks good, but again I am always hesitant without a warranty, and like to purchase items new if I can afford it. Appreciate the link though mate....Cheers.

So, thanks for all the advice blokes, I think I may have my missus' approval of a GPSMAP178.

BUT:

Is there any reason we shouldn't be buying seperate units instead and save a couple of hundred dollars???

A sounder for about $200 to $300 and a handheld GPS for about $200, and its all sorted. What advantage would a combined unit offer, apart from the one power supply? Can it do more than the sum of its parts?

Again all thoughts much appreciated!
Jake

[ShaneJ]

The combined units are mainly just neater. One thing they can do is: like a standalone GPS when you get to a fishing spot you can mark that spot on your GPS, but along with the location info extra info like depth can also be stored.

Chanquetas, If your serious about getting a Garmin product let me know and i'll get you a good price. I'm not sure if you can get a off the shelf package with a through hull transducer, but I should be able to arrange something for you.

[fishman7]

hi chanquetas
i have a navman 5110 its only a chart plotter unless they do it as a sounder to ?.sorry i cant help with the combined units i dont know muck about them.shane haves some good points its sounds like the garmin is the way to go.how deep will u be going.
cheers
danny

[fishman7]

hi
does this sound any good but u have to get a hand held gps
sv-35 underwater colour camera 320 line resolution lcd monitor. reaches depths of up to 35 metres and angles ranging up to 83 degrees horizontal and 60 degrees vertical for optimum viewing.
additional features
9 in built white led lights for day and night
recargeable 12 volt high quality sealed lead acid battery
comes with connection for vcr and handicam recording
optional camera holder for added visual control
cheers
danny