Customer Reviews

Lowrance iFinder H20 C 2.83-Inch Waterproof Marine GPS

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(9)

 

 

I have had this unit for about 18 months but have used it only 6-8 times - never in foul weather. It worked fine at first - with TOPO downloaded maps onto the MMC card and a Navionics card for marine use. Always locked on fairly quickly. Displayed maps beautifully. Now, after not using it for about 4 months (the batteries removed for safe storage) the unit will not lock onto satellites regardless of how long it's left on or despite performing soft and hard resets. The built-in Lowrance software on it is actually newer than what's on the latest Lowrance software update page - which makes no sense at all. Lowrance's minimum repair rate is $149.95 plus shipping since the 1 year warrenty has expired!! I might as well buy a new GPS - a non-Lowrance unit this time! The price and features are very attractive. But beware, I think it's a very inferior product in the long run.

We purchased the Lowrance iFinder H2Oc GPS with some Navionics maps on an SD memory card. We used new Lithium AA batteries with the unit.

Our purpose for purchasing the unit was for use in navigating waterways
between Minnesota and Ontario, specifically the Rainy Lake region.

The unit worked very well, and was very useful for navigating these rocky lakes, with many navigational hazards, such as numerous rock outcroppings, and hazards just below the surface of the lake.

The only problem we encountered was a long delay in downloading/processing map information, if you chose to zoom in/out of your current display. It sometimes took 10 seconds or more for the new screen to load, and if you are using this device as an aid, and travelling across the lake at 30 or 40 knots, the delay was a little unnerving at times, specifically if the lake has a lot of rock pile hazards. And yes, the software states you should not use this device for navigation, it is only an aid.

The batteries we started with lasted all week, and we used this unit extensively all week.

When you arrive at your destination, you need to remember to load the specific map you will use. For the Navionics maps, you will also need to
know the abbreviated file name for the area you want to view. The file names are not always obvious, so make sure you review the software to know what map to load, for the area you are using the GPS. This is a Navionics comment, so we did not add or detract from the GPS review score.

That issue aside, we would probably rate this item overall at a 4.5.

If you are heading to a large unknown lake, looking for navigation aids, and a depth chart, this is a great tool, and we doubt you will regret the purchase. If you are getting older, the screen is a little small, but it is hand-held, and small enough to put in your pocket or tacklebox.


Good luck

This Lowrance GPS receiver has all the features needed for geocaching. Aided by topo mapping software, this device will lead you to any spot you want. To get the same features in other brands, you would have to spend more money. Also, the car adapter comes with the device whereas it is a separate purchase in other brands. We have used it extensively and never had a problem. It acquires the satellites quickly and keeps the signal under adverse conditions such as tree cover. The only small problem is that the road map overlay may be off in some areas by several yards. This is not a big concern since it's the topographical accuracy that is important. This model doesn't have an electronic compass or altimeter; however, for just a little bit more money you can get these features in a Lowrance Expedition C. Not a big deal for most folks.

I have been searching for a handheld chartplotter where you can string a series of waypoints on the chart and create a route. The Garmins (Colorado and now Oregon) don't do it, you have to set waypoints then select them from an off chart list to create a route.

Yes, for more details you have to buy a chip. A great marine chip for this unit is the Nautic Path which can be found on Amazon for $119.

This unit is a true handheld chartplotter at a price even with the detailed all USA marine chip by Nautic Path defeats all competitors.NP-USA NAUTIC PATH MAP CHART

Please see my full review under "iFINDER H2O C PLUS". This product should be avoided due to serious software bugs which cause reboots when certain key sequences are used. Making the problem worse yet is the total lack of Lowrance tech support. After 3 phone calls totaling 2 1/2 hours and 2 e-mails over a period of two weeks they have not responded. You'll especially like the fact that you can't leave a message for tech support until you've waited on hold for one hour....go figure.

Very dissipointing, I'm taking it back and exchanging it for another (non-Lowrance) unit.

I purchased the iFinder H20C to use mostly on vacation trips.I wanted a hand held unit for out of car use, since I have a Garmin Streetpilot that I use in my car. On a recent trip I turned the H20C on and it would not lock onto the satellites. I performed both the Soft and Hard reset. Tried the external antenna. Nothing worked. No satellite lock. Called lowrance Tech Support and waited for 56-Min. before I was able to talk to a Tech support person. Told him my problem, told him that I tried both the Soft and hard reset. His response, "you will have to send it to us for repairs. The cost is $162.00 plus shipping." I told him that Lowrance should have had a recall or at least work with the customer since so many people have complained about this problem. He acted like he could care less and again told me to ship it to them along with $162.00 plus shipping. No sense in trying to talk to tech support, they don't seem to be concerned if you ever buy any of their products.
My H20C is in like new condition, never abused and has been used very little. My twelve month warrenty has expired but you would expect to get years of use from it.
A word of advice for owners of this GPS. "Don't" get yourself in a situation that you depend on this unit to to get you to or return you to any location. It will lose satellite lock at any time and never get it again.
ONE THING FOR SURE, I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER PRODUCT FROM
LOWRANCE.

If you search the internet you will find many complaints about this product. Just stops connecting with satellites and the Customer Support response is send it in with $180 and we will replace it. Some have sent theirs back multiple times in warranty. Unfortunately mine was just out of warranty when it died. Will never own Lowrance products again.

My Lowrance H2O C is like new, never dropped or abused. It worked fine when I first got it. I stored it for a few months and now it will not lock on GPS at all. I have tried reloading software, soft boot, hard boot, still nothing. Support only says to send it to them with $150 and they will look at it. NO WAY!

I purchased this product 2 years ago. It is used to mark waypoints on my favorite lake. I purchased the Fishing Hot Spots chip for it and proceded to mark favorite fishing places. It worked fine until this year. Now it will not lock on a satellite so all these waypoints that are on it are worthless. I have not contacted Lowrance about the problem, but after reading the other reviews there is no need. I thought about buying an antenna for it but hate to spend the extra money if it still doesn't work. Until Lowrance gets there act togeather they are history for me.

I have used this gps about 7 or 8 times over 2 years, and now I get no gps lock. Lowrance says send $150.00, or wait until a new version comes out. A friend also bought one of these units after seeing mine, and now his won't get a gps lock. I don't know what is causing this problem, but I do know that I will never purchase another Lowrance product.