Combo finder/gps for less than $200...possible?

[robertmee]

In finishing out my Glasstream refurbishment, I'm minus a fishfinder and/or GPS at the helm. I've done some reading and with the myriad of used models, I'm having a hard time keeping up with a good setup that won't break the bank. In the used market, is there a decent finder/gps combo in the $150 to $200 range? At this price I expect B&W of course. I thought about maybe just getting an inexpensive finder and a Garmin etrex Legend, but I'd prefer an all-n-one if possible.

Any suggestions on units that I should be targeting in this price range? I did do a search for gps/finder, but many of the threads are 2 to 3 years old and the info no longer relevant.

Thanks!

[MIbasser]

Rob, I wish you the best of luck for that price. You might find something used on ebay that will be a couple of years old. I have an LMS-520 and love it and would be lost (many times) without it. I know that Eagle makes a combo for around $360. Hope this helps out, a little.

[robertmee]

Originally Posted by MIbasser

Rob, I wish you the best of luck for that price. You might find something used on ebay that will be a couple of years old. I have an LMS-520 and love it and would be lost (many times) without it. I know that Eagle makes a combo for around $360. Hope this helps out, a little.

Thanks....I fully expect to go the used route, but am unsure of which models to target as there are so many.

[robertmee]

How about the Eagle Cuda 250? Anyone have any experience with this unit? Combo Sonar/GPS for less than $200 new. The CONS I see are small screen size and lack of memory card. The PROs are price obviously, and Eagle's rep.

I'm wondering if I should move my Eagle FishMark 480 to the Console and just buy an Etrex Legend, and put a standard inexpensive sonar on the bow. Or leave the FishMark on the bow, and get something like the Eagle Cuda. For you pros out there (pros at fishfinding I mean), which is more crucial....The bow mounted sonar or the console?

[buddy_fuentes]

The console mounted is great for finding the structure that you want to fish and navigation, however, I feel that the trolling motor mounted unit is the best for finding the fish and staying on your fish, once the structure is located.

If I could only have one...it would have to be console mounted (unless it was shallow water that I fish regularly) with two transducers and capable of turning toward the front of the boat.

Buddy

[robertmee]

Thanks for the thoughts, Buddy....

Is that something that can be done to any rig? Is there such thing as a transducer switch without having to unhook/rehook cables?

Also, from no experience in this area, when you're standing/sitting on the front casting deck, operating the trolling motor, do you spend much time looking at the sonar?

[buddy_fuentes]

Many years ago I had this set-up, but didn't have a switch. I think, not sure, I have seen a switch to go back and fourth.

The time spent watching the screen depends on the situation. If you need to stay on a break or something, yes. Most of the time I use it like a rear view mirror, a glance every twenty seconds or more. Sometimes something may catch your interest.

Wife and I were fishing the water off of Lake Maurepas (close to New Orleans) and I saw a big ole gator on a point and he appeared to have caught something to eat and went under. We were slowly trolling along and when I got over the point...I could see him as plain as day on my screen. I showed my wife because we have never seen anything like it. Reminds me of the ad in the magazine that shows the sunken ship.

Buddy