gps/depth combos

Who's running gps/depth combo units and what do you think? I'm looking to get one but I don't want to spend over 700 all said and done.Garmin 168 looks ok but it's not bluechip compatable, is that bad or is their softwear download just as good?

I don't like gps/sonar combos. All your eggs in 1 basket, and a ***** to toggle back and forth or split screen.

I am gonna buy a lowrance 126df, and for now sticking with my handheld mapping gps until I decide on a fixed mount chartplotter - prob a garmin gps.

BD, if you are strictly limited to 700. Go with a lowrance 126df and a garmin map 76 handheld. later on when your budget allows, you can buy a better fixed mount gps, and your map 76 will still be an excellent back up gps and good for stealing MJ AND CB hotspots when you fish on their boats.

[chumbucket]

Bluedog, as with Seakindly's recommendation, I don't like the combo units (split screen). They really reduce the viewing capability. But, I understand that real estate comes at a premium on the Steplifts. Check the specs again because the Garmin 168 most certainly is Bluchart compatable. You buy the Bluechart CD and Garmin will give you an unlock code for a particular area that you want to use, then you download the charts onto your GPS unit. I run the 162 GPSMap and the Garmin 160 Blue Fish/Depthfinder separately. The 162 uses the same software that the 168 uses for its GPS functions and I run Bluechart's on mine. I have everything from Portsmouth, NH to Block Island with everything inbetween loaded onto it.
Oh, and you don't have to steal mine or MJ's spots. We freely give them out. ;) ;DIt's all good.

cool thanks for the info, as for the split screen it is small but being abel to hit a button and have a full screen display of what i need at that time is very appealing.Also the tracking becons on MJ & CB's vessels are allready deployed and I'm just waiting for info to sent back,(beacons arev salt water activated). :o

Has anyone else checked out the specs on the lowrance x126df? Amazing machine for under 350 bucks.

[macojoe]

I like sperate units also! I have been using a hand held for years now and love it!! But i am also looking to upgrede to a chartplooter.
CB, turned me on to a Garmin 176 and I think this is the thing I want!!
As for my fishing spots, Like CB said you ask I tell!! There are anough to go around!! I am a great Fluke guy and have it down! But as for Bass I get a few and i get them good size but I need a lot of work in this area!!!

I am trying to hold off on a fixed mount chartplotter by making due with my handheld mapping gps for as long as I can. Reason being is that I believe there is gonna be a big shakeup in that market. There will be great quality b&w units for super prices, as the gps companies will use b&w units to sell entry level people on their brand and make their real big money on the color units. That and the chart prices are gonna come way down. I have even heard a RUMOR THAT microsoft has finally taken note of this recently expanded market for electronic charts and wants a big piece of this action. That should drive the prices way down as this should no longer be considered a specialty or niche market.

hey guys i just bought the 188c garmin , i havnt used it on the boat but i do know that space is limited and , the two in one makes it easier only to mount one unit instead of two. plus its one less item you have to hookup and uhook after every trip.when i first heard about the splitscreen i didnt want it because i also thought it would be too much on that screen . but my uncle has a unit with gps,depth,and radar all on one screen and its not as bad as you think .i didnt notice any problems reading the screen.but garimn is very usr friendly everything is easy to understand my father has a garmin chartplotter on his boat (31 bertram) and my unit is alomost 100% alike. but i do suggest u go to the marine store and mess around with them first before u buy it to make sure u like it .

Radar and gps on the same screen is super. 8)

[macojoe]

I am sure you will love it!! I am a Garmin man my self!! Very user friendly. and they say once you learn one you will beable to use anyone of there units.
I have a garmin Handheld and love it. I am trying to get a chart plotter next. But the trailer is the frist thing on my list for now.
Maybe after i sell my old trailer and sell the gill bracket in the basement I will be able to get one?? I am selling a motor to buy the trailer.
I am going to have alot of room in my basement now!! :D I need it!