Fishfinder - GPS

[roh1961]

I am getting ready to upgrade to a better fishfinder/gps. I have had good luck with Lowrance so I'll probably stick with them. I thought about the LMS 334C but it probably has more bells and whistles than I need. I actually only need the finder but would like to have it with gps capabilities. I use a portable H2O color unit but it is kind of hard to navigate, read the finder, hold and read the gps (it is too hard to read in the base), and put out markers at the same time. Is the mapping function very helpful or even necessary? I like the color finders because they are easier to see in the sun. The large screen seems handy too. Anybody have a better recommendation?

[crappiencali]

The 332c or 480lms are good units. I have used both of them.

[IwishIdid]

I had the 334c and it was a hunk. The internal antenna isn't quite perfected. After about five calls to Lowrance they finally told me that the 334 really needs a clear shot of the sky, like no fishing rods over the top of it, windshield on boat could block signal at the right angle,etc. Swapped out for a 332c and love it, no problems , great signal, just as many features.

[RogerA]

I use a Lowrance LCX18C combo unit with external antena and love it.

[roh1961]

I had the 334c and it was a hunk. The internal antenna isn't quite perfected. After about five calls to Lowrance they finally told me that the 334 really needs a clear shot of the sky, like no fishing rods over the top of it, windshield on boat could block signal at the right angle,etc. Swapped out for a 332c and love it, no problems , great signal, just as many features.

I have a Triton 1653SS ( http://www.tritonboats.com/frames2.asp?cat=3&bid=44 ) and I wondered about the internal antennae being better or using an external one such as the Lowrance 332c. It has stick steering and the fishfinder placement and gps Ram mount is ahead and to the left of me with the gps being closer to the motor controls. It seems to work well with the portable gps unit finding it's bearings when sitting in the mount. Where do you think a better placement for the external antennae would be by the pic? There is usually a passenger in the back and sometimes a third on the livewell seat. Thanks, Randy

[FisherMike]

I've got the 332 external antenna amd absolutely love it.
I do believe there a little less expensive too.

I would mount the antenna just in front of the unit. Just make sure you mount it so it won't get knocked off at the doc.