GPS Recommendations
 

My old Standard Horizon GPS has finally died for the last time. I'm looking for recommendation on a replacement unit. I"ve had the Bizer c map chip which I found really helpful in the SH, as I understand it, this is not an option for new units. What does everyone recommend for the GPS with a 5-7" screen and what chart options should I be looking for? It seems like the Garmin units are well received.

Thanks
Charlie T

Big fan of the Garmin units. I currently have the GPSMAP 743 (7 inch screen) and had something similar on my last boat. They come preloaded with US lake maps and if you want to spend the extra money you can get their LakeVu Ultra maps. Simple to use and reliable. As long as you have the room/budget the bigger units are nice to have. They go on sale from time to time so keep your eye out.

Also a fan of the "743", tracks previous travel routes. Interfaces with Garmin ActiveCaptain App. Be sure to get lifetime updates.

Garmin 7000 Series lake chip needed
 

I'm looking for the Lake Winni chip for my Garmin 7000 series chart plotter. I've had one before and it was extremely good at identifying skinny water and the "occasional" rock formation.

Any ideas for a used or new unit?

I can't find anything current that can use the Bizer lake map, Such a disappointment as it appears to give you far more info vs what Garmin has. I've emailed Bizer to see what they can recommend but I'm not hopeful that anything current in a reasonable price range can use it.

Lowrance
 

What about a Lowrance GPS unit with a Navionics chart chip? I have been using this setup for years and find it's accuracy unmatched...

Dan

Doesn't Bizer have a chip for Garmin units now?

Thanks for the input.

No knowing the capabilities of either Bizer or Navionics I was very happy with my original Garmin chip.

At this point I'm hoping I can locate a used Garmin, or, if reasonable, a new Garmin if they even have them.

Lowrance
 

Thanks Dan.

I see that a lot of people are happy with the Navionics and Garmin GPS chips. I've always had the Bizer map in my GPS and from what I can see, it offers more detail than the others. Am I wrong on this? I certainly could be. I'll look into the Lowrance to see what they have to offer.

I appreciate the response.

Charlie T

The Navionics mapping in my opinion is way more detailed than anything else I have seen. Mine shows every dock on the lake even seasonal docks! Depth accuracy and bottom contours are spot on as I refer to them all the time when fishing.

I still use two Lowrance HDS units I bought years ago and they have been bullet proof! I use them on my ATV / side by side / snowmobile when ice fishing as well so they have seen some pretty nasty weather and they work just as good now as they did 15 years ago.

Good luck in your search!

Dan

Bizer
 

I sent Bizer an email over the weekend about this, I've not received a response yet. The GPS page on Bizers site indicates that their charts work with units manufactured prior to 2015 which I would assume excludes anything currently built.

Thanks, Charlie. If all else fails I'll go with new.

My Garmin also showed docks, not sure about whether they were seasonal or not.

I have this unit now and plan to let it go cheap:

Garmin Echomap Uhd2 5" Chartplotter 53cv W/Gt20-Tm Transducer

I bought it on sale last year.

It has the inland waters detailed map set.

Using the Navionics app you can update it and also set up waypoints and routes.

The reason why I am changing is that it has a different screen and button pushing scheme than my two 74 units that live on my other boats.

I guess I am getting old but I know the 74 units and wish not to relearn how to use the 53 unit when I go from boat to boat throughout the year.

PM me if you have any interest in it.

Honestly, I would surprised if you were anything less than happy with a new Garmin unit with the built in maps and if you really want detail (which it sounds like you want) you can get the Lake Vu Ultra maps.

I have a Lowrance unit on a smaller boat I have and it works fine as well.

I just found out that Navionics offers a lake chip that I hope is compatible with my Garmin 7000 series unit and it says US East.

Anyone familiar with this set-up?

Navionics
 

I believe Garmin owns Navionics now so I’m not sure why their chips would not be compatible…..

Dan

I just found out that Navionics offers a lake chip that I hope is compatible with my Garmin 7000 series unit and it says US East.

Anyone familiar with this set-up?

Sorry for double post.



That would be great, thanks Dan.

Peter

I just called the phone number for the store selling the Navionics chip and they said it was NOT compatible with my Garmin 740S unit.

I had a Lake W. chip that provided depths and somehow misplaced it. I'm hoping someone has a used chip I can buy, either from this forum or Ebay.

Replacing my entire GPS system would be undesirable, to say the least.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

From Google AI....

"Garmin Navionics+ and Garmin Navionics Vision+ chart cards are compatible with Garmin 7000 series chartplotters. These chart cards offer supplemental mapping and features when used with a chartplotter that already has built-in BlueChart g3 or LakeVü g3 mapping. The Garmin Navionics+ and Vision+ charts can be downloaded to the chartplotter using a card reader, and they will take priority over the built-in charts in overlapping areas, according to Garmin"

Not sure if this helps you or not but thought it was worth posting...

Dan

Thanks, Dan. I'm still working on this for our vacation starting July 15th. I found one on Ebay and am communicating with the seller to see if his will work.

It says "Garmin C0892-00 Vision Northeast"

I took a chance on the chip I mentioned above (Garmin C0892-00 Vision Northeast). It does NOT seem to work with my Garmin 740S model chartplotter.


I am still looking for a Garmin or Navionics chip that will work. I will buy new or used if anyone knows of one available.

For future readers, https://www.thegpsstore.com/ has good prices, free delivery and are authorized to write whatever card versions you need. They're real people in a real store that were helpful to me.