Combine Sonar & GPS or keep seperate units?

[Cove]

I need to buy a new sonar & wonder if I should get a combo Sonar/GPS. I have a decent simple GPS unit (no maps etc)I can mount on past boat but am dimly aware that gps maps are now common. Also, should I consider a combination Sonar / GPS unit? I read about these but can't quite visualize how this would work and if it would be any advantage over seperate sonar and gps mountd alongside on the dash.

[willie]

Cove, I would go with the GPS and sonar combo. A buddy of mine has a Lowrance X15 and its awsome. He sets it so the one side of the screen is his GPS map and the other side of it is the depth. This way is nice so if your fishing the edge of a flat or reef you can watch your path so if you have to go back over it you just follow your path.It also has a place to insert a chip that has the lake right on it so it brings up the picture of the lake and you can see exactly were you are. He also has chips that have the lakes in 1 foot contures which is really nice for when you need to find a point or inside turn or just to follow a certain depth. I would go with the two together that way you dont have to mess around with mounting the gps or forgeting it at home.

Willie ><((((>

[bigeyes]

Cove- you will hear it both ways. I would say a few more guys run them on separate units then together, but see what you like. Mine is an lms 320(one unit and it is alright, the screen is a little small to be running gps and depthfinder). You get a bigger screen with the X-15 type units which would be a lot nicer if your budget allows. Lots of good deals on units these days. Good luck.

[snapjigger]

Personaly I prefer 2 seperate units. If 1 should go down your without both. With seperate unit's 1 would still be available for you to use.If the gps goes down and you need service your without your locater also. Just my $.02

[Cove]

Thanks for the input, folks. The wheels are turning. It was particularily helpful to hear about and try to visualize what willie was saying. I suspect this is indeed one of those deals where after I have a little more experience hindsight will be clearer. But as they say, you can't steer a parked car. I am just going to have to take a stab here soon and get going

[willie]

Cove, What you should do is go to Cabelas, Gander Mountain, or Reeds and look at the depth finders with the GPS units and see if you would like it.Take a look at the Lowrance X15 its a slick deal. The guys working at these stores will be able to show you how they work and you might get some better insights on what you would like better.

Willie ><((((>

[Scott Steil]

I run x-15's on my Ranger but my next rig I will have separate units. I like the idea of having full screens for each unit. If you can afford to have both I would recommend that route. Just personal preference. Plus, then when the internal fuse blows in one, you can still use the other. It seems to happen a lot when you use them the way I do.

------------------
Mille Lacs Guide Service
(320)293-3287
www.millelacsguideservice.com

[Cove]

Thanks for the comments, guys.
If Cabelas has a good setup then that would be worth a 1 hour run over to Owatonna. Good idea. I believe I will do that.