I need recommendations for a replacement graph for my front deck. I have an Eagle Cuda 168 at the console. I've got a Humminbird flasher in the console but dont think it works. I had a Humminbird LCR 4000 on the deck. It doesnt show much so I am looking for a replacement. I dont need $1000 recommendations either.

if you don't buy at least a LMS-520c then you are probably wasting your money. If you watch Cabelea's they put them on sale for $599 and sometimes they have $100 off over $500 so you can buy them for $499. Thats about as good as it gets unless you spend $1000.
Johnny

If you just want a good sonar unit you can get an X135. If you want color get its counter part I think the 510. Moving to gps the unit is the 520c.

nothing less than a 520.

Darn, I had $1,000 recommendation for you but if you won't pay me that, then forget it. Most of my recommendation I charge at least $500, but here is my 2 cent recommendation.

Yep, go with color if u can $$$$ it ( the color units are much easier to see in direct sun light).

The best one is the one you research and end up with on your boat. I think they are all good.

For your price range.

Look at Eagle Fishelite series http://www.eaglenav.com/en/Products/Fishfinder-Chartplotters/

And the Lowrance LMS series http://www.lowrance.com/Products/Marine/Full-Size-SonarGPS-Chartplotter-Combos

Or the Humminbird 500 series or even the 300's http://store.humminbird.com/ccombo-ccombo500.html

It comes down to, Display Resolution (like 480 x 480) the higher the better, Screen size (for your price about 5" is it).

Then decide internal or external GPS receiver, I like external just so I can share (network) with other units on the boat and to be able to trade up units as time goes by and keep the old GPS receiver.

Also consider internal Lake maps or purchase you own separate (on SD card). I like separate purchased card again so you can trade up (and trade in) and keep current.

As you have more specific questions, ask away.

But all that is for GPS/Sonar combo units. If you don't plan on someday wanting to network your console and front Sonar/gps units togehter and you really just want a simple Sonar up front, then all the same applies (color first, Display Resolution (like 480 x 480, etc....)

Now aren't you glad I didn't give the $1,000 recommendation,

I dont need a color unit. So far it looks like Lowrance is the way to go.

Thanks for your recommendations. I have a handheld GPS unit. It can be mounted to the boat. I just need a simple depth finder. I would love to get a full color, GPS, and all the bells and whistles, but I am strapped for cash. So low end will work for now. I can upgrade later when my finances are in better shape.

I'm looking at this one...... http://www.hodgesmarine.com/LOWRANCE-X96-FISH-FINDER-p/low110-76.htm

any help on the x96 thoughts??????

Agree......if you don't, 6 monthes down the road, you'll be posting up again!! Just my honest opinion! I shucked a few bucks and set mine up with 2 decent units. 520c and a 28c. I couldn't be happier. Now, not everyone can just wing that, I was lucky to have the wife I have. But, after not seeing what was there for sooooo long on a half a$$ unit before, I was committed..........or maybe I should have been and then saved the money!!

Have you check Ebay?

I looked the other day. Just glanced through it. Not looking real hard right now.

Color is the way to go on your front unit. Not as easily impacted by sunlight. You'll be cussing a monochrome unit up there when you can't see it in the bright sun. The Eagle 320C is small and easy to see and only costs a little over $200. It gives plenty of resolution.

sounds more like you don't want a suggestion, just go into basspro and look across the board at the price tags. I'm sure you will find one for $100 or less....

If you want a suggestion for a good unit then post in a few months and ask for a good unit. But price and quality go hand in hand.

I bought on of those 320c's. I've been pretty happy with it. Just wish the screen was larger. Of course it was only like 200

I am looking for suggestions, I just dont have a grand to drop on one.

If you dont have something to offer the person asking the question Why respond to the thread? Then you tell them how and when to post a question? Sheesh.....

I agree with bigdad, the Eagle is a solid unit, my buddy had one on his boat.

I've got an Eagle 168 on my console. Seems to be a good unit. I also noticed Eagle was a branch of Lowrance.

I went to BPS Garland to check out the 520, the guy working there didn't offer any help. It looks pretty confusing. If anyone here that has one and would like to show me all the bells and whistles I would meet them up there.

I've got the 320c on the front of my boat as well and like it. I didn't have the money to drop on the higher end ones so I went with a color unit instead.

Thanks BigDad and Kingfisher. I will look into that unit.

The 520 is actually very user friendly, once you know where to go. Down load the 520 emulator and mess around with it on you computer. the buttons react the same way as the real thing. You even have to hold down the power button to turn it off Here is the link for the emulator download http://www.lowrance.com/upload/Lowrance/Emulators/LMS-520C_demo.exe

As far as a recommendation on an inexpensive graph, Eagle is your best bet. I have a LCX-27C and wouldn't trade it for anything, except for an LCX-111C Good luck with whicj=hever graph you select.