Navionics '07 Hotmaps Preview!!!

[insurance guy]

Is Navionics planning on doing any map upgrades for the East. I am running the East Hotmaps Premium chip in my Lowrance 26c and most of the lakes I'm on here in NY are only "somewhat" accurate. The map will say I'm supposed to be in 10 ft of water and I'm in 50 and the contours are pretty vague but it gives you a "general" idea. I'm guessing there hasn't been any real accurate surveys for the lakes and the maps seem to be the same ones from our state fish and game HSOforum which are marginal at best. It's still a great product but it would be nice if the maps were more accurate but it's the best thing I have for now

[Jeff@Navionics]

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Is Navionics planning on doing any map upgrades for the East. I am running the East Hotmaps Premium chip in my Lowrance 26c and most of the lakes I'm on here in NY are only "somewhat" accurate. The map will say I'm supposed to be in 10 ft of water and I'm in 50 and the contours are pretty vague but it gives you a "general" idea. I'm guessing there hasn't been any real accurate surveys for the lakes and the maps seem to be the same ones from our state fish and game

HSOforum

which are marginal at best. It's still a great product but it would be nice if the maps were more accurate but it's the best thing I have for now

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Which Lakes? We have added to NY state

[insurance guy]

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Which Lakes? We have added to NY state

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Just to clarify I'm not looking for "new" lakes to be added just more detailed maps for the ones that are already on the chip, like Otsego, Canadarago and Saratoga. The maps are somewhat accurate but I'm sure they just haven't had a "detailed" survey done probably due in part to the fact that they aren't as popular as say Lake Ontario or Oneida Lake which have had much more comprehensive bathymetric surveys. For the record though, can you tell me what new lakes have been added to the chip, again I have the hotmaps premium for the East and only bought it this past summer. Thanks.

[schweady]

Jeff- You've got mail.

[sparkyaber]

I am pretty much sold on the new navionics chip, But I have some questions about what each map is:

The following is my assumpitons on the different maps:

High Def- Navionics most accurate maps, 1'?, 3'? countours. Navigation bouys and other important features.

I really don't know what else they have on them, anyone chime in anytime.

Fishing Hot Spots- Gives detailed techniques, depths, bait and gear useds in specific area.

LakeMaster Pro Maps- I am really lost here. Did Lakemaster give Navionics Lakemaster data to put on Navionics chips? If so, why, and what countours are we talking here? Also what type of other information is on these maps.

The rest of the maps are just regular DNR maps or something resembling them. 5' countours, not very accurate, just a basic map.

Is this a pretty good understanding of each map? I looked at Navionics HSOforum and really could not get a good grasp on what each map ment.

I am assuming that HD maps can be FHS maps at the same time?

What about the lakemaster?

Last question: Delivery date is slated for 2 weeks from now, Delivery where?, My local warehouse store?, Preorders?, Navionics Warehouse?

Thanks for all the answers.

[KrashR]

Jeff (or anyone that can answer my questions), I'm also almost sold on this chip as well, just a few questions.

I will be using it mostly on LOTW, and want to know if it will be as good of detail as the lakemaster pro chip for LOTW. I know lakemaster doesn't have the Canadian side and I'm fine with that, but it is a plus for the Navionics chip, but I want to make sure I can get good detail of all the reefs near Rocky Point.

Also don't quote me on this, but I thought I remember reading that the lakemaster chip had better results when used in a Lowrance item, does this chip or any of your chips favor one brand over another? I plan to use it in a Lowrance Expedition, but just want to make sure it's not optimized for Garmin or something like that. Again if I'm way off base in any of this please let me know.

Also I might have a trip planned to LOTW for the weekend of Jan. 6th & 7th, anyway it could be in my hands by then? I really don't want to buy the lakemaster chip specific for LOTW if your chip will be as good or better and have the rest of the state and other states.

[EYEHUNTER10]

I know nothing about these chips but i just got an ifinder and was wondering what would be the best Navionics chip fishing in the alexandria area?

[schweady]

So, I see on Navionics' HSOforum the following announcement:

"January 1, 2007

Navionics Announces New Pricing for Two of It's [sic] Popular Electronic Charts

Cartography Leader Reduces Prices 33%

Wareham, Mass. – Navionics, the leader in electronic charting and navigation data, announced today price reductions for two of its popular cartography products. Effective January 1st, 2007, pricing for Classic L Charts, used in many earlier-model chartplotters, and best selling HotMaps Premium Lake Maps, will be reduced 33% from $149 to a manufacturers suggested retail price of just US$99."

