New Sonar/GPS Combo? Need Help.

[CatManLee]

O.K. So here's my problem...

Right now I have a Lowrance X102c depthfinder on the console of my "new" boat(2002 Crestliner FishHawk 1750). The boat does not have a GPS unit, so I need to get one. In "your" opinion, would it be better to get a seperate GPS unit to sit beside the depthfinder, or a combo unit.

I was looking at getting an Eagle color GPS, or a Lowrance LCX 27c GPS/Sonar combo unit.

If I decide to buy the Eagle GPS it's only gonna run about $399. The Lowrance is about $900 on sale, but also has a bigger screen and can take (2 MMC Cards) instead of just one.

I don't know...I know it's ultimately my decision to make and what I prefer and all, but I want to know what ya'll think?

[markkstanley]

27c is best solution if money isn't a big issue - could go down to a 522c. I opted for 522c because when I stop to fish I am either in the bow (don't use the console unit there) or trolling with the kicker. When using the kicker I switch the 522 to full screen GPS with a depth overlay. Easy to read from the stern.

[CatManLee]

Money isn't a huge issue, but I still want to get the best value I can. If I bought the GPS/Combo, I was thinking I would sell the 102c and get some money back from that, so all-in-all the final price would only be $600-$700 bucks.

Thanks for the input...

[PerchJerker]

I would rather have two 5 inch screens (your Lowrance 102 and the Eagle gps) than one 7 inch screen (the Lowrance 27c). More viewing area and less money with the 2 screens, plus if one unit craps out you still have the other unit. That's kind of how I have my boat set up. Good luck with your decision.

[Schloogs]

I am with perchjerker, I would prefer to have two 5 inch screens, I am looking to add this setup to my boat when the money is available.

[CatManLee]

I actually just decided, I'm gonna go with the separate Units. Less work, and the two 5" screens, compared to one 7.5" split screen makes sense. Plus it's way cheaper and will do the same thing.

Now, I just need to figure out how to squeeze another unit on the console? There's not a lot of room, I might need to get one of those swing arms for one of the units. But I'm sure I'll make 'em both fit one way or another.

Thanks for the feedback and input.

[PerchJerker]

RAM mounts work great for console mounting with two units.