Charts for Lowrance iFinder H2O

I'm trying to decide between a Lowrance iFinder H2O and a Garmin 76Map
(either can be had for around $150) and I'm leaning towards the
Lowrance at the moment, even though I already have cables to fit the
Garmin (I have a 12CX already).

I thought I read somewhere that the Lowrance will use charts from
numerous sources and Garmin requires the use of only their own. But
the more I read, the less sure I am of that. If I have to buy the
$100 MapCreate charts for the Lowrance, my preference tilts back in
favor of the Garmin 76Map.

Anyhow, I have a Card Reader already. Can the free charts I see on the
Web be used with the Lowrance?

TIA,
Rick

PhantMan@nospam.invalid wrote:
Give me a link to the charts you're talking about, I have the iFinder
Hunt and may be able to tell you if you can ues them or not.

On Tue, 11 Mar 08 , Don B wrote:


I didn't have any particular sites or charts in mind. But when I
Google "Free Charts" I get sites like:
http://www.freeboatingcharts.com/

Rick

I checked the link you provided and I don't think you would be able to
use the charts they have. Your best bet would be to call Lowrance tech
support.

On Wed, 12 Mar 08 , Don B wrote:

Just as an FYI, since I posted this, I ran across a Yahoo Group that's
dedicated to finding ways of using alternative charts with Lowrance
GPS. From a quick looksee, it appears possible but most of those guys
are programmers I think and they're speakin' a language I don't
understand. For an average Joe, it looks like Garmin owners are stuck
with the expense of Garmin charts and Lowrance owners are stuck with
the expense of Lowrance charts.
Frankly, I've gotten along fine with nothing but coordinates paired
with a paper chart. Methinks I may stick with that.

Rick