still thinking -- internal vs extrenal gps

[Dahitman44]

internal vs external GPS

I had the Lowrance 332i last year and had problems with the GPS. Skeels replaced the unit and it worked better. Now I am thinking about getting a different one for the new boat and start fresh. That way I know how old

everything is.

I am thinking about the 7" external mount GPS I think it is the LMX-27 or something. It is about $250 more than the 5" internal but I saved that buying the trolling motor and other stuff from the dealer.

Do you guys like the external gps?

I have heard that they fixed the 560 or whatever number the 5" is but you never know.

Which way should I go?

Where do you install the puck? My new boat is a full windshield. Some say to mount it at the far end of the boat on the "gunrail" Others say on the on the console.

??????

[Dances with Walleye]

Quote:

---

internal vs external GPS

I had the Lowrance 332i last year and had problems with the GPS. Skeels replaced the unit and it worked better. Now I am thinking about getting a different one for the new boat and start fresh. That way I know how old

everything is.

I am thinking about the 7" external mount GPS I think it is the LMX-27 or something. It is about $250 more than the 5" internal but I saved that buying the trolling motor and other stuff from the dealer.

Do you guys like the external gps?

I have heard that they fixed the 560 or whatever number the 5" is but you never know.

Which way should I go?

Where do you install the puck? My new boat is a full windshield. Some say to mount it at the far end of the boat on the "gunrail" Others say on the on the console.

??????

---

I went with an external, simply because as it was explained to me by a couple of different "Guys in the Know." Is that when/if that GPS antenna breaks down or dies... With an external, you either send it in for repairs, or you just get a new one...

In that interim time, if you had an internal GPS, then you're also losing your depth finder.

***

As for Mounting... I mounted mine on the nose of the boat, next to my trolling motor mounted depth finder. That way it's got the most open sky available.

[DinkADunk]

A GPS only unit or GPS/Finder unit with an external antenna gives you the best options for mounting locations. I have the puck on mine mounted in the rear just in front of where my navigation light mounts. The only problem with that location is occasionaly I can have a fishing line get caught there (usually when I do some stupid manuver when trolling). In front of the windshield will also work, but it depends on your specific boat. On mine (1800 Fisherman) I didn't think that there would be enough free line of sight to make it work well up front so I mounted mine in the rear. An external GPS antenna will also allow you to network it easily. I'm thinking of replacing my graph up front with a graph/GPS combo just for tracking local structure (i.e. leave the chip mounted at the console and just use the front for tracing drift/trolling runs).

[CrappiesNeyes]

I have an external puck and I mounted it on a mount from cabelas that places it right behind the unit itself. This way I can remove the unit and the antenna comes with it. (I also use it in the winter for Ice fishing) I have mine mounted on the dash with a windshield (1750 fishhawk) and I have had no issues with loosing signal.

[Dahitman44]

Great info, guys. Anyone else have good mounting ideas?

[PerchJerker]

I far prefer the external gps.

One good mounting location is on the bow plate, right next to the trolling motor, especially if you don't have a gps unit up there already (nice to keep them 3 feet apart if possible).

Another good location is in the stern of the boat, either on the gunnel, or in the splashwell, etc. as long as they'll have a clear view of the sky. Lots of guys with Ranger 620s mount the puck on the round black screw-off access panel back there.

Another option is on the console, right ahead of the windshield or under the windshield. I would avoid the windshield if possible, but if you have no other options under the windshield should work. On my boat (walk-thru windshield) the puck is on the dash, under the windshield, within 3 feet of the gps, and it works great.

Or, as you already mentioned, anywhere on the gunnel that is flat and convenient.

[newoodhntr]

I read on a site to mount it to the back of the boat so it is above the transducer and your reading will be more accurete. As in a 17'boat you are 17' off from your depth reading if mounted in front if ducer is in back.

[Dahitman44]

Perch --

Does your walk-thru cause any interference? I have heard that it can. I guess I like the "Gunrail" location in the back of the boat best, but I am afaid of getting line caught on it.

Does this happen much? Or is it just something to think about?

[PerchJerker]

Mine works great.

My dash in front of the steering wheel is mounded and sticks up tight to the windshield so there's no room there, but to the right of the mounded part is a flat area where the puck is mounted. It's kind of tucked into the corner of the windshield. I also have a sonar on a RAM there.

It's very crowded and the dash and the unit on the RAM could potentially block the satellites, but I've only had it happen a couple of times and it's been when the satellites are all low on the horizon behind me. The windshield doesn't cause any problems at all.

I would have preferred to mount it somewhere else but there just weren't any other good options in my boat.

Even when I use it in my garage with both doors closed it only takes a few seconds to lock on with a good fix.