Internal Or External GPS Antenna?

[anonymous]

I am considering upgrading to a Humminbird 788 ci combo unit. I have an old Eagle Intellimap 320 gps with an external antenna that works well. Is the external antenna more reliable for keeping a lock on your position on a new unit such as the Humminbird or is an internal antenna ok. I will be mounting the unit on my dash right next to the windshield. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Twill23]

well the first question would be what kind of top, if any do you have? unfortunately the new birds have had a slight issue shooting through tops of any sort. To me id go with the external just because i have a hard top.

[anonymous]

I have a bimini top that is up during sunny periods. Thanks for the help.

[Twill23]

even with the soft tops they're havin issues. waiting ten or more minutes to gain satellites. darn bass guys didnt think about us!

[jimcr]

I'd bet will to bet that the external units are more accurate.

[jay d]

external all the way with or without a top.better signal than the internal models.

[1mainiac]

Location location location, GPS is line of sight so the antenna has to see the Sat even cloud cover between them reduces signal level and quality. Also the more Sat's it can read the more accurate it becomes. So ideally it should be a external antenna mounted above everything else so that nothing on the boat can block it's signal.

[anonymous]

I have a 788c with external antenna on the way. Thanks for all the help!