wanted Garmin GSD 20 black box sounder

[Bosts1]

Its a shot in the dark, but i need a Garmin GSD 20 black box sounder. I am trying to use my 276c chartplotter as a color sounder too. Online they are expensive for something discontinued. So if you know where to get one cheap please let me know.

[Blue_Runner]

Bosts if you can't find what you need you might consider just buying a separate unit. For $180 you can get a 160c. The black box you are looking at isn't much less from what I can tell ($177). Here is the 160c I found (shipping included in the $180):
http://cgi.ebay.com/GARMIN-FISHFINDE...QQcmdZViewItem
I understand why you are looking at doing it ($$) but there are 2 disadvantages to having the combined unit IMO. One is now you are sharing your already small screen between 2 functions. Two is if the unit malfunctions, now you've lost both the sounder and chartplotter.

Blue's .02

[macojoe]

My Furuno can be dual but I went separate also. I have always for the reasons above.

[Bosts1]

Yeah, you guys are right. i just want a good color fishfinder. i got spoiled fishing on our big boat, and need the color. I was going to go with the combo cause the fishfinder function on that little 276c is really good sounder. From the pictures shown of the 160c the display is not as good at the 276c. the 160s detail looks fuzzy. have ya'll used a 160? and is the detail define or fuzzy looking. its looks like the screen doesn't have enough pixels.
You guys bring up a good point if i lose one i lose both with the combo, so i might just get another unit as fishfinder, but which one??? so many out there. thanks guys

[macojoe]

I use to use a 160 for years and it was great!! I use to watch my line jigging off the back of the boat!
I have never had a color fish finder, but I have friends that did and always wanted one. I just bought a Furuno 620 with a thur hull Airmar tilted transducer. Haven't even installed it yet!

I can't wait!

[Blue_Runner]

I don't know, you could probably do a little research and compare the 160 and 276 sonars to see the differences. Like you say, the 160 probably isn't as good. I've had a Garmin 250 (b&w) fishfinder and Garmin 172C plotter for about 4 years or so and the fishfinder went on the blink once. I fixed it easily, but now looking back I cannot remember what the problem was? Something with the wiring I believe. The plotter has never had any problems.

I'm a pretty basic guy in that I don't normally go for the top shelf with consumer goods. If there is something that will "work for me" and not break the bank I will go with that. I'm pretty sure I could catch as many fish with the Garmin 160C as any garmin Fishfinder. BTW a friend of mine used to have the 160 b&w and I liked it. That was about 6 years ago. At the time I bought the 250 b&w the only reason I bought it was because the 160 was near the same price back then.

Good luck and let us know what you decide.

Blue

[Bosts1]

Blue,
I like color just because it is what i am used to, offshore wishing on our big boat we use color exclusively. I also will need to see fish close close to the bottom, and thermoclines too. i will let you know what i decide on. i feel like i am putting to much effort in the finder and not enough in the fishing!! thanks for your help,
Stanton

[Blue_Runner]

I probably could use a class on how to use one properly. Especially for stuff like you mention and hard bottom/vs soft bottom, etc. I just look for the bait clouds and McDonald's arches (fish).

[Bosts1]

Ok guys, check it out i got a guy that says he will sell me his raymarine L-750 with thru hull transducer and stern ducer for 100.00 for it all. What do you think?? I think its a steal, even if it isn't color.

[chumbucket]

Hey Bosts1; I don't know if this is too late as I just saw this. I know the GSD20 has been discontinued, but they replaced it with the GSD21. If I'm not mistaken, the GSD21 works on almost all the units that the GSD20 did. You may want to check with Garmin on that.