GPS for my "new to me" SV1700

[Deleted]

I am outfitting a 2002 Sea Pro SV1700 Bay Boat that I just picked up in December to fish Greenwich Bay next spring. I have been using and am used to a Garmin 2010c that was on my previous 28' Regal.

My choices on this smaller Center Console are as follows:

Garmin 3205 $590.00 (No S&H and No sales tax)
Garmin 3206 $770.00 (No S&H and No sales tax)
Garmin 545s $700.00 Plus 7% sales tax

I will also be installing a Garmin 400 series FF along side the GPS. I know that the 545s is a Combo unit, but I am buying it at the 545 price and getting the "s" for free. I DO want to run separate GPS & FF. I can't see them both running on a 5" split screen.

What are you opinions and recomendations ?? I am leaning towards the 3206 and the 400 since it is VERY similar to my old Garmin 2010c and gives a larger screen for these old tired eyes. Second choice 3205 and the 400. Is there $180 difference between the 5" and 6" screens

Thanks in advance for your answers, Gary -- ifishinri

[Simple Man]

I don't know a lot about those particular units. They are all Garmins so you know they are quality units with excellent support.
If all other features are the same (you should be able to research them very well on the Garmin site), I would go with the biggest screen size I could afford. I am like you and can't see as well as I used to. I run two units on my boat as well for just that same reason. PITA trying to use a chartplotter/sounder unless you have a 10" or larger screen. I run a 498C with a 340C fishfinder on mine. Both are 5" screens and I can see them fine. A plus for the 545s is you would have a backup fishfinder if the 400 went out for some reason (swap transducer and split screen it for awhile until you get the 400 back).
Good luck with your decision but you won't go wrong whichever direction you decide to go cause you are going GARMIN ;D

[Warpig]

I'm running a similar setup. I bought my 206 CC in August. It came with a GPSMAP 178C combo unit. I added a GPSMAP 430 and set the 178C up for sonar, and plan to run the 430 for navigation. I got the 430 hooked up just before I put the boat away for the winter. I believe my setup will allow for me to swap the transducer between the two units. Some research confirmed that, but I didn't get a chance to put the boat in the water after I got the 430 hooked up to verify for sure. If either unit goes out, I should be able to run split screen on the other. I've been very happy with the Garmin units. I had a Lowrance LMS527C on my old boat. Worked good, but the Garmin menu's are much more friendly and the units work well.

Sounds like you are on the right track. I found a place that sells some factory refurb Garmin's cheap. It's in a post in the deals part of the fourm. I got my 430 with no transducer for $179.

[Deleted]

Sooo guys, This is what I finally did withmy SV1700 !! I used my old Garmin 2010C (these old eyes love that 10" screen) , bought a Garmin GSD 21 black box sounder and now have GPS and fish finder running on a split screen along with data. Looks big up on the console, but alot neater than two or three machines scattered across the top. Also flush mounted a small iCom VHF radio in the flat space above the console access door and the steering wheel (just in front of my knees). Looks great and so far very functional and works for me. Pictures as soon as I take them and learn how to post them.