refurb is a nice way to go also, they fix what ever was wrong and update it since it was new

I went with a Lowrance HDS-5 a couple of seasons ago. While I can't say that it is better or worse than Garmin's current models I am very happy with it. I added fuel flow and tank level senders s now I have MPG, DTE, etc. all on the GPS.

I bought mine from BOEmarine.com

Getting the right pieces was confusing and Jim there talked me thru it on the phone and helped me put it all together . Since at the time network components were on backorder he found them at other dealers and shipped them direct to me.

You will find their price is tough to beat too.

Jim sponsors the electronics forum on thehulltruth.com and you can get advice there or call them direct.

No financial interest, just a satisfied customer

BOEmarine.com nice with great prices thanks. I contacted the guy with the new unused GARMIN 541 S on CL he has the sales reciepet and the box is unopened and will take $450 for it pluss there is a transducer also . I said I will pick it up thursday . He is only about an hour an a half from me so I think the price is OK . guess I found a good deal

GW,
I think you will be happy with the Garmin. We have an old Garmin 192c with an internal GPS sensor that we use on our Wellcraft and love it. I bought an extra power cord that has a cigarette/12 volt plug so we can move it from boat to boat if we want/need to. It's works awesome.


Jim at BOE is a great guy. I have done business with him many times. One time we purchased some stuff from BOE (thru the website) and changed the shipping address to have it shipped to my in-laws on the west coast. Jim called me on the phone shortly there after to make sure everything was correct and not a fraudulent charge. I was so suprised when I got the call...(Hi Barry......this is Jim from BOE)! You don't get service like that from everyone.

I use a Raymarine RD70 Radar/chartplotter unit and love it. But the truth is I also take my cars Garmin GPS with me as a backup. I don't think you can go wrong with a Garmin. They are known for quality and reliability.