Need new electronics.... And a class in all this new tech!!! AHHHH!!!!

[Moose-Hunter]

Are you kidding me???!!! I know it's been a few years since I mastered the Lowrance X-85's but come on now... I have ZERO clue as to what to buy for my new boat or even where to start my search.

There are only a few things I know for sure:

- Due to "obligations" I will be running H.Bird.

- My new boat will be rigged with a Minn Kota Terrova 80#, US2 i-Pilot 24V up front. (So I know I'll need a HB pigtail of some sort.)

- GPS/Sonar on the console, capable of using the Nav or LM chips is a must.

- Would be nice if the console unit and bow unit could be on speaking terms and share info...

After looking at all the newest, trickest, mostest bestest stuff out there, my head is awash with info.

Where do you star your search? How do you choose which units to buy with so many choices? What is the meaning of life?

If you'd like to recommend a specific model number, please do. But be advised... This time around I need to flip most of the bill and cost IS a concern.

(Does any of the above make sense?)

[PerchJerker]

Since you already know you'll be using HB units that's half the battle right there ....

Next thing to decide is if you want Side Imaging and Down Imaging, or just Down Imaging, to go along with traditional sonar. SI and DI are great, but they push the price up.

After that, the next thing to decide is how much you want to spend, and how big of screens you want. Those two things pretty much go hand-in-hand.

Since you want them networked with each other, you're looking at 700-series or higher units. They'll run map cards and they'll share data (you can't share a map card across the network though, you'll need a map card in each unit where you want to see the map data).

Hope that helps get you started. We can give you more info as needed, and can work with putting together a package deal for you if you want.

[Moose-Hunter]

PerchJerker...

LET'S TALK!!!

If we can "come to terms" on a total package (including bow mount motor) AND you're local, AND a FM sponsor... Oh yes... We gotta talk.

I'm not sure if or how the message system here works. But if you do, feel free to message me for my email addy... OR... Should I just give you a call tomorrow? Still in Waconia?

[delmuts]

Moose! When you finally decide on a sys. and have it on the boat. Let us know what you went with and why!

[Moose-Hunter]

Moose! When you finally decide on a sys. and have it on the boat. Let us know what you went with and why!

Roger that! I'll give my friends here at FM the complete report. Electronics at the bow and console, on board charging system, bow mount trolling motor... I remember how this goes, back from my own Pro Staff days here at FM. I'm keeping a log through the whole project. Could be quite an article.

Might be a little while as this "build" is so new, the boat is still on dollys and the engine(s) are still in the crates. Quite a bit of rigging left to do, ya know.

So far the flavors are Almuacraft, Yamaha, Minn Kota, Cannon and (most likely) Humminbird. Stay tuned folks... Moose-hunter's having some fun with this one!!!

[PerchJerker]

Hey Moose.

You can send me your contact info at [email protected], or call me at 612.801.7967

Thanks!

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

I envy you moose. Have fun!

[Moose-Hunter]

Hey Moose.

You can send me your contact info at [email protected], or call me at 612.801.7967

Thanks!

Thank you sir!! I'll be contacting you shortly.

The list could possibly be kind of large. Graphs, bow trolling motor, on board battery charger... Who knows. Seem like my list grows by the hour!

[reddog]

1198 up front, 998 on the console. 36v 101 Terrova w IPilot..... or if you really want the trick stuff, wait till mid July and see what Humminbird/ MinnKota have up their sleeve at the ICast show.

