Garmin 521s or 541s ?

[andreshs1]

Hi all

I am looking for a GPS/sounder unit and I have come across to the Garmin 521 and 541, anyone has experience with these units?

What about the Raymarine A57D??

Or any other budget substitute??

Thanks for you time

Andres

[gpdno]

I recently installed a Garmin 541s with an in-hull puck. Very happy with the unit. Just make sure you get the "s" model. The standard 541 with not accept a sonar puck.

[andreshs1]

Hi

Excellent, might I ask where you got it from?

Prices differ a lot on the web, and I have been reading about several users that have been paying and not getting the stuff.

Regards
Andres

[barnakiel]

Check out what Standard Horizon has in offer. They make some small and inexpensive units that seem to pack in a lot of good features.

b.

[gpdno]

Andres,

West Marine. They will match any online price that I bring into the store. That way I walk out with the unit the same day I buy it.

[andreshs1]

Hi all

Thanks for the info, but now I am even more confused, the Southern Horizon 300i looks really good, but I have not been able to find many reviews from users, hence it makes me a bit hesitant, at the same time it has a discount in WestMarine.

Regards

[barnakiel]

Standard ... ;-)))

I used the 180 unit and it was very good.

b.

[andreshs1]

Hahaha (sorry about the spelling)

Still dont understand why it is almos the same price to buy a depth finder than a combo gps/fishfinder!!
The combo also gives you the depth, and price diff is small

Any clues??

Regards

[Dulcesuenos]

I love our 541s. Has built in Navionics / blue chart that works well for sailors. Not sure about hong kong but in the states its good! Easy to use and you can find deals right now.

[andreshs1]

Yeap, most likely I will be getting the 541s this weekend

Silly question, it comes with a sonar/fishfinder, right?
Or do you have to buy that one separately?
What about the GPS, is it necesary to get the external antena?

Regards
Andres

[Dulcesuenos]

You do not need the ext antenna, even though its cheap , weve never lost signal. Sometimes you can find a transducer with the unit, but usualy sold w/ out it.

[gpdno]

It would depend on where you plan on mounting the unit. I mounted mine on my binnacle so I get a great signal without an antenna. If you mount it inside the cabin, I suspect you might need one.
Yes, typically you have to buy the sonar transducer separately. there are a number of different ones to choose from depending if you want a thru-hull, transom, or in-hull mount.

[andreshs1]

Still on the hunt...

now I am trying to decide on the type of transducer, what are your recommendations/experiences??

Regards
Andres

[s/v 'Faith']

The 'included' transducer is often the transom mount... they several types including through-hull and inside mount.

You can epoxy the transom mount transducer and it will blissfully fire through the hull just like the more expensive through hull transducer.

BTW,

Anyone have any clue what the difference is between the 540s and the 541s?

[David M]

You do not need a full view of the sky to get a solid GPS fix. Years ago this was not true when there were few satellites in orbit. An external antenna is not necessary if you have the unit outside with a partial view of the sky.