gps and transducer question

[gradywhiteman]

Looking at a Garmin unit that has gps,chartplotter, and a fishfinder all in one. It sells for 539.00. just looking for some feedback on that unit seeing that it is the first gps that we will buy. Also what type of transducer should we get, a transom mount or a hull mounted one? Thanks

 

[seasick]

It would help if you stated the model of the unit. A transom mounted transducer is easier to install but not trivial especially if there was never a transom transducer. A through hull may perform better or it may not. A lot depends on the hull and the placement. Also, good thru hulls can easily cost more that that GPS unit.
Finally, I prefer separate plotters and sonar screens especially if the all in one unit you are looking at is under 10 inches ( which based on that price, most certainly is). Splitting a small screen for maps and sonar makes for small display areas and can be tough to see what you want to see. Then again, if you never had a GPS or fishfinder, any new unit will be wonderful.

 

[CJBROWN]

Yes, a model, type of boat, and type of boating intended would help.

Most people don't split the screen on the small displays, they just switch from one to the other. For smaller boats on inland waters they can work quite nicely without spending a ton of money.

Garmin is known for the best GPS mapping, not so much for sounding.

It sounds like you're on a budget, so yes, a transom mount 'ducer is the way to go. But instead of screwing the bracket onto your transom, mount a piece of starboard there first. You can just glue it on there with 5200, or put a couple of counter-sunk bedded screws in it. Get a scrap piece, like 3-4" by 12". That way you can mount as many doo-dads on the back of your transom as you have need for and not be drilling holes in your boat. You may want to mount a second 'ducer, or a bait well pump, or whatever. Mount it just up from flush with the bottom of the hull.

It's also easy to include a temp sensor in a transom 'ducer, if that's important to you.

 

[gradywhiteman]

Thanks for your replys. My boat is a 223 Tournament and will be in Long Island sound primarily. As for the type of boating we will do it's a mixed bag, fishing ,tubing, cruising. I wanted a depth finder because it's pretty rocky around our immediate area. Any suggestions on the type of equipment to buy if not Garmin would be appreciated.