Forum/Boats/Combo Chartplotter/FF??

Combo Chartplotter/FF??

6,378 views·57 replies·by Chinacat·First Post·Latest

ChinacatFREE2024#41

So I just re-read the title of this thread. You want to use this as a combo plotter/FF? That I wouldn't recommend if you plan to split-screen it. Have two tiny 3.5" images next to each other would be kinda tough to use. Running with one or the other full-screened would be O.K., but as a split-screen instrument, not so great.

The way I fluke fish I have the Garmin 7" plotter tracking my position in real time and the 8" Lowrance FF watching the bottom. I can see both from where I fish on my rear deck - but, having a 9" plotter and a 10" FF would be infinitely better - I do have the room, but I'm not replacing perfectly fine instruments while they are problem-free. I'm cheap that way.

I know you say you are "room-challenged" at your helm, but if you do go with a 7" screen, I would plan on using one function or the other at a time, if you do want to see what's going on around or under your boat from any kind of distance at all.

Totally understood 👍
My current unit is a 20 year old Lowrance LCX 18c combo unit
In a perfect world, I am trying to keep that in place and add the Garmin unit so I can have 2 machines working at the same time

At least I'm enjoyin' the ride.....

👍

CommodoreOriginal Crew7,065 postsSince 2018

captmike28FREE2024#42

Totally understood 👍
My current unit is a 20 year old Lowrance LCX 18c combo unit
In a perfect world, I am trying to keep that in place and add the Garmin unit so I can have 2 machines working at the same time

Having the much larger information display a full screen offers is always a plus. As Pete said, and many others who have tried it notice, unless you are running "PC Monitor" sized displays seeing the most critical information from a distance is futile on a split small screen display.

In addition, redundancy on ay boat is always another plus, just in case a glitch happens on one machine.

My other suggestion is that when you do go shopping and observe the displays at a show or showroom be sure to stand at the same distance you would be while fishing in the cockpit of your boat. I literally took a tape measure and flashlight with me the last time I upgraded my electronics to make sure the readability factor for both distance and different lighting situations was optimal.

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CaptainOriginal Crew1,853 postsSince 2018

Roccus7MOD

noreaster.com2024#43

I'll chime in Mitch with a single comment, but you already have the wisdom of the Jedi Council above. IF you really want the combo GPS/FF, get a screen of at least 12".

I "fell into" a Garmin GPSMAP 4212 with radar! when I landed my current boat, and I've never suffered "individual unit" anxiety. Running that sized screen in split screen mode provides more than enough space for me to see from the transom of my boat. AAMOF, I run in split screen 99.9% of the time.

Now that being said, if I was routinely groundfishing in 300+', I might start thinking about a Funaro sounder unit with a 1KW transducer, but I don't so no need...

Shall I go to heaven or a-fishing? - H. D. Thoreau
Veni. Vidi. Cepi. - with apologies to Gaius Julius Caesar

👍

AdmiralOriginal Crew21,717 postsSince 2018

BoatGuy

noreaster.com2024#44

Totally understood 👍
My current unit is a 20 year old Lowrance LCX 18c combo unit
In a perfect world, I am trying to keep that in place and add the Garmin unit so I can have 2 machines working at the same time

If space is an issue, remove the Lowrance and just get a bigger machine. I have the Garmin 74 SV and wish I had gotten a bigger machine.

👍

First MateOriginal Crew780 postsSince 2019

BoatGuy

noreaster.com2024#45

BTW: If you do get the 74SV unit, Captain Doug Toback of CORAZON FISHING CHARTERS recommended a bottom chip that I have to agree was a good purchase. Get the latest version of the GARMIN 010-C0705-00 / Garmin VUS004R - New York - SD Card. I’m not sure if this is the latest version. Again, it would work even better on a bigger screen. Hopefully he will be at Ward Melville and you can ask him personally about it.

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First MateOriginal Crew780 postsSince 2019

PangarooFREE2025#46

I wish the fish finders today had knobs you can turn to increase/ decrease power and the depth. Like the Sitex paper recorders in the 1980's. I have the Humminbird 7 inch G3 Mega Image. It was made in Alabama.

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First Mate704 postsSince 2021

captmike28FREE2025#47

I wish the fish finders today had knobs you can turn to increase/ decrease power and the depth. Like the Sitex paper recorders in the 1980's. I have the Humminbird 7 inch G3 Mega Image. It was made in Alabama.

Although the trend in FF for many years was to go all "touch screen" most major manufacturers listened to the feedback from a lot of more experienced fisherman and started to offer combination key controls with touch capability. Both my 4-year-old Simrad NSS EVO3 unit its current counterpart have both touch screen and hardwired key functions. Same is true with offerings from Lowrance and Garmin.

I too prefer the hard keys in most situations for 2 main reasons. One is keeping my fish gurve covered fingers off that nice display. Second is that unless you are on a really large sportfisherman making inputs on a touch screen with any amount of boat motion is quite imprecise. Just look around Pangaroo and I'm sure you will find a unit the meets your needs.

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CaptainOriginal Crew1,853 postsSince 2018

OVERBOREDFREE2025#48

I wish the fish finders today had knobs you can turn to increase/ decrease power and the depth. Like the Sitex paper recorders in the 1980's. I have the Humminbird 7 inch G3 Mega Image. It was made in Alabama.

Im sure you can find an older Furuno or Sitex on Ebay.

"Chance only favors the prepared mind" - Pasteur

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Captain4,161 postsSince 2021

Roccus7MOD

noreaster.com2025#49

too prefer the hard keys in most situations for 2 main reasons. One is keeping my fish gurve covered fingers off that nice display. Second is that unless you are on a really large sportfisherman making inputs on a touch screen with any amount of boat motion is quite imprecise. Just look around Pangaroo and I'm sure you will find a unit the meets your needs.

