Electronics depression

About a week before Albion, my FF (Lowrance Hook 5) decided it was tired and finally took a final nap.
During Albion event my main VHF (S.H. HX-300) decided it didn't want to talk anymore
This week my backup radio (also a S.H. HX-300) decided it wanted to be like my main VHS.
So now the depression is setting in!
Fishing is hot in the Cove and I want to be on the water, but with NO VHS/GPS/SONAR, I feel I'm over stepping the safety bounds.
Both S.H. and Lowrance has offered a repair at a flat rate which means they will replace these units with refurbished units, but this will take at least 4 weeks. This also brings up the question of refurbished reliability.
Question …. Should I save up the $$$ and purchased newer modern equipment? or save some $$ and get the refurbished equipment and hope for the best?

Any advice?

Bying new bring longer peace of mind as well as longer warranty.

I'll keep an eye on a good deal for you...

I have two ff units, both refurbished by Lowrance after dunking them in the surf about 1.5 years ago.  Im pretty sure the units they sent me were brand new.  The process was super easy.  You could prob save some $$ buying a new/used cheaper head unit (4" model?) that shares the same transducer as your broken one AND sending the broken one in for replacement. 

I have two ff units, both refurbished by Lowrance after dunking them in the surf about 1.5 years ago.  Im pretty sure the units they sent me were brand new.  The process was super easy.  You could prob save some $$ buying a new/used cheaper head unit (4" model?) that shares the same transducer as your broken one AND sending the broken one in for replacement.

I agree get a used head unit and send yours back for work..

I feel your pain: I just had to replace my FF. Kayaking in the ocean is rough on electronics.

If you decide to blow money on new stuff, I like the tiny little S.H. HX40 as a back up radio, and the Hook2 5 is an incremental improvement on the Hook 5 it replaced.

Last I knew a Uniden model floating VHF is available at the upper store for about $100 - good deal, and you're back in the game for that.

I advise to consider a handheld GPS - having it with your FF is great, but when that dies and you have no GPS it's a big deal.  A handheld should last many years because of less exposure.

Get back in the game, Inn Keeper!

Get a new radio and as long as you have a smart phone That has native GPS you are in business.  Download the navionics app and it’s $15 I think for access to all the maps.  Download the maps before you go out, and it will work even without cell service.

Carry an extra compass or three and you’re fishing again while you wait for a new FF.

I advise to consider a handheld GPS ...

Curious as to which handheld GPS you recommend.

A few years ago, I had a Garmin (can't recall the exact model) and it was fantastic. Unfortunately, I ended up donating it to Poseidon. I've been trying to justify buying another one, but so far my smartphone has been doing the job. Still, it is tempting...