"Does anyone have any experience with this GPS. I'm trying to decide on a unit and the sales person recommended this one if fishing is involved. I guess you can load a chip that has a hot spots map right on it. I really like the one handed use for the Garmin Etrex models. By the way lots of really good info on this whole site, thanks in advance."
DakotaElkSlayer might provide you with some information regarding operational details of the Lowrance brand handheld gps units.
I have not tried the Lowrance units but I expect them to be top very good. You mention Garmins eTrex units. I use my eTrex Legend a great deal while fishing from my boat. I have found that the Garman MapSource USA Topo a great resource. Most of the Lakes I fish very in depth during the year. Some of the time I am fishing with down riggers out. Between the fishfinder telling me the current depth, and see the under laying topography on my gps helps keep me out of trouble.
I also mark (waypoint) fish on my Garmin Legend, create tracks so I know where my trolling pattern has taken me. My primary boat has two motors. The trolling motor is operated from the stern. I have the Legend stuck in a shirt pocket with the lanyard around my neck. Sometimes I am working the rod with one hand, and punching in the button to create the new waypoint with the other hand. It only takes a second. I have the Mark function already highlighted in the Main Menu. All I have to do is push the joystick to create a waypoint. The Legend can be had for around $149.00. The MapSource USA Topo can be purchased for about $90.00.
I do not have mapping software in my combination fishfinder/gps because I already have what I need with my other combinations.
I have a Garmin 76C which has a lot of marine features. And it floats. At times I like to make a trip to the Sacramento Delta, which dumps into San Francisco Bay. The 76C highlights all the water navigation features such as buoys, lights, and wrecks, along with tide charts. Of course the 76Cx has come along. I have no problem using this unit one handed. I wish the lanyard were longer.
When the Lowrance Colored units came out they caught my attention. Go to the Lowrance WebPages. You will find that they are more of an upgrade then just color.
I recommend that you try a number of display models. Get your hands on it and see if you can operate them with one. I realize that this will be a limited experience but it should give you a feel for how it will be out in a boat.
http://www.lowrance.com/outdoor/default.asphttp://www.garmin.com/marine/products.html#handheldhttp://www.magellangps.com