[FisH_SLaYer24]

If side imaging and down imaging are not a high priority on your so called "wish list" I would definitely look at the humminbird 858c, the 958c, and the 1157c. However, if you're on a budget the two I'd focus on would be the 858c and the 958c. The 858c is a 7 inch screen and will run you around $1000 the 958c is an 8 inch screen and will run you around $1300. Both units will take lake master and navionics lake/gpa chips which is a must for spot on accuracy. As you stated as well, you wished for the units to networked so that they are able to share waypoints. Both these units and able to do that. By choosing these two units, you are basically getting two units for the price of one if you went with the 1197ci persay. Also, you stated you wanted an on bank charger. From personal experience, I have had good luck with the minnkota on board 3 bank charger. You are able to charge 3 batteries all that the same time, and hearing from the type of toys/add ons you are placing on there, you will want to make sure you have a full charge on your batteries everytime you head out on the water. Finally, when talking about bow mount tolling motors people often complain about how they would hav went with the bigger pound thrust. They are right. Go with as much pound thrust, if not more, as you can. I hope this helps, please let us all know what you finally decide on, and don't be affraid to show us all a picture or two

[Moose-Hunter]

Thanks FisH_SLaYer24! I checked out your suggestions and all I have to say is...

HEY PERCHJERKER!!! You have an incoming email at the P.F.S. address!!

Is my shopping list!!

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

Moose, you must have a better job and a more understanding wife then I do. Glad somebody can afford the stuff I just drool over

[hanson]

Roger that! I'll give my friends here at FM the complete report. Electronics at the bow and console, on board charging system, bow mount trolling motor... I remember how this goes, back from my own Pro Staff days here at FM. I'm keeping a log through the whole project. Could be quite an article.

Can't wait for the "Little Green Shack", Boat Edition.

I run Humminbirds, I love them! You said due to "obligations", you'll be going H-Bird more than likely. They are not a consolation prize IMO, still my first choice. H-Bird has some awesome features with Lakemaster chips that Lowrance still doesn't have. And I think the Humminbirds menus are much more user friendly.

I don't know where your budget on electronics is but Side Imaging is definitely worth the money and I'd go with at least an 800 series unit(s).

As long as I'm spending your money, Terrova w/ I-Pilot is a must as well.

[Moose-Hunter]

Can't wait for the "Little Green Shack", Boat Edition.

Mr. Hanson!!! Been a long time. REAL long if you remember the lil' green house thread.

Don't get me wrong... In no way do I feel Humminbird equipment is a consolation prize. Far from it. It's numero uno or not in my boato... LOL! These obligations however can't be discussed on this open forum just yet. We may get to that later.

My budget is rather healthy, however certainly not infinate. After being out of the mainstream of fishing electronics for some time, I may break the ice by going with modern tech to get me going again. Then... after my brain is back up to speed, upgrade to SI, DI and other two and three letter designations.

The Terrova goes without saying. It's a "must have"!! Top of the line Minn Kota? OH YEAH!!!

Sent an email to P.J. late last night with a wish list. Fingers crossed!!!

[PerchJerker]

I just replied to your email Dan. Lots of info in there, let me know if you have any questions! And thanks!

[Moose-Hunter]

I just replied to your email Dan. Lots of info in there, let me know if you have any questions! And thanks!

Dave... WOW!!! Email responded to, my friend! I do believe we're gonna have some fun!!

[Dr Thunder]

You won't find anyone better than Dave to work with. He is on things NOW!! Best price and service I could ever find.

[Moose-Hunter]

You won't find anyone better than Dave to work with. He is on things NOW!! Best price and service I could ever find.

Good to hear. He's on the case as we speak! Seems like the only delay may be getting my T9.9 kicker. Seems that "someone" had two of them in stock but they both had these weird handles connected to them. No matter... My dealer has be EXCEPTIONAL thus far and I'm fairly certain they'll come through for me. And then with Dave also in my corner??!! I'm golden!!!

(as he now waits to get hit by lightning... )

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

Hey Dan what kind of boat are you getting? I guess I missed that post.

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

Of all the things new, a new boat would be the biggest thrill for me.

[Moose-Hunter]

Picked up most of my new electronics yesterday. PerchJerker was a pleasure to deal with!!! He gets the Moose-hunter GRADE A rating!!

This was my first, but no where near my last transaction with Dave. These new HB units are so "expandable" it's almost silly!! A great choice for a guy that likes to putz and tinker!

Now I just need the boat to put thses on... LOL!!