Association Forum - Garmin 76cx or Lowrance Ifinder H20c??

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Garmin 76cx or Lowrance Ifinder H20c??

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bmelchionda
1st Mate

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63 Posts

Initially Posted - 04/15/2007 : 08:51:32

Seems like the only true competitor for the Garmin 76cx handheld is the Lowrance Ifinder H20c. The Garmin 76cx sounds lie/looks like a great product, but does anyone have any input on the Lowrance Ifinder H20c? I’m curious as to the quality of the maps and mapping capabilities. I know the Lowrance unit requires you to purchase separate mapping software, but I don’t know about Garmin. Also, it seems like the Lowrance unit comes with the US marine chart already installed...and its price point is cheaper. What am I missing?

What are your thoughts? Which unit did you choose and why?

Thank you!

'86 Catalina 25 Tall Rig

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atgep
Master Marine Consultant

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1009 Posts

Response Posted - 04/15/2007 : 10:38:46

You bring up a good discussion point. I have been using Lowrance for the past 3 yrs and have been very happy. I decided on Lowrance after learning about the limitations of the garmin software. The chips only cover 1 geographical location. In the past 3 years I would have had to pay over $300 to purchase the charts I needed. Garmin cartography is awesome and the service from the company it top notch.

The lowrance Nauticpath covers the whole US, cost about $75 and has been very accurate. I started with an Ifinder but now have a mapping sonar unit that is great. My service with lowrance has been pretty good as well.

If you trailer-sail or need to use it nationwide, Lowrance is the one. The chart chip is yours and you can put it in any lowrance/eagle unit you want. If you want to be like the other 90% out there, get the garmin. You will have to purchase the chart area and then register it to your particular unit.

Both units will come with a US base-map that shows buoys and shoreline. The will both also have a basic US roadmap that will show HWY and major SR. I really enjoy having the bottom contours that the chip offers and would not go back from having it.

Tom.

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Justin
Admiral

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502 Posts

Response Posted - 04/15/2007 : 11:37:09

I highly recommend the Lowrance iFinder handheld models. I recently bought their Expedition Plus model which includes an electronic barometer, altimeter, and compass. It was only about $20-30 more than the H2OC. I paid less than $330 shipped from Chumbo.com. Their "Plus" models include the MapCreate software to make very detailed custom maps of the entire U.S.. So far I actually haven't used mine on my boat yet, haven't sailed my C-25 since I bought the iFinder. I have used it in my car several times though and it even picks up signals just fine when placed down in a cup holder by the parking brake shifter. I've used it on trips to figure out where I am and it has been a big help at times. It does not do turn by turn directions as some the Garmins do, but you can find yourself on the map and search for local points of interest (businesses, hotels, museums, parks, etc.). The screen is bright and CAN be seen with polarized sunglasses in the sun (very important to me). I bought the Lowrance NauticPath chip which can be found for around $60 online and it contains the ENTIRE U.S. Coastlines and the Bahamas all on one chip!! All charts are available for use and you do not have to pay ~$100 for each small region like Garmin charges! The charts are very detailed and include information on marinas and other near shore points of interest. The electronic barometer automatically monitors the pressure and alerts you when storms may be approaching. It works too because I was driving one day for hours and the GPS gave a storm warning. Sure enough we had a big rain/sleet/snow storm. The built in map is very basic body of water shorelines are not that detailed and only major roads are identified.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any more questions.

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.