Posted by wlagarde on 04/01/15 - 6:17 AM
#9
cleep1700 wrote:
Thanks for the information. CHIRP sonar seems to be the in thing. Two questions:
1. Is the 5' screen on the Lowrance or any device display large enough?
2. The Dragonfly lists two different maps: CMAP or Navionics: difference? One better or worse? Also the two Dragonfly models have two different sceens 5.7" and 7": significasnt differences.
Lastly, is investing in sidevu technology worth the buck?
Craig
I have the 5" version. More than large enough and its very high contrast and readable in full mid day sunlight. The screen on the dragonfly unit is particulary large relative to the physical size of the unit i.e. the screen takes up most of the surface area of the front panel. Depending upon the layout of your helm you may be able to fit the 7" version if you wanted even larger. I considered this but for my layout it would have been tight and also for me wasn't worth the extra money.
The Raymarine provided maps are excellent (based on NOAA data), are updated regularly, and you have two choices: 1. Raster version or 2. Vector version. All you need to do is purchase a micro-SD card, download them, and install to the card. THE ONE DOWNSIDE IS THERE IS NO INLAND LAKES COVERAGE. For that you will need to purchase the Navionics package which is what I did. The navionics charts are excellent and the price not too bad if purchased bundled with the unit.
I wanted sideview too but none of the units on my price range came close in my opinion to the quality of the Raymarine unit (not intending to insults any others with one of these unis - just my opinion).