I broke my Garmin.

I managed to pinch my transducer cable on my Garmin echomap 54cv chirp. After soldering everything back together it kind of works, but it's just not as good as it was.  The picture is fuzzy and inconsistent.
 I was happy with the Garmin, but it is a discontinued model, and a new transducer is about $200. I could replace the whole unit for $279.  My brother works at West Marine and can get me a lowrance hook5 with the doubleshot transducer for the same money as a replacement Garmin.  The Lowrance transducer would fit in my PA14 without the berlypro mount I have been using.  That would be a plus.
 I know a lot of you guys (and gals) use the Lowrance.  Are you happy with it?  Should I be considering any other models in the same price range? 

I use Lowrance and just ordered the Lowrance 5 split shot. Shopping it will be a good one. I will let you know in a week lol

Darn my compromised eyesight.. I thought the title was "I Broke My arm!!"

Sounds like you have a solder joint that isnt quite right on your repair. transducer cables can be cranky. I think there used to be someone on here with massive electrical engineering skills that could repair your cable for a price, but they may have moved on.

Don't get rid of the Garmin gear. you might still be able to find someone with the skills to re[pair the cable.

If you upgrade to lowrance, I might be interested in buying your garmin unit no transducer at a good price. And also depends on where in WA you are, might be able to swing thru. PM me if interested.

I managed to pinch my transducer cable on my Garmin echomap 54cv chirp. After soldering everything back together it kind of works, but it's just not as good as it was.  The picture is fuzzy and inconsistent.

I had the same thing happen with my Humminbirid 597.  Wound up purchasing an Echomap 64cv for $399.  I was bummed when I lost the impedence matching (from soldering) on my 597 but I'm loving the new Garmin!  I just wish they had sturdier connections to the battery and transducer.

-Mark-

I use Lowrance and just ordered the Lowrance 5 split shot. Shopping it will be a good one. I will let you know in a week lol

Where'd you order from Zach?  I'm still somewhat in the market for upgrading mine to the Hook2 5 SplitShot.  Been waiting for a great deal to come around - probably have missed them since I haven't really been paying attention.

-Sam

Thanks for the input guys.  I'm still trying to decide what I'm going to do.  The guys at Outdoor Emporium tell me that the tripleshot transducer will actually fit in the mounting area on my 2018 PA. That surprised me to hear and adds another element to my decision process.  Can anyone confirm that it will actually fit?