MrBigDawg

I hear ya @Further North. If I had the extra cash I most likely would have went with Humminbird. I think these will work out fine. Time will tell. I know that I have 2 93sv coming for around 1300 networked ($20 cable). That saved me around $1k compared to the Plus and even cheaper than 2 Helix 7's fully networked I found another difference in the 93sv Plus vs 93sv . The 93sv chirp is not a touch screen. I can live without that as well

Well I still haven't pulled the trigger. I'm now researching plus vs non-plus b/c the cost savings on the non-plus will be a significant amount. The only real plus version is Wi-Fi to update mapping on the fly, phone notifications, and plan my route. 1. I can update on my laptop by simply removing the sd card. 2. One reason I fish is to have peace and quiet. Not to be bothered by phone notifications. Seems like everything else is the same

Where do you live @Further North? I did a lot of research this morning and it's looking like 2 Garmin echomap chirp 93sv plus might serve me well. Only because it comes with everything and networking is simply one cable. The only real downside to this setup is follow the contour feature with my Terrova. HB just requires too many accessories for my liking. Transducers, cables, hubs, and mapping. When it comes to mapping. I'll be fishing mainly Ohio water but I'll be fishing in Central New York and North/South Carolina this year. I think that would be 3 different lakemaster chips

Yes, I have the Navionics app @webertime. I’ve used it a few times on my old boat and found it to be a pain. Seems like a good idea; I guess I could try again. Also, it’s like fishing with my wife; she took the bait on 2k budget and now is the time for me to set the hook. Thanks for the tip @J Francho! I don't think I can run 360 or Panoptix b/c I'm running a Terrova. Also I was trying to stay with HB to take advantage of follow the contour. Have you used that before @Further North? If so, how is it? I'm still at the drawing board with this and started pricing stuff. I even went back to my original thoughts of the Helix 7's, but then realized I would have to do a transducer swap with HB.

Thanks @webertime. I think anything I buy will be a major upgrade from the PiranhaMaxx that came with the boat. Honestly it's hard to explain to the wife/boss that I need to invest another 2k in a brand new boat. At the end of the day.... she don't get it. Great point about the battery. I'll have to see what my output is. I might just have to settle for less at the moment... I'll keep ya updated.

Thanks again @Further North. I've come to the conclusion that we need a competitive league that doesn't allow electronics. In all seriousness. I'm a weekend warrior and try to fish small tourneys. I've noticed that these guys winning these tourneys all have these big graphs with big boats which means big $. I'm just trying to stay competitive with the competition that's why I'm looking at these units. Hence my comment about this being a racket. Also HB or any other company doesn't really disclose all the extra equipment needed to link all of the products together. Two graphs networked is potentially another $600. That's hidden cost on the consumer and I find it ridiculous. Anyways... I went from 2-7's to a 9" Mega and now I'm looking at the 10" Mega. When does it end...lmao.

Very true @J Francho. Does SI make that big of a difference on the TM? Ideally both place would be nice. That's why I suggested 2-7s On top of this equipment I'd have to network all of this. How much is that networking hub? And do you need two map cards or one if networked?

Ah. Good to know @PECo. 1" for the additioal cost... idk. Man. What a racket these companies have going for them.

Thanks @Further North for all of your advice. Well my console dash will only hold up to 9" screens and I do not want a RAM mount with a unit off to the side. So that leaves me with the HB Mega. Unfortunately I'm going to have nothing at the bow, but will be able to mark things as I pass by. I could do 2 7's but like you said I'd be ticked in the end.

Update. Well I decided to keep the Terrova w/link ; I might as well use what I have. With that said I now need to stick with Humminbird (was looking at Raymarine) products and don't know which unit (s) to get. I was thinking 2 Helix 7's with SI g2n or 1 Helix 9 Mega at the console for now, and then get another Mega at the bow when I can afford it. Any thoughts? I'm not fully sold on this Mega yet.

I do have the Terrova w/ link and I should take advantage of that feature. I also have the quick release. I'll throw it on this week and look into a 9 inch Humminbird for the bow

That is an option @webertime. I did my break in the other day and running the cable wasn't bad. I figured I could sell the motor so I could get some decent graphs. I'll look into build a cover.

Thanks for the replies @Further North and @webertime. I always assumed that side imaging was being used up front. As far as the trolling motor goes I'm going to see the Terrova and stick with the cable. The main reason is the foot pedal won't fit. I don't want to use the remote the whole time. Later down the road I'll upgrade to the Ultrex. Like you said @webertimeI'll also get some of my money back allowing me to use on the new electronics. I'm still intrigued by the Axiom and RV. I might throw that on and get a Garmin unit in the front that is capable of Papontix. Only problem is the networking. Gotta love decisions on top of decisions.

@PECo or anyone else with some thoughts. I'm still looking at the Raymarine Axiom and might pull the trigger. Only problem is that I can't afford 2 units. So I would like to find something for the bow that I can get some side imaging. Its networking is console to bow a huge advantage?

I know this is an old thread, but I would like to here some bassers opinions on the RV/3d scan. Is it worth it? Majority of the stuff I've been seeing is deep water and not specifically targeting bass.

Thanks @PECo. I've been doing a little research. It seems like a nice unit. Do you know if traveling at high speeds you can scan; then go back and look at the structure? Did you have a chance to see side view?

Are these fresh on the market? Not a lot of info besides marketing . 7" is going for $1300!

Thanks for the replies. I'll keep the cable trolling motor for now and give it a shot. If all else fails I'll throw on the Terrova. The problem with the Terrova is the foot pedal. I might need to find a way to create a cover or look for an aftermarket cover that I can screw the foot pedal down too. As far as graphs. I get what you're saying. I purchased a HB 9 series a few years ago and was lost. Ended up selling it to buy other gear. Right now I'm looking at the Garmin 7sv or the 73sv for the console which will provide some contour lines.

Thanks 3dees. I can only buy one at the moment Should I throw the di/si up on the bow or console?

Hello Everyone! I finally had the green light (by my wife) to go ahead and buy a new boat. Over the years I have purchased older boats that were 20+ years old, and with this green light I had to take advantage. So, for my price range my options were the Ranger RT178, Tracker 190, Lund 1775, and the Crestline VT 18. These boats were very similar with a few options more than the other. My overall decision came down to the Crestliner VT 18 for the simple fact of price, size, and motor options (115hp). This boat had the same layout as the RT188 and the Lund 1875, and it was priced to sell so I took the bait and should arrive this Saturday (3/31). The model I bought is barebones meaning the FF is only a Pirhanamaxx 4 at the console and nothing up front, and the trolling motor is just a basic 70lb 24v cable trolling motor. Here is my question for all of you that have more experience than me on the water. When I had my older boats, I ended up buying the MinnKota Terrova 80# w/ Link (I still have it). I loved using this trolling motor just by using the remote from anywhere on the boat and using the spot lock when tying or rigging. After doing some research I noticed that people have their pros and cons when it comes to cable or electric trolling motors. So, my question is should I sell the Terrova and use the $ to upgrade my FF for DI/Si up on the current 70# cable driven trolling motor? I know it comes down to personal preference, but I want to have a competitive advantage since I will be entering little tourneys in my area. Thoughts? Thanks! Oh.. I also heard that the Terrova foot pedal will not fit my tray up front ( I don’t know yet since the boat hasn’t arrived)

Nice rig@RenegadeBassin! Great setup and summary of everything you have done. I'm looking at the 1775 and the RT 178; unfortunately I'm undecided. I would like to know if you could share that info about the Rangers... @Quarry Man and @slonezp. I'd hate to invest my hard earned money into Rangers structure issues.