My Lowrance GPS bit the dust and they want $330 to replace it!! Say they can no longer repair it so they offer this deal. Can't recall exact model number but it is GPS only, which I prefer.

I'd sure like to get a new unit for Christmas but, can't start to make up my mind which one to go after.
I mainly fish Cedar Creek Lake so most of my GPS use is to mark crappie spots. Occasionally I do travel some but, not often and not much. Maybe one trip a year.
Anyone with some thoughts, please respond.
Thanks in advance,
Okie Bob

Usually Lowrance offers a pretty good deal on replacements.

I'm sure you have your data backed up on a chip. I would be glad to store your waypoints on my GPS so they won't get stale while you wait.

I use the combo units, 332c on the front and x-18c on the console. I also like the handheld i finder H2O.

Yeah Ernest, I was shocked that Lowrance's offer was so poor. I've had to replace my locator twice over the years at about $100 when the old one broke. So I send in the GPS and not only can they NOT repair it,the only deal was a newer unit for $330!
Unfortunately, my old one doesn't have a chip, all stored internally and now all gone!!!! Maybe you could just send me a copy of your waypoints as a replacement?????????????
BTW, love your DVD, wish you'd make another one!!!

I'm really surprised too. I'm a big Lowrance fan as they were a very good customer of ours when mfg. was in the U.S. and they've always been a very customer oriented company.

What model was the one that broke? The iFinder H20 can be found on-line for $169. $330 doesn't make sense. Sounds like something go lost in the translation.

Steve, I believe the model number is LM-160 but, it's at the lake and I'm in town, so that might be incorrect. Also, can't recall the new model they offered to exchange the old one for but, I do definately recall the price being $330!!!!
This is a GPS only, no fish finder at all. And since I have a new fish finder and holes in my dash I don't want a dual unit now. Make any sense?
Steve, I'm a manufacturers rep for electronic test equipment so Lowrance was a customer of mine as well before they moved to Mexico. My company is Testech, how about yours?
Okie Bob

I'm a Garmin fan and can highly recommend the GPSMAP 182c which is the color version. Garmin has great customer service.

Jeff

Bob,

I've worked for PAC in Richarsdon for 18yrs. We do capital equipment on the assembly side. Fuji, Speedline etc.

As you have been in their facility before, you know the guts of an Eagle unit are the same as a Lowrance unit. I have an Eagle explorer I bought a lot of years ago and it's still working well. I don't know if they still use two brands for GPS or if they're all Lowrance.

Does your unit even power on? I have the serial cable for my unit to upload data to a PC.

Yep, Steve, it powers up and even works occasionally then while out on the water it will just suddenly move me to the middle of a field somwhere! Like it lost input and can't lock on again. Of course I've checked connections many times. Never can predict when it will fail. And yes, they do still build Eagle units as well as Lowrance and guts are the same!!!
Next time you head to Cedar Creek on a weekend, give me a shout. Maybe we could meet.
Okie Bob

I would like to see if anyone has recommendations on a portable GPS unit? My wife is open to the idea of a portable vs. one only for my boat. So many units out there, which one is the best buy for using on the lake and in the car?

Are there any with flash type cards (or other media) which I can store the locations on?

Sabot, YOu can use a Lowrance H2O handheld with a Navionics chip, for lakes, on the lake and without it on land, which is what I do.

Kind of late posting on this subject... I found an iFinder Pro on clearance at Academy. I hope I didn't pay too much... $109.00 I looked at the iFinder H2O, but it was still regular price of $170.

This is my first GPS for civilian use. My other exposure was back in the 1990 during my military service. Didn't aid us much, for it gave just long/lat. Then we had to use local maps dating back to 1968. (Which I still have for a souvenir.) Just a typical military SNAFU.

I purchased the MapCreate 6 package and was surprised at how old the map data is. The data appears to be about 9 years old. (Judging by the accuracy of the local streets around my house.)

I do like the free down loads, those maps add some good detail. Anyone have thoughts on the other software products? I am looking at getting Fishing Hot Spots� Elite. Do you think it's worth the cost?

I do like the concept of storing my coordinates on a flash card. I am hoping that I will be able to back them up in case of lost of the receiver on my computer. Time will tell, as I learn how to use the software and receiver.

You can find a H2O online for less than $120 if you look. The plus package is about $75 to $100 more and includes Mapcreate, a MMC card and the reader.

I saw them when I was doing my research. It came down to the trust factor. I was willing to pay a little more with a local purchase. With shipping cost, the differance was just not worth the risk, IMHO. If I had issues, I could take it back with a high degree of confidence that either I get another unit or my money back.