Fishfinders! Navionics Vs. Bluechart

I'm looking to buy a fishfinder, my last one was a really cheap eagle grayscale unit. I'm looking at getting something nicer this time around. I'm not really a fan of Lowrance after reading about some of their interactions with customers. I really want a GPS/FF combo unit, I think it would be really good to have with how quickly the fog rolls in here (central coast).

Right now I'm looking at either the Raymarine Dragonfly or the Garmin EchoMAP 50 DV. The Dragonfly is $618 on Amazon with the map pack. The Garmin is $507 from Hodges Marine without the maps, the maps are $130 more. However Garmin is currently offering a $200 rebate that brings the cost down to $437. The Garmin uses their proprietary Bluechart software and the Dragonfly uses the Navionics maps. Some stories people have told about Navionics make me a little wary to purchase their products. I've never used Garmin's marine maps before, but I have used their land maps extensively while off-roading and liked them.

Anyone have any input or experience with either of these?

(I'm reposting this from CCKF to get some more input from other like minded individuals)

I'm teaching a class tomorrow night on Lowrance if you find yourself in Santa Cruz.  What is your concern with Avionics?

Bill

Look closely at the Garmin power consumption.  Garmin has long been a power hog and on a kayak with limited battery consumption, its max 2.7 a draw will kill a battery FAST.

The Dragonfly is only $538 at Hodges Marine, get the screen cover too.  I really like mine.  Its puts me on the fish and dungie crabs.

I'm teaching a class tomorrow night on Lowrance if you find yourself in Santa Cruz.  What is your concern with Avionics?

Bill

I appreciate the offer but I'm down in SLO and have to work.

Their customer support seems to be lacking. I've heard some horror stories from a lot of different sources. They also seem to have a pretty quick product cycle, several people have reported issues with their products no longer being supported after only a few years.

I have a handheld Garmin and use navionics on a diff unit (humminbird). Proprietary stuff only works on their units so the extra map cost would have to go with it if you got something new later.  The navionics can be moved to different units if it allows 3rd party software.   Unfortunately I am not a big fan with navionics on the ocean north of ft Bragg.  Not much to the maps as contour or depth views, but seems to offer a lot for lakes.  So depends on how you will use it.

I have a handheld Garmin and use navionics on a diff unit (humminbird). Proprietary stuff only works on their units so the extra map cost would have to go with it if you got something new later.  The navionics can be moved to different units if it allows 3rd party software.   Unfortunately I am not a big fan with navionics on the ocean north of ft Bragg.  Not much to the maps as contour or depth views, but seems to offer a lot for lakes.  So depends on how you will use it.

95% of my fishing is salt.

Lowrance had problems a number of years ago with service.  That is then, this is now.  A lot has changed.  They back their products for up to 5 years of service for most items.  I'm not here to talk you into one brand or another, just here to provide you with the facts.  I placed a call to Lowrance myself as a customer today.  No hold, your place in line is saved & they call you back when your turn comes up.

Yes, they change units often because they are one the forefront of innovation.  You keep the same item on the market too long you find yourself out of business.

Navionics is good for adaptability between brands.  Different Nav. Chips have different level of details even within the Avionics lineup.

MadCat. I'm going up if you want a ride to SC. Leaving between 3 and 3 pm

The main Navico rep. lives in Paso Robles & commutes to Watsonville a few days a week. 

MadCat. I'm going up if you want a ride to SC. Leaving between 3 and 3 pm

Have to work or I would.

I use a handheld garmin 60 CSX with G2 vision blue chart and love it. Don't have an issue with battery drain. If you are near SMR's it is really worth it.

Well be hosting more seminars soon if attendees like tomorrows.  I have like 8 hours of "stuff" to share.  Lol

The Garmin handhelds have good battery life.  Their ff/GPS units tend to draw over 2ah.  Makes them fairly inefficient for a yak.  Always locked their handheld GPS units.  I was working for West Marine in tech support when their first handhelds came out (45, 45x -- fold up antennas -- no maps). The industry has come a long ways since the early 90's.

I use a handheld garmin 60 CSX with G2 vision blue chart and love it. Don't have an issue with battery drain. If you are near SMR's it is really worth it.

I live 12 blocks from the Morro Bay Estuary and float for flatties there. I fish there regularly and I'm always nervous I'll be drifting into the protected area.

Fishing, does Navionics highlight SMRA's/SMR's? If not is there a way to mark those boundaries? Also, are you a Lowrance rep IE: somebody that could be contacted if I ran into issues with customer service or had a dumb question? I'm willing to take a second look at them, I was just turned off by the horror stories I read while researching their gear. On the flip side, most of those stories were older.