OK, I'm so close to buying one of these I can taste it. I have the Lowrance mapping software now so I see plenty of the detail in regard to land detail, buoys, and some other elements on the water. However, when ice fishing or trolling I would think that the hotmaps would be ideal.

I may get a full size color gps later this year or next but for now have a handheld Ifinder H2O. It is not color as I learned that the color one in the H2O model is a slightly smaller screen and draws more from the batteries. I use it for my four wheeler, the boat, hiking, road trips, etc.

My question is how accurate are they and is it worth it for a handheld?

-Brian

I don't have the 2007 version... just last years. I am not sure you'd be happy with it on a handheld. The drop in quality is enormous just from Adriens Raymarine "widescreen tv" of a gps to my 6" gps screen. Going down to a handheld, you'd probably get the same features you now have. To get any precision on the depth contours you'd have to zoom in so far it may be unrealistic. Just my thought... I've been wrong before though.

Thanks.

Maybe I'll just follow him around then? :) How far away can you see that widescreen on his boat from? ha ha.

Slipknot, remember the chip we used from my gps last spring? That is about the level of detail of what I get to look at currently.

Which one do you have? and do you like it?

Brian

I have the hotmaps premium 2006. I love it. Works well with my Eagle gps. Color is nice, cause it shows you depth warnings in blue. You can zoom in and actually get the boat to follow a specific contour line.

I have the Lowrance H2O with the Navionics Hot Maps Charts works great. I wouldn't want to be without it. I use mine summer and winter.

Charlie

Slipknot, which gps? I'm looking at the Eagles. I have a 480 in the front of my boat and love it. I'm looking at the FishElite 642c right now.

Charlie, thanks. Good to hear. Do you have the color one? I love mine. Had a globalmap 100 before this one.

I may get it either way. Worst case scenario is that I have to buy a bigger gps. Then I might have to buy a bigger boat too. Wow, this idea could go places. Have to talk to the wife about this Hotmaps buy 1st.

Brian

I have the black and white, the color wasn't available in 04 when I bought mine. Like everything else, as soon as you buy something there's something better comes out.

Charlie

Brian, I have the IntelliMap 500c or 510c (something like that? LOL) Boat isn't here to check... I think its basically the same look as the 480? It's what I could afford and it works just fine for me.
I get spoiled looking at Adrien's though. I swear he has X-Box or Nintendo hookups for that screen of his hidden in the boat...

Where is a good place to but the 2007 chip ??? I blew my budget this month big time. Have to wait for another Social Security check to buy the Navionics I guess.

John S.

John, a bunch of places are selling them however, boatersworld will ship it for free. Price will be 150 for most places Be careful though as the 2006 chips are still being sold between 100-130. Sometimes they don't mention the year.

Brian

Irwan Marine in Hudson NH on RT102 has the New 2007 HotMaps Premium for $149.00.

Charlie

Do you know if they are open on Sundays, that's pretty close to me.

John S.

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Replying to:

Irwan Marine in Hudson NH on RT102 has the New 2007 HotMaps Premium for $149.00.

Charlie

Thanks, where's boaters world, or is that an internet
site ???

John S.

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Replying to:

John, a bunch of places are selling them however, boatersworld will ship it for free. Price will be 150 for most places Be careful though as the 2006 chips are still being sold between 100-130. Sometimes they don't mention the year.

Brian

Erwin Marine is open on Sunday til 5pm

Irwin Marine's # is 603-595-7995

Thanks, I might take a ride up there this afternoon.

Does it ever end ?????????????

Johh S.

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Replying to:

Erwin Marine is open on Sunday til 5pm