Agree--and I just went through an identical process of choosing whether or not to keep
a preexisting LORAN unit on my boat, as I installed a chartplotter. My decision was
easy--the new GPS tracks 12 satellites and produces a "satellite differential fix" with 1
meter precision as often as not, easily as precise as as the aging LORAN set, AND
without the equally aging LORAN antenna, shedding slivers of fiberglas to irritate all... I
now have a simpler control panel in my pilothouse and one less antenna to foul my
sheets....

Now, I appreciate that your process is complicated by the sonar component of the
formula. Can't comment on that....


Cheers-

Boyd
Liveaboard 32 ft Motorsailor-Baltimore

It will end up being a personal choice .... As long as the older gear is
functional, the "clutter" isn't too serious, and your system can handle
the power needs, MORE, can be better.
As for LORAN, I keep hearing varying reports, from phase out to
modernization. I think the military is inclined towards modernization.

otn

mark s wrote:
I just bought a boat that is equipped with (Eagle) LoranCE w/ built in
fishfinder. I'm not sure of the age of these electronics, but they
are already installed and functional. I have a modern fishfinder and
a handheld GPS (RAM mount) which I prefer to use in this boat.
I just wanted to get some opinions and hear some pluses and minuses...
Do you think I should keep the existing gear in the boat and use it in
conjunction with the new gear? (Could mount the 2nd sonar at the rear
of the boat.) Or would I be better off reducing clutter and get rid
of this equipment, and just use the modern electronics?

(Is Loran being phased out? I heard the towers are not being
maintained.)

-Mark