Page 14 - Crappie NOW - January 2018

by Tim Huffman

network connectivity, including autopilots,
Crappie fishermen can improve digital switching, weather and more. It
their catching by building and sinking beds, allows Garmin Marine Network support for
maintaining good boat control and quickly sharing sonar, Panoptix sonar, maps, user
forming patterns. However, according to data, radar and IP cameras among multiple
experts, the quickest way for a fisherman units. It’s preloaded with U.S. LakeVu HD
to jump to another level of fishing is adding maps and Blue Chart g2 charts. The unit is
and learning to use advanced electronics. built-in ready to allow add-on transducers:
In general, “advanced” means having Garmin Chirp and Chirp ClearVu. SiriusXM
quality mapping, side imaging and down compatible.
imaging. All of these can be expected under John Spiddle, Regional Product
the $1000 price tag. Trainer, says, “Our 742 features an easy-to-
Graph prices are based upon several see, color, sunlight viewable touch screen.
factors with screen size being one the It has multiple features including mapping,
primary factors. A 7-inch model at $600 quick draw mapping to create your own
can be around $2000 in the 10- or 12- maps. One of the best things about any
inch version. More money means more of the Garmin units is there’s not a lot you
bells-and-whistles but more importantly have to do except get it on the boat. They
more resolution with better separation. So are ready and easy to run right out of the
$1000 can buy very complex units but their box.”
screens will be limited in size; not tiny, just Price: $999.
smaller.
The good news is all brands have
excellent quality electronics. Some may
have a better transducer while another has
a better screen, or ease of use. They are all
different but very good.
The following units were chosen
from interviews with manufacturer
representatives, current press releases and
websites. Prices are from Google searches
in December.

Garmin 742xs
This 7-inch Touchscreen Chartplotter/
Sonar Combo features intuitive touchscreen
controls. It also includes support for

14 Crappie NOW January 2018