But, then it goes on to describe the 'HotMaps Premium 2006 edition' and says nothing about any 2007 version update.

So, Jeff... In light of this announcement, when the new 2007 chip hits the streets, can you tell us what the up-front pricing will be, and will my net cost still be reduced even more by a continued trade-in plan for the 2006 chip I own?

[sparkyaber]

I was at the "big store" in Rogers this weekend to see if they had any clue as to an arrival date. Of course they didn't, and The first guy I talked to didn't even know that a new navionics chip was on the way. But he did let me know that the Navionics chip was being sold for 99 bucks. (The lakemaster was also on sale for 79? dollars?. Something like that. I belive that it was for both the new and the old lm chips.

That would be great if the new Hotmaps was 99 dollars! I want one right off the production line!! (Funny thing, I can only use it in my boats' GPS, since my hand held is a Garmin Etrex).

[DEADhead]

you can order the 07 chip online at bass pro shops. of course they are on back order and are still listed at $149. no estimated delivery date either.

[CousinEddie]

Does anyone know what type of detail can be expected on the Lake Superior coverage (1', 3' 5' ect.)? I'm new to GPS charts and not realy sure which way to go. Most of the lakes I fish are listed as being HD but I'm unsure whether or not this is the way to go for Lake Superior salmon/trout fishing (mostly North Shore). Any advice would definitely be appreciated. Thanks!

[Jeff@Navionics]

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Jeff (or anyone that can answer my questions), I'm also almost sold on this chip as well, just a few questions.

I will be using it mostly on LOTW, and want to know if it will be as good of detail as the lakemaster pro chip for LOTW. I know lakemaster doesn't have the Canadian side and I'm fine with that, but it is a plus for the Navionics chip, but I want to make sure I can get good detail of all the reefs near Rocky Point.

Also don't quote me on this, but I thought I remember reading that the lakemaster chip had better results when used in a Lowrance item, does this chip or any of your chips favor one brand over another? I plan to use it in a Lowrance Expedition, but just want to make sure it's not optimized for Garmin or something like that. Again if I'm way off base in any of this please let me know.

Also I might have a trip planned to LOTW for the weekend of Jan. 6th & 7th, anyway it could be in my hands by then? I really don't want to buy the lakemaster chip specific for LOTW if your chip will be as good or better and have the rest of the state and other states.

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On the US Side, the current LM data will be better. However, the data into Canada is, to the best of my knowledge, incomplete. Also, for just the US side you are looking at about $100. I have heard, but cannot confirm, that they will be adding the Canadian data soon. The question you have to ask is if it makes sense to buy it now if an update is pending. I am unaware of a trade in policy.

On the Navionics chart, you will get the entire LOTW system based on the official Govt. charts (US and Canada). Also, about 5000 additional lakes (Many in HD 1' contours), Rainy, massive Great Lakes coverage, yadayadayada. This will cost $149.

SO-in a nutshell...LakeMaster will give you better detail on the US side of LOTW only, and thats what you get for $100. Navionics gives you more overall coverage on LOTW and a HUGE ammount of other data, for $149.

As far as performance, what can I say? LakeMaster is produced by LEI (A division of Navico/Lowrance). I can confirm that it will overzoom further (which is a feature who's usefullness we can debate). Redraw depends on a number of factors. I have heard that LakeMaster is faster, but very few have complained that slightly slower re-draw rates limits the usefulness of the Navionics product. My gut is that the newer the plotter, the faster the re-draw.

One really cool feature you only get with Navionics is the user adjustable shaded depth contours. this allows you to highlight shallower or deeper waters by color, so you can adjust the mapping display to match the bite. Navionics is the only product that has this function on Lowrance/Eagle products.

Also, and this is subjective/opinion. The Navionics display is bright and crisp with contrasting colors for water (shallow and deep) where LakeMaster is only similar shades of blue. Most guys I know don't fish on top of the console. You can see the Navionics map very well from 10' away, the LakeMaster is much harder to read unless you are right on top of the screen.

