Going to Florida soon and need to add a some kind of GPS (I'm normally lake guy so I've never worried about it and the one on my boat is WAY outdated).
Don't want to spend over 1500 but don't want junk either. So far I'm kinda liking the Garmin 740s
Recommendations and why?

I like my 740s it is very easy to read and use but not to big and bulky.

+1. Great unit. Very easy to use, even better with G2 Vision cards and Home Port software where you can plan routes on your computer and upload to the GPS.. very happy with it.

I've got a 540 series - the screen is too small when running fast (or my eyes are just too bad??). I'd suggest a bigger screen than what I have.

I have the Raymarine e Series 7". The footprint worked for me but I really like the bright screen and the hybrid controls. Touchscreens can be tough to use while running along.[ATTACH=CONFIG]523923[/ATTACH]

lowrance elite -7m just right not to big reads good day or night

Get the biggest screen that will fit and/ or you can afford. Smaller ones are hard to use when cruising at high speeds.

I bought an elite 5- dsi as I really didn't have a good place to put a bigger one. Good detail, we used it in orange beach this past weekend and it was better than the family members who "thought" they knew waters! Under 400 I think it was..

You can see it right in front of my steering wheel. Only blocks fuel gauge.

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I'm a Raymarine guy. Takes a little longer to learn how to use but awesome once you learn it and software updates with new maps for free every 2 mos or so. Spend a little more than 1500. Get a big screen. You get what you pay for.

Same here. Love mine and you can get them for under $900 pretty easy now.