Help me out on Electronics upgrades for my Classic

This topic has 9 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 18 years ago by Allbright2120.

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May 27, 2008 at 3:51 pm #449340

Shap from La
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I posted this over on BBC and got some good info there. Just thought Id get as much input as possible. I tend to research and analyze stuff a little too much before I buy. Any suggestions on where to buy and what to buy would be appreciated. Well folks, Its time to upgrade and put some new electronics on my 2001 model Pantera Classic. I have my Bow fishfinder already. Im looking for a nice color GPS/Fishfinder combo for the dash without breaking the bank. Does anyone know where I might find the best prices. I appreciate any info you may offer.Im also going to be putting a replacement flasher in place of the broken zercom that is in the console now. Or, Maybe Ill find a different guage to fill the hole. If I get a new fishfinder and mount it on top of the console, I dont see the need for a flasher as well. I wonder what type of guage I could get to cover up the hole that the flasher will leave. It would be nice if they made a round radio. Then I could put that in place of the broken flasher. That would be perfect since I want to install one of those as well. I guess the other option would be to leave the flasher there and just diconnect it so it isnt parasiting any battery power. I hate to have a broken piece of equipment stuck in my console though. Just kicking around some ideas. Hope you all can help.Chris Coupel Paulina, La.Last edited by Shap from La on May 27th, 2008, 3:53 pm, edited 1 time in total.Chris CoupelPaulina, La.

May 27, 2008 at 11:28 pm #449341

Tideman
Participant

I HOPE SOMEONE WILL ANSWER OLE SHAP……….HE BE A GOOD GUY…. AS FOR ME I HAVE THE 520 LOWRANCE IN THE CONSOLE AND 510 UP FRONT… IF I DID IT AGAIN I WOULD KEEP THE 510 ON THE FRONT AND GET A TAD LARGER UNIT IN THE CONSOLE… LIKE THE 27 OR 28….. FOR THE MONEY THE 520 AND 510 ARE GREAT……ROBIN

May 27, 2008 at 11:50 pm #449342

john1112
Participant

Try Hodges Marine on-line. Or ebay.

May 28, 2008 at 12:45 am #449343

Shap from La
Participant

It seems like the 520 and 522 from Lowrance are good bets, especially with the free mapping card that is offered right now. The other one I was looking at was the Eagle counterpart which is about 150 dollars less but you dont get the free card. I believe the Lowrance is the way to go after a pretty good bit of online comparing. Now I just have to find a good price. I have looked at many sites and it seems as though most places are pretty much the same. Atleast within 20 dollars or so. Thanks for the info Guys. Ill let yall know what I end up with. Chris Coupel Paulina, la.Chris CoupelPaulina, La.

May 28, 2008 at 1:08 am #449344

john1112
Participant

I owned an Eagle and I was told it was the exact same as the comparable Lowrance except for the color of the casing.

May 28, 2008 at 12:20 pm #449345

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Chris, I can give you some definite help here. IMHO, I would go the Lowrance 520 for the dash and would replace my Zercom (junk….LOL) with a Vexilar FL-10. Both are excellent units and ironically I replaced my Zercom (did I say junk?…LOL) with the Vexilar and was pleasantly impressed.

May 28, 2008 at 2:08 pm #449346

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Well Guys, Our suggestion would be the 787 HumminBird with GPS receiver. YTD on our service, HB Units have been almost superb, and that we cant say about other brands we have installed. The Vexilar FL-10 unit is a nice piece and if you need or want an in dash, it is the best out there. BCB

May 28, 2008 at 2:55 pm #449347

Shap from La
Participant

Interesting input BCB. I have a humminbird on the bow already. I will check into the 787 and see if they are cost competitive. Basstar, I have looked at the Vexilar unit you are refering to and I do like it. I just have to decide to get off of some of that Turnaround money and buy what I need to make my Boat right again. Thanks very much folks for the input!! Chris Coupel Paulina, La.Chris CoupelPaulina, La.

May 28, 2008 at 7:14 pm #449348

CoCat
Participant

I just upgraded my 2004 Classic with 520Cs front and back. It was not hard to do at all, I used the original transducers. I have an external temp sensor mounted too. Cabelas has a good deal on two units, GPS antenna, transducer, NMEA 2000 backbone, and an ethernet cable to joint the units. With a few extras, I did this for about $1250.00. Someone might be interested, but I also added a radio while working on it. I used a power boost antenna meant for inside an auto windshield use. I put it under the gunnel forward of the rodbox taking power off one of the courtesy lights. It gives good reception, and I have no antenna to break off when casting or putting on the cover.

May 29, 2008 at 2:36 am #449349

Allbright2120
Participant

Shap, I have the 522 up front on my boat and I hate it, maybe cause I dont know much about it. It is mounted on the tm and supposed to be more accurate that way. Dont know if that is true, cause mine never seems to work right. I would like to sell mine and switch to hummingbird. I wanted to to put the 520 in the dash and the 522 up front but now I would rather take my rods out of the box and sink the boat. lol I was told that would be a great combo for about $1300.
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