I am getting a new CC and I’m torn between the Lowrance HDS8 and the Garmin 740S. Both seem to have their pros and cons. I am not going with any radar or engine gauge set up just GPS and sonar. I am not sure on the touch screen on the Garmin? Can anyone provide me with their personal exp on these units or at least a better place then W/M to talk to someone about them? Thanks
FishCrazy
As for overall quality and the ease of navigating through the screens I like Garmin. The Lowrance may be a better sounder depending on what you are looking for since Garmin does not have side/down imaging. The touch screens are nice for quicky putting in waypoints if going offshore, taking trips, and integration in a autopilot system to follow the track; I’m not sure I would go with the added expense for a CC if you will be fishing a lot inshore.
Iain Pelto
Edgewater 185CC “Jumpin’ Bean II”
Native Manta Ray 14
Thanks hairball. That is one of those things you can really make a big mistake with the wrong purchase. Still doing a lot of research.
FishCrazy
We sale & install alot of the lowrance HD’s, One nice thing about them is there networking, If you have multiple units you can network them via ethernet; No nmea headache. one unit can read off multiple transducer and share waypoint, routes etc.
I only owned Garmin GPS…“stand alone units” in the past, IMO they are the best. For an all in one unit I chose the Lowrance HDS, the preloaded charts so far are right on and like Shain said adding other options to it is a breeze. Lowrances’ standard transducer works very well and has more screen options than you will ever use. I looked at Garmin before I bought my HDS but just didn’t like Garmins sounder. If you have room go with the HDS 10…$500.00 more than the 8 but with 3-4 split screens at once and you can still see them it’s worth it.
26’ Twinvee Cat
Twin Suzuki 175’s
www.creeksidemetalworks.com
Everyone, Thanks for the input. I decided on the HDS-8 with the structure scan. That was the selling point. Besides I’m not to keen on the touch screen. I have one in my truck and after two years it is starting to show where you touch the screen. Hope it does me good.
FishCrazy
You will LOVE the structure scan…touch screens I don’t like for the one reason…bug spray…deet will mess up a screen or anything else plastic.
26’ Twinvee Cat
Twin Suzuki 175’s
www.creeksidemetalworks.com
They are all good now. Seems to me that the ease of use is the biggest difference between the companies now. I have used Garmin, Furuno, and JRC. Garmin is hand’s down the most user friendly. That is a big deal to me b/c nothing more annoying then trying to find buttons while running.