So my Garmin GPSmap GPS/Sonar unit has given out. Sometimes the depth sounder works, sometimes not. Sometimes the GPS portion works, sometimes not. It never happens that both are working at the same time so I?m getting a new one. Currently I use the depth finder to navigate and find areas that are a particular depth. I use the GPS to mark routes at low tide and therefore miss obstructions at higher tides. Also to mark fishy looking structure that is not visible at higher tides (oysters). With this strategy, all my replacement unit needs is the GPS and depth readout. Essentially, I don?t use the sonar. Is there a unit on the market that is that simple? I?d rather not spend $800 on another unit like my Garmin. I?m looking at the Garmin echoMAP 50s and the Lowrance Elite 5 DSI. Both around 500 clams. Any advice on those units would be appreciated. Also, feel free to tell me I?m crazy for not using the sonar. I fish strictly inshore and haven?t found the need. I?m sure I?m missing some productive structure. Your thoughts?
Thanks!
quote:
Also, feel free to tell me I?m crazy for not using the sonar.
OK. You’re crazy 
I think you’ve been missing out on a lot of productive structure. With a decent bottom machine you can see shrimp in the deep holes, tell if the bottom is sand, mud or rock, see submerged pilings or trees or oyster bars, see the fish,…there is a lot more to see than just depth:smiley: I prefer Humminbird myself, but others are good too. Lowrance is great when it works but if you need customer service, you could be in trouble. Garmin has been making GPS for a long time and are very good but their software is somewhat proprietary, or at least was, I haven’t checked lately.
You can get a real good unit in the $500 range.
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
“Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made.” -Robert N. Rose
Have you looked on Garmin’s site to see what the repair bill would be? My experience with their customer service has been nothing but great in past dealings. They normally charge a fairly cheap flat rate to either fix your unit or provide a new one. They will even upgrade you to a more current model if they no longer support the one you have. The kicker for me was that they replaced my old economy model depth finder with a new color sounder because they no longer supported it. It didn’t fit the old model’s bracket and one phone call was all it took for them to send me a bracket free of charge.