I had a Garmin 545S installed on my old boat with stern mounted transducer. I used it almost exclusively as a map for navigation, GPS, and depth sounder. No doubt this unit had many other features I never used. I think it had a 5" screen.

I'm looking at buying a unit for a 19' center console. I don't see venturing beyond the Albemarmle and Pamilco Sounds.
My limited knowledge wish list would include:
User friendly.
Removable from boat.
A larger than 5" screen.
Map for navigation.
GPS
Depth.
I know nothing about fish finders but plan on fishing from this boat.

I went to West Marine and Manteo Marine and both stores were pushing what they stock as the best. Garmin, Simrad, Hummingbird, Raymarine, Lowrance.

If you have any recommendations on units or a reference tool where a recreational boater might better understand the latest in technology I would appreciate it.

Thanks!

Have you checked Howard at Outer Banks Marine Electronics in Nags Head. He is the go to guy for all Charterboats. He is known as a Furuno specialist, but sells and services all brands. The biggest and best Service place in the area. As far as Electronics goes his knowledge blows away West or Manteo. I would check him out before you buy. Now your question about a Reference Tool or Informational Site is a very, very loaded question. Your head will literally be spinning. Look at your budget, physical space and they overlay your needs. As a long time boater, I would stay away from the cheaper lines, except for price limitations. Small boat use, probably Garmin if it fits your technical needs and budget. Most Charterboats use Furuno, Garmin, some have some Simrad.

I have had a few Garmin units and will buy another one. They have never let me down and I am familiar with them so there is little learning curve for me. I am running a 740 now for a few years. I have been thinking about upgrading to get side scan and it will integrate into my NEMA bus. Be aware that most do not come with a transducer any more as it could cost more than the head unit.

Maverick Boats has a forum. If you do a search there you will get opinions there from some usually level headed folks. Be sure that most, like myself, once they select a brand, they stick with it.

It's been a few years since we sold our boat which was a 36' sport fisher, However I've never lost interest in boating.

I've been amazed at the advancements in electronics and I wanted to let you know that there are also very cool iPhone, iPad apps you might consider for use on a small boat.

So think like a millennial and check out iSalior

You can filter info and even use it to plot courses

Pickle - I hadn't thought about Outer Banks Marine Electronics. I will definitely stop and talk with Howard. Since each manufacturer has there own jargon to describe the features of their product line that complicates shopping for me. I was leaning towards a Garmin because that's what I've had but will keep an open mind. Thanks.

chief5130 - My only experience with boat electronics was my Garmin 545S which was reliable. For the car I have a Garmin unit I still use for its simplicity in preference to the navigation system installed in the car. I didn't know there was a Maverick Boat line. Thanks for the MGB forum suggestion.

ish - I wouldn't call myself a Luddite but "think like a millennial" is beyond my capacity. iSailor looks interesting. It would first require me to switch to an iPhone & iPad. Our son is always after me to switch to the iPhone. Thanks for your response.

To stay in my budget and still get a quality unit it looks like a unit with buttons instead of touch screen might be required. What's the feeling on buttons vs touch screen?

I see on their website Outer Banks Marine Electronics sells units taken as trade-ins. Any thoughts on that?