Absolutely true!! Real fishermen, at least those who catch fish, wouldn't touch a touch screen with a 10 ft pole...

Think about it. What does your cell phone screen look like after using it during a successful fishing trip, and how many times did you "miss" what you wanted to touch on it while you were underway???

Shall I go to heaven or a-fishing? - H. D. Thoreau
Veni. Vidi. Cepi. - with apologies to Gaius Julius Caesar

👍

AdmiralOriginal Crew21,717 postsSince 2018

LeprechaunMOD

noreaster.com2025#50

Real fishermen, at least those who catch fish, wouldn't touch a touch screen with a 10 ft pole...

Hah! I guess I'm a fake fisher then. I don't presently own any 10' poles, but if you think it'll help, I can go buy one. 🙄

At one time I was of the same opinion as you. Until I tried out my new-ish Garmin GPSMAP. Putting in waypoints and making software corrections is t*ts with a touch screen. I just keep a fish towel near the helm and all is good. Don't you wipe your hands to use your current instruments anyway? Yuuuck, who the hell doesn't? Geesh . . . just not the issue that many imagine it to be.

In fact, my next, somewhat larger Garmin GPSMAP will also be a touch screen. I love mine to death.

"Luck" is when preparation meets opportunity.
I prefer fishing evolution to fishing extinction.
If ya want to clean up the water, ya gotta get the pigs out of the creek.

👍

CaptainOriginal Crew2,216 postsSince 2018

Roccus7MOD

noreaster.com2025#51

@Leprechaun, no doubt you’re a real fisherman that catches. For a point of reference, I’m anal about keeping my computer screen immaculate and even a single fingerprint will drive me nuts. A touchscreen only instrument would mean my screen cleaner monthly bill would skyrocket and fish rag laundry washes would go up by a factor of 100; the only time I wash them now is when they follow me back into the house.

Therefore I try to avoid even touch screen computers like the plague. On my 1 touchscreen computer, guess what was the 1st “feature” I immediately deactivated?

Bottom line, I will only consider future boat instrumentation that have buttons or combo button/ touchscreen. Current boat came with button controlled GARMINGPS MAP, and I am tickled pink with it. Here’s hoping I expire before before it does.

Who has time to clean their hands when diving for the MARK button???😆

Shall I go to heaven or a-fishing? - H. D. Thoreau
Veni. Vidi. Cepi. - with apologies to Gaius Julius Caesar

👍

AdmiralOriginal Crew21,717 postsSince 2018

LeprechaunMOD

noreaster.com2025#52

Umm, me. You’ve never sailed with me. I don’t tolerate any sort of crud in any way, shape or form on my boat. Just ask our mutual buddy that sails out of Greenport. He knows.

Buttons, no buttons, as long as it works for the Captain, all is good. As my Sicilian grandfather used to say, “salsiccia his own.” 😄

"Luck" is when preparation meets opportunity.
I prefer fishing evolution to fishing extinction.
If ya want to clean up the water, ya gotta get the pigs out of the creek.

👍

CaptainOriginal Crew2,216 postsSince 2018

captmike28FREE2025#53

Umm, me. You’ve never sailed with me. I don’t tolerate any sort of crud in any way, shape or form on my boat. Just ask our mutual buddy that sails out of Greenport. He knows.

Buttons, no buttons, as long as it works for the Captain, all is good. As my Sicilian grandfather used to say, “salsiccia his own.” 😄

No doubt the Leprechaun is one really clean vessel, despite the numerous scales that find its deck.

I get nervous if I accidentally hook myself and leave a drop of blood anywhere in sight!!!🤣

👍

CaptainOriginal Crew1,853 postsSince 2018

ChinacatFREE2025#54

I don’t tolerate schmutz in any way, shape or form on my boat.

So do you mean the “stuff” or the “guy”???
🤣🤣🤣

At least I'm enjoyin' the ride.....

👍

CommodoreOriginal Crew7,065 postsSince 2018

LeprechaunMOD

noreaster.com2025#55

See, now THAT'S funny!!! :p:D:ROFLMAO:

Wow, I didn't even think of that.

One version is very welcome on my rig anytime, the other absolutely NOT!

Best post of the week on the entire site for sure! (Sorry Crabman!) ;)

"Luck" is when preparation meets opportunity.
I prefer fishing evolution to fishing extinction.
If ya want to clean up the water, ya gotta get the pigs out of the creek.

👍

CaptainOriginal Crew2,216 postsSince 2018

MattsFREE2025#56

So do you mean the “stuff” or the “guy”???
🤣🤣🤣

Shmutz means yucky filthy stuff, which typically needs to be wiped off. How does "shmutz" refer to a guy?
Never heard that.

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First MateOriginal Crew693 postsSince 2019

ChinacatFREE2025#57

I’m getting closer to a decision
For whatever reason I cheaped out and did not get a new “door” and have it installed in my shrink wrap this year. I have to buy one and install it so I can double check my measurements and space constraints and be sure to confirm the biggest unit I can fit so I can order it and be ready to install it as part of my spring prep👍👍

At least I'm enjoyin' the ride.....

👍

CommodoreOriginal Crew7,065 postsSince 2018

LeprechaunMOD

noreaster.com2025#58

When you do choose, take into account the Hz rating of the internal GPS receiver. Most are 5Hz, like the Garmin EchoMap units. The GPSMap units are 10Hz. This means they will acquire and lock onto the Satellites faster and hold the lock on weird-condition days - without needing the addition of an external antenna.

"Luck" is when preparation meets opportunity.
I prefer fishing evolution to fishing extinction.
If ya want to clean up the water, ya gotta get the pigs out of the creek.