Boat GPS/Sonar

[gwiff100]

Kinda seems weird that I am thinking about my boat and upgrading the electronics in there when its the coldest day of the year so far but here goes.

I have come gift cards to the big C so I planned on upgrading electronics in my boat. I just purchased this boat last year and although I have been open water fishing for many years, I still consider myself somewhat of a novice when it comes to captaining and being the guy in charge as to where to fish and how to fish... Last summer I ended up just using my Marcum lx7 as a sonar, which worked for bottom depth and temp but that's about it..

Looking for advice from anyone as to what brands/models I should be considering , as I stated I am kind of a novice so I don't plan on going up the 600 price range.. (at least not yet that is ) I know its going to get hard but just looking for opinions and ideas no brand bashing please.

[CaptainMusky]

There are good units out there from lowrance and hummingbird that would meet your needs. I'm a lowrance guy but have buddies who use hummingbird.

From lowrance in your price range I would look at the elite 7hdi or an hds 5 if going new. LOTS of used stuff out there as well where you could buy a larger screen for less money.

Map chips will make a rookie look like a master so regardless of which electronics brand you choose buy a map chip that covers the area you frequent. For lowrance there are navionics and lowrance chips you can get and both are exceptional.

I would still plan to use your lx 7 that way you can dedicate your GPS screen to charting. You could just opt for a GPS only unit and use the lx7. They are a bit cheaper but the combo units are nicer in the event you have issues with the other unit.

[gwiff100]

is it worth considering looking at the DI devices?

[CaptainMusky]

It depends what you want to do. Down imaging is certainly nice but a model like the elite dsi only will do down imaging not traditional sonar. That's why I suggested the elite 7hdi. It will do down imaging traditional sonar. I prefer to have both because with traditional sonar at least for me its easier to see bottom composition changes like soft to hard than on a dedicated down imaging unit.

[delcecchi]

What is the Humminbird unit comparable to the Lowance Elite 7 HDI? I am in the same situation, and debating....

I figure these two brands have the best selection of map chips for Minnesota, as compared to Garmin which is the other possibility.

[Mike Wallace]

Did what your doing last year. Got gift cards and had some C points and went looking for sonar/GPS for summer and winter fishing.

Because of the relationship between Lakemaster, MinnKota and Humminbird, I looked there first. When they went on sale after Christmas I chose the 788ci HD - same as the 597 but with the ability to link with other units in the future.

I've been happy with it and like it both open water and for the ice. I believe it was in the $600-$700 range.

[h8go4s]

Don't limit yourself because you think you're a "novice". Buy a quality unit that you will be happy with a few years from now, rather than regretting your choice later. The Humminbird 700 series would be my suggestion also as a minimum if you want a GPS/sonar combo. As far as DI, I find it a lot less useful than SI. You have lots of time between now and ice-out to research, so don't rush it. Go to the outdors shows, Gander, Cabelas, your local bait shop, ask questions and check them out

[TyGuy02]

Last year I upgraded to the hummingbird 998 with the I-link on the minnkota and couldn't be happier. My advice is to not limit yourself to a specific unit or feature but keep your eyes open for deals. My dad scans the Bay often and found a steal on a new unit. Do your research and learn what you need to learn to take full advantage of whatever level of sonar/gps you choose!

[amateurfishing]

just like tyGuy02 said.....do your homework, look for deals. consider the "here & now" but don't "short change" your future. I still laugh when I bought my HB 597 2 years ago thinking "I would never need that much dump/info" on a finder. 2 years later I am still learning more every day and wife actually loves gps feature. set a budget (if u can) and squeeze every possible perk/feature out of it, even if you don't think you will use it because more than likely it will be handy sometime in the future.

[gwiff100]

i think for me i am trying to decide between the Lowrance Elite 5 and the Humminbird new 600 series

[gwiff100]

disregard the last post..

Its actually the Lowrance Elite 5HDI or the Humminbird 597 ciHD

[CamoHunter]

Me, personally, I'd save them C gift cards, and buy a used unit on hsolist. I've bought two 788ci HD units off of hsolist, for about $325 each. I also bought an ice transducer, so I use mine year-round. Really nice units though. I've got the i-pilot link, and have them all networked together in the boat.

[amateurfishing]

I have that bird model, if u ever wanna see it in demo or action, let me know if you are close by