A reliable GPS/fishfinder combo

[The Ancient Mariner]

Greetings,

Can anyone recommend a reliable GPS/fishfinder to use on my jetski?I am currently using a Lowrance Elite 5 DSI and am totally dissatisfied with this unit.The first one bombed out on me.I sent it to Lowrance who immediately replaced it with a service exchange unit as it was still under warrantee.Their service was excellent.However,after being on the water for 15 minutes,the replacement bombed out on me.So my last fishing trip was done blind.Also,this unit only sounds to 50m and I never seemed to see fish on it?

Best regards,
TAM

 

[BillyD]

You have had a bad run with Lowrance. I had same sort of problems with a few Garmin units. I have just bought a Lowrance Chirp and it is awesome with fish shapes very clear. Maybe it is the luck of the draw?
Not sure if that helps you but just my 2 cents worth

 

[codfather]

Tam it sounds like your transducer is not installed correctly or you have got your depth settings set wrong. If it is mounted externally it's settings. If it's mounted in Hull it's probably trying to shoot through two layers of fibreglass. If you have the standard transducer .mounted internally that's half your problem. Rather fit an airmar p79. I have a second hand lowrance and a few gamin transducers if anyone wants an upgrade. Then you will see fish!!!! Also try re installing your transducer with the software and try selecting different fishing modes usually shallow water or slow trolling

 

[The Ancient Mariner]

BillyD wrote:

You have had a bad run with Lowrance. I had same sort of problems with a few Garmin units. I have just bought a Lowrance Chirp and it is awesome with fish shapes very clear. Maybe it is the luck of the draw?
Not sure if that helps you but just my 2 cents worth

Hi Billy D,
Thanks for reply,every bit of feed back helps!After comms with Lowrance,they suggest the Elite 4 HDI and we may be able to cut a deal But I will check out the chirp as well and weigh up all my options.
Best regards,
TAM

 

[The Ancient Mariner]

codfather wrote:

Tam it sounds like your transducer is not installed correctly or you have got your depth settings set wrong. If it is mounted externally it's settings. If it's mounted in Hull it's probably trying to shoot through two layers of fibreglass. If you have the standard transducer .mounted internally that's half your problem. Rather fit an airmar p79. I have a second hand lowrance and a few gamin transducers if anyone wants an upgrade. Then you will see fish!!!! Also try re installing your transducer with the software and try selecting different fishing modes usually shallow water or slow trolling

Hi Codfather!
My transducer is externally mounted and I believe that in the early days,my unit worked ok.I seemed to only see shoals of baitfish and a few good showings here and there.The thing is,my replacement unit has died on me.I checked power source to unit yesterday using multimeter and 12.16V are there.Also,the elite 5 DSI only sounds to 50 m which as you know is insufficient in the ocean.Just waiting to hear what deal Lowrance will cut for me and I will keep you posted.There was mention of a transducer upgrade for my unit that could sound deeper.
PS:We want more launches at Cape Vidal!!!I am Alexis Baikoff on FB.
Best regards,
TAM.

 

[codfather]

I just checked 250 ft 76 metres I suggest speak to John Minnie at Lowrance Durban. 031 368 6649 Hes the technical guy. He will definately sort you out.

PS:We want more launches at Cape Vidal.....Yes definately Im up there soon

 

[The Ancient Mariner]

codfather wrote:

I just checked 250 ft 76 metres I suggest speak to John Minnie at Lowrance Durban. 031 368 6649 Hes the technical guy. He will definately sort you out.

PS:We want more launches at Cape Vidal.....Yes definately Im up there soon

Cool,I am currently liaising with the very helpful crew at Lowrance.Keep well!