Lowrance LCX-18C

[dc_gentry]

My boat came with a Lowrance LCX-18C. The unit quit communicating with the GPS. We removed the GPS and sent it in for servicing per support. They said the GPS needed to be replaced with a rebuilt unit which we purchased and reinstalled. A year or so later, the same problem has visited us again.

Anybody out there had this experience with the GPS on a LCX-18C or later model Lowrance? I'm trying to decide whether to bother sending the GPS back to Lowrance for service again or go with a different solution. Thanks for your input.

[aychtwoowe]

I have the same unit but have not had any issues. It has been solid for me. However, I don't think I would send it back again to be repaired. There are so many more options with the newer units I would replace it. The new HD units look sweet.

[CaptWill]

Why not just buy a different brand of GPS. It's a NMEA device, so GPS from Sitex, Garmin, Furuno, Maretron, etc. should all work with the Lowrance CP. You can buy one on ebay for $100.

[dc_gentry]

Fine idea CaptWill. Checked out the wiring diagram on the LCX-18C and it shouldn't be a problem. That's what we'll probably do for now.

[PASTAMAN]

Tell lowrance that you want to upgrade to a newer model and they might send you a voucher for a few hundred dollars off.

[dc_gentry]

I called their support number twice and ended the call when I couldn't wait on hold any longer. That was the reason for the original post. Plenty time today to try again today (Got a speaker phone so no worry about ear rash). We'll post the results of the call.

[dc_gentry]

Now I'm really p@#$%d! Called the support number from Lowrance's web page and hung on hold for 25 minutes until a support rep answered. They tell me their records don't show any work done on my unit last year. Checked records and called Lowrance support back. On hold for another 25 minutes and got another support person. Got cut off mid-sentence. Looked at clock - 5:00 pm. Called them again and got a recording telling me to call back during business hours.

Don't want to deal with Lowrance support anymore. Never had this problem with Garmin.

[eliteftlaud]

i have the same exact model as you, if you want to buy it used let me know, i'm looking to get something a little bigger. everything works properly on it. i also have a brand new split frequency transducer that i never got around to installing.

[Tolman24]

I have the LCX 28 HD. I have done all my tech support via email. So far the few issues I had were resolved via email including a digital gauge that went south. A couple of emails explaining the troubleshooting I did and they shipped me a new one and told me to toss the old one. I also got a system upgrade via email before it was posted to the site to fix a problem I had. I had heard the horror stories of hold time on calls and decided to try email. I also have documentation of any communication.

[aitkenkingfish]

well maybe there customer service is getting better but my runins with them have not been good & gander mountain says "1 out of every 3 units they sell fail". wow with those #'s it's no wonder I know so many people with bad units.