Oh yeah, and as a teaser, Navionics spent the better part of last fall all over LOTW. There was a lot of structure found that isn't on the LM maps, and the coverage should be just as, or more, comprehensive. Maybe we have a special product for spring '07? and if we do, it's the goodies!

[Jeff@Navionics]

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I know nothing about these chips but i just got an ifinder and was wondering what would be the best Navionics chip fishing in the alexandria area?

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Hmmm. I don't know, but feel free to compare our Lakes in Douglas county with anyone elses. These are from the new HotMaps Premium North '07 product.

Oh yeah, this is ONLY Douglas. Pope, Stearns, Ottertail, etc all have hundreds of more lakes

Lake Miltona

Lake Carlos

Lake Darling

Lake Le Homme Dieu

Chippewa Lake

Freeborn Lake

Lake Andrew

Ida Lake

Latoka Lake

Lake Mary

Mina Lake

Lake Oscar

Lobster Lake

Maple Lake

Red Rock Lake

Smith Lake

Lake Geneva

Blackwell Lake

Crooked Lake

Devils Lake

Grant Lake

Lake Aaron

Lake Agnes

Lake Brophy

Lake Cowdry

Lake Henry

Lake Ina

Lake Irene

Lake Louise

Lake Moses

Lake Victoria

Little Chippewa Lake

Mill Lake

Moon Lake

Pocket Lake

Quam Lake

Lake Rachel

Stockhausen Lake

Stockhaven Lake

Stowe Lake

Vermont Lake

Whiskey Lake

Lake Burgan

Turtle Lake

[Jeff@Navionics]

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So, Jeff... In light of this announcement, when the new 2007 chip hits the streets, can you tell us what the up-front pricing will be, and will my net cost still be reduced even more by a continued trade-in plan for the 2006 chip I own?

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KEERECT. The current HotMaps '06 product drops in price to $99. Its replacement at the $149 price is HotMaps Premium '07. The '07 product is shipping now, but will likely be hard to find for a while (A lot of orders have been placed for shows...so go to some shows!)

So, trade ins are based on the purchase price of the new product. If you buy a $149 product (HMP 07), you can get a check for $50 with your older chart in trade. If you buy a $99 product, you will get $25. A $199 product (New Gold+ XL9 for the Great Lakes and salt) will net you $75 with product in trade.

Here are the most current details http://www.navionics.com/TradeInProgram.asp

[Jeff@Navionics]

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I was at the "big store" in Rogers this weekend to see if they had any clue as to an arrival date. Of course they didn't, and The first guy I talked to didn't even know that a new navionics chip was on the way. But he did let me know that the Navionics chip was being sold for 99 bucks. (The lakemaster was also on sale for 79? dollars?. Something like that. I belive that it was for both the new and the old lm chips.

That would be great if the new Hotmaps was 99 dollars! I want one right off the production line!! (Funny thing, I can only use it in my boats' GPS, since my hand held is a Garmin Etrex).

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Jeez...Buy LakeMaster, Navionics, or whatever...just replace the handheld

At least you have a choice. The '06 product is a great deal at $99. The new product has much more, for a little more.

Don't worry about the boys in Rogers. It dosen't take them long to get in stock and up to speed.

[Jeff@Navionics]

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Does anyone know what type of detail can be expected on the Lake Superior coverage (1', 3' 5' ect.)? I'm new to GPS charts and not realy sure which way to go. Most of the lakes I fish are listed as being HD but I'm unsure whether or not this is the way to go for Lake Superior salmon/trout fishing (mostly North Shore). Any advice would definitely be appreciated. Thanks!

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Do you have a NOAA chart? It is EXACTLY the same data. And excellent for fishing purposes-very accurate (just updated to newest NOAA NTMs this fall). Plus you get the rest of the North Region.

The other option is the new 14XG chart for all of the Great lakes and Canadian Maritimes (covers LOTW and Rainy too). This is $199 and you can get a free Fish N' Chip with it, which is nothing but highly detailed bathymetry for the US waters of the Great Lakes.

[Jeff@Navionics]

Thanks for the great questions guys. I'll peek in occasionally if anything else comes up.

Gotta go home and think about something other than fishing now.

[schweady]

Jeff:

We sure appreciate your honest and straightforward answers here! Of course, we recognize a little persuasive salesmanship, but that's okay, too. HotMaps is a great product. Both chips have their own unique features to offer. It's good to see the two companies pushing out fresh product, rather than standing pat. I am looking forward to getting my hands on the '07 chip!

