will an hds work in my electronics box

[MuskyBug85]

My father wants to get an hds 8 but he is concerned that the gps reciever wont be able to pick up signal through his electronics box oon his tiller boat. Anyone with exprience let me know either way that would be great. thanks Jonah

[PerchJerker]

The gps receiver is built into the top-front of the HDS. It can be mounted in-dash and get a gps signal, so as long as the top-front of the unit is not covered up by his electronics locker it should work. Also, a way to get around that issue is to put the unit on a movable mount like a RAM, so it can be brought forward when you're using it. Some guys even use 2 mounting bases, one inside the electronics locker for storage, and one right outside the electronics locker for fishing. Hope that helps.

[MuskyBug85]

it does helps, also is structure scan standard or does he have to purchase seprate?

[Chode2235]

Structure scan is seperate, and if you are worried about the GPS reception get the white puck antenna. Those are a little more accurate than the internal ones.

[MuskyBug85]

so to get side scan and down scan he would have to purchase the additional $ unit? so the 997si for 1399 at cabelas is a way better deal then the hds 8 with base map and structure scan for 1 grand more. is the hds 8 that much better of a unit?

[PerchJerker]

The HDS 8 and StructureScan would cost about $2,100 or a little less so you're looking at a $700 difference.

If you ever wanted to add more units and network them together, including having side and down imaging on multiple units, then Lowrance has better capabilities and is probably cheaper by the time you're done. If you're looking for just 1 unit to be a stand-alone unit then the 997 is probably a better way to go (especially if the $700 is important to you).

If you're interested in the 997c SI, shoot us an email and I can get you a deal that beats the other deal you found by a few bucks. Contact info is at the link below.

[MuskyBug85]

very kool, thanks for all the great info, i will let you know what way he wants to go