plotter/sonar combo suggestions?

[wiggy]

I take special needs students camping and fishing in the Everglades backcountry. I'm setting up a 18' flats boat for the school to use this year (I know its not a downeaster, my personal boat project is a Seaway 23 ; ) ). I need a good combo plotter/fish finder. Any suggestions? I'm not a big fan of the Garmins, I really hate their menu systems...or something. I'd like a 7" screen since its a tiny center console, not much more will fit. I might be able to talk the boss into Sirius weather so one that has that capability would be nice. Any ideas?

 

[MouseTrap]

Raymarine e7D if you don't like the Garmin 740s.

 

[wiggy]

Raymarine e7D if you don't like the Garmin 740s.

That's what I was thinking too. I don't know anyone using the newer Raymarines. I've only fooled around with them in the store. Seemed like a decent unit. Thanks!

 

[Wharf Rat]

e7D all the way. Same features as their larger displays, fast, easy to use. We are actually running show specials for the NYBS this week. Drop me a PM for a quote. Be wary of the 'pre-loaded' nomenclature however with some of the models, I highly recommend grabbing a Navionics Platinum+ or Gold coverage chart, or if you're going to be sticking to one area, Navionics is now debuting a $100 download of any particular chart area that you need, with the same features and detail of the Gold cartography, minus the Bells and Whistles of the Platinum chart coverage.

The other plus is it accepts the comparatively inexpensive SR50 Sirius Weather module over SeatalkNG/NMEA2000. Add the small SRA25 antenna right to the dash, simple run, and built in WAAS GPS within the e7. Let me know if you have any other questions.