[red ice]

Got a question for ya Jeff. Just bought myself a handheld GPS and the Hotmaps '06 chip on Dec. 28. Love the chip, good detail and tons of lakes that I frequent. I was going to hold out on getting the chip until the '07 came out. But, the guy at Scheel's said that might be a while and talked me into buying it now. My question is, any chance I could get a little deal other that the $50 trade in? I know, stupid question, but I gotta ask! Oh, is Lake Minnewaska in Pope county updated on the '07 chip?

Thanks, RED

[schweady]

I see that they have just now updated their web site to show the 2007 lake list:

navionics(DotKom)/PremiumLakeList_07.asp?RegionID=1

I'm glad that I grabbed a copy of the 'old' 2006 list and pasted it into Excel. If it weren't such a beastly chunk of data to wrangle, I'd promise a comparison spreadsheet soon, but we'll see...

red: Minnewaska is listed in italics, which I guess means that it shows some of their "Fishing Hot Spots."

[sparkyaber]

schweady- is that a new list? Or has it been on for a few weeks? I guess I never looked at the actual web page to see which list I was looking at. Really doesn't matter. I can't wait for this chip. Does anyone know if Navionics will have a booth at the Minneapolis boat show?

[schweady]

It is most definitely a new list, showing their 2007 product's lakes. I think it went up right after New Year's. On Dec 28th, I had saved the list that was on that site, and this one is new and different. And, WOW! there are a bunch of new HD lakes! Definitely looking like I want that upgrade!

[sparkyaber]

Some of the lakes that I noticed are East and West Rush Lake in Chisago county and Coon Lake in Anoka county. Were these lakes on Last years version? Again no big deal, just wondering. What depth coutours are on the HD maps? It really doesn't say on their web site. I did see that there are a few lakemaster lakes. The big one is Mille Lacs. Is this in one foot measurements. Will I notice a difference between lakemaster maps and Navionics maps on the hotmaps chip? Again.. not really important, but curious anyways.

Thanks

[schweady]

sparky:

E Rush, W Rush, and Coon are HD lakes on both of the 2006 and 2007 chips from Navionics. Mille Lacs is a puzzler: it was listed as a Navionics HD lake on the '06 lake list, but now as a LakeMaster mapped lake on the Navionics '07 list. Maybe Jeff can straighten that one out.

The Navionics HD maps are 1' contours (64 MN lakes). The LakeMaster Pro maps included on the Navionics chip are 3' contours (12 MN lakes). (That might be simplifying matters, but again maybe Jeff can chime in.)

Mille Lacs is shown in 1' contours on both my LM '07 and Nav '06 chips, but the contour lines are not identical. It will be interesting to see if the Nav '07 chip shows different contours for Mille Lacs... closer to the ones on the LM chip. (Not that LM is more accurate, but due to the nature of the 'puzzler' above.)

[sparkyaber]

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sparky:

E Rush, W Rush, and Coon are HD lakes on both of the 2006 and 2007 chips from Navionics.

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Really! When I was at Cabellas last week I was shown their little book (3 ring binder) with all of the lakes listed in it for Hotmaps. E. and W. were listed as regular maps. Also, I have navionics hotmaps for my garmin gps, east and west are not HD maps. (I know the chip and the software are two different entities, but I made some bad assmptions that they had the same lakes.) When I looked at the list online earlier this year, rush and coon were listed as, of course, HD maps. Thus I was assuming that it was the '07 version the whole time. WOW, I don't even know if I understood that whole thing myself, and I wrote it. Again, it really is not that imporant, just me rambling on about it.

Now, wouldn't it be a nice feature on the HSOforum to have a list of the added lakes per year? For example: These lakes were added in HD:, These lakes were added as Pro Maps:, etc. etc. (Hint, Hint) That would have made my life a lot easier. Schweady do you have such a list?

The Mille Lacs thing confused me also, mis-print?

Also did some searching, Navionics has a booth at the boat show next weekend, so I will be looking for one there.

Shweady: Also, I know it has been said before, but I need to reitereate how much we all appreciate all of the work you have put into researching this product. Your work does not go un-noticed. Thanks a bunch.

Abe