Thoughts on Chartplotters for MA 18

[CRD Dawg]

Looking at 9” Chartplotters to go on a 2001 Master Angler 18 I’m closing a deal on. Been looking at the Garmin EchoMap Plus 94sv with included transducer - looks like they can be found for $850 or so. Maybe a little better if I search hard enough. Anyone have any opinions on this unit? Also, have looked at the GPSMAP 942xs, but based on deals as I scour the interwebs, it will carry a $300+ premium based on deals I’m finding. Leaning more towards Garmin due to familiarity and local support near me. Thanks in advance.

[FLDXT]

I would be looking at transducers also and exactly what you want to get out of it beyond the gps, CHIrP, sidescan, etc. I ran a Simrad, it had pretty darn good charts and easy to manipulate. I think between the top 3-4 companies they are all pretty darn good. Sonar is another story and transducers another.

[fin-addict]

Running the 73cv for last year, love it. Been garmin user for many years. Had the 940s but wanted to get away from touch screen on this size boat 

[triplec]

Well....since you asked for opinions for MA 18s... No more Garmin for me. I think they had their day...I also think its past...for now.  Simrad who produces Lowrance has a superior product. The sonar, side and down scan imagery is just sharper to me. I guess you may not be in Florida either and running shallow or you probably would not be considering Garmin as they can't run a Florida Marine Tracks chip. No other chip is updated as often nor looks as crisp with as much detail for us here navigating oyster bars. But like in everything, Ford GM Dodge Toyota Nissan and Honda all make a truck...and they all haul...just depends on what ya gotta haul as to whether they work for ya 🤷‍♂️ and everyones gotem an opinion. 

[Wanaflatsfish]

9 hours ago, triplec said:

Well....since you asked for opinions for MA 18s... No more Garmin for me. I think they had their day...I also think its past...for now.  Simrad who produces Lowrance has a superior product. The sonar, side and down scan imagery is just sharper to me. I guess you may not be in Florida either and running shallow or you probably would not be considering Garmin as they can't run a Florida Marine Tracks chip. No other chip is updated as often nor looks as crisp with as much detail for us here navigating oyster bars. But like in everything, Ford GM Dodge Toyota Nissan and Honda all make a truck...and they all haul...just depends on what ya gotta haul as to whether they work for ya 🤷‍♂️ and everyones gotem an opinion. 

 

 

 

 

The combo above with the Balzout and the FMT/Lowrence is the best bang for your buck.

I have a 9" SIMRAD Evo2 that I got on sale (actually last one in the USA from West Marine) for about $1K...and with the FMT it's great.

My buddy Coto is running the Lowrence, and if and when my Simrad dies, I'll go this direction...

I don't agree Garmin has had it's day - they are still great plotters for offshore...but, yes, inshore, no use at all with their current mappiing and gps system...i had always been a Garmin guy till my last one had me in the trees 90% of the time when running shallow in the 10K's.

BTW, TRIPLEC  - thank you for your help on the Balzout and I'll post pics later this weekend.

dc

 

[CRD Dawg]

Thank you both for the feedback and images. I had not previously considered Lowrance. I also like the Balzout chartplotter mount. Will look into them. Thanks!

[CRD Dawg]

Triplec,

Is that the Lowrance HDS 9 Live? Images are impressive, just been trying to research, understand capabilities and justify the cost. Thanks!

[Drummer]

I suggest you keep an eye open for last year's model Lowrance - the HDS Carbon. Reportedly the 9" is virtually the same machine as the Live, and can be had for a LOT less dough. Whatever you decide, consider the Active Imaging 3 in 1 transducer. It's a pretty amazing setup for sure. I have the 12 and on my 2400 TRS and love it. 

[triplec]

On 5/22/2020 at 9:05 PM, CRD Dawg said:

Triplec,

Is that the Lowrance HDS 9 Live? Images are impressive, just been trying to research, understand capabilities and justify the cost. Thanks!

It is the HDS Live 9 with the Florida Marine Tracks chip. The capabilities far exceed what I need lol. Oh...the cost...thats the tough one...but I do know its cheaper than a Yamaha lower unit 🤷‍♂️🤣

[Wanaflatsfish]

On 5/22/2020 at 10:27 AM, CRD Dawg said:

I also like the Balzout chartplotter mount. Will look into them. Thanks!

call them before you just order online...they will give you some great info...they were on the phone with me for 15 min while i was in the skiff measuring to insure i got the correct mount.

 

worth every $

[CRD Dawg]

Question about quick disconnect options. My neighborhood has a ramp and dock, where my boat will be launched, retrieved and will often spend a night or 2 in the water. I really like capabilities I’m seeing with some of the Lowrance and Simrad models, but one thing I really like about the Garmin are the abilities for quick disconnect as I will not be comfortable leaving the unit in place overnight since it won’t be flush mounted. Do any other manufacturers have similar options of snap in snap out? Thanks!

 

[Wanaflatsfish]

6 hours ago, CRD Dawg said:

Question about quick disconnect options. My neighborhood has a ramp and dock, where my boat will be launched, retrieved and will often spend a night or 2 in the water. I really like capabilities I’m seeing with some of the Lowrance and Simrad models, but one thing I really like about the Garmin are the abilities for quick disconnect as I will not be comfortable leaving the unit in place overnight since it won’t be flush mounted. Do any other manufacturers have similar options of snap in snap out? Thanks!

 

My simrad has two disconnects..one power, one transducer......I use anytime i boat...it takes about 20 seconds....on / off...no big deal

 

dc

 

[whichwaysup]

Chris, 

not too hard to disconnect the lowrance HDS.   Two plugs in the back, two knobs on the sides.