Free Credit Report

depthfinder/gps idea?

My new boat has a Lowrance depthfinder/gps on the console and a good depthfinder on the front. Each has its own tranducer.

I had a thought last week - I know, a rarity for me - while fishing. I was fishing a brush pile and had not put out a marker so I was having a tough time staying on it. I wished my front depthfinder was paired with the one on the console so it would show the waypoint icon for the brush pile.

Would you buy a pair of depthfinders/gps that worked together? One could be a slave to the other, or both could work off a central unit under the console, maybe. Seems you would only need one tranducer and one antenna for the pair. I woulder how hard it would be to do this - how much more it would cost. I can turn my console unit so I can see it while on the trolling motor, but it would be nice to have both work together and to be able to put in waypoints from either.

I think I will send this to Lowrance. What do you think?

Ronnie fishing.guide@about.com http://fishing.about.com

 rgarri7470
Oct 24
2004
I would buy a Ram Mount and mount the GPS/depthfinder to the front and outboard side of the drivers side of the boat. I would also mount the GPS antenna beside the depthfinder (on the same bracket) so it could be used from the front seat as well as the drivers seat. I have my X-15/GPS bracket mounted to a Ram Mount and antenna at home here, would you like to see a photo of this set-up Ronnie? This way I can use it in the truck or in any boat, if only for the GPS nav. unit. -- Steve

--- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.782 / Virus Database: 528 - Release Date: 10/22/04

 Steve
Oct 24
Ronnie, what you are looking for are units that support the same "NMEA" output / input. Some (most?) Lowrance units have this ability -- you need a Lowrance NMEA/DGPS Adapter Cable (possible part number.....NDC-1 51-92) But check your dealer or manual to be sure.

NMEA is a standard that lets GPS to be connected to autopilots, VHF radios, and other marine gear. What I don't know is if the set up will let you go two ways -- ie: input a waypoint on the master and the slave -- put it is possible.

Keep in mind, GPS (with WAAS enabled) is accurate to < 7 meters (a boat length) most of the time .... some studies site less than 3 meters (A boat beam) 95% of the time.

zenbasser
Oct 24
from the front seat as well as the drivers seat. That is exactly what I have - but it would be a lot easier to have the display up front where the front depthfinder is so I would not have to strain to see it. The console is sevreal feet from where I fish in the front of my boat. I could also stay facing forward.

Seems if I am going to have two depthfinders anyway, a slave unit would be the way to go. Ronnie fishing.guide@about.com http://fishing.about.com

 rgarri7470
Oct 25
Problem is placement od a single transducer Ron. Obviously when you're fishing the ideal place is directly under your troller. Problem is you can't have your troller down when under big-engine power. I've got my garmin gps on my console with my mapping ability, and a Lowrance LMS320 on the bow that's a split sonar/gps. The system works great. I mark areas on my console unit & specific spots (boat optimal positions & cover positions) with my bow mount. Works like a charm, I often hook up on my first cast in offshore water. My rider in the State Team tourney thought I broke down when I stopped on a midlake hump. I hooked-up before he got out of his seat lol. go-bassn
Oct 24
   
Disclaimer: This is a computer-generated and formatted feed of current postings to a public
Internet forum. We do not control the information delivered, nor do we endorse or monitor its
content. Internet forums may carry offensive, harmful, inaccurate, and otherwise inappropriate material.
 Click to see the RSS XML version of this page   Click to see the Atom XML version of this page