Korben Posted May 12, 2013 Posted May 12, 2013 I have searched and researched and still cannot decide what to get. It is time for an upgrade for my fish finder/gps units on my boat and I cannot decide what to get. I really like the lakemaster+humminbird+minn kota (for the trolling option, seems like a dream) the only thing is lakemaster does not have any of my primary lakes on it. I am not sure how successful this combination would be without the lakemaster chip. I know you can do recorded paths but don't really know how that would compare to following depth lines. Also, on the lowrance you have the scroll back which seems handy plus I really like the touchscreen. I want a large display on the helm and a smaller one on the bow and I have a budget of ~4K. Looking for experience and some help. Quote
Super User slonezp Posted May 12, 2013 Super User Posted May 12, 2013 It's like Chevy vs Ford. I got the HB units because, for me, they are user friendly. The Touch units are nice, I played around with one at Cabelas, and couldn't help of thinking how many times during the day I'd have to clean the screen. 4k won't give you much leeway on the Touch units since the big unit retails for over 3k Quote
Korben Posted May 12, 2013 Author Posted May 12, 2013 It's like Chevy vs Ford. I got the HB units because, for me, they are user friendly. The Touch units are nice, I played around with one at Cabelas, and couldn't help of thinking how many times during the day I'd have to clean the screen. 4k won't give you much leeway on the Touch units since the big unit retails for over 3k Yeah I'm used to the Chevy vs Ford comparison. Do you have your HB connected to a minn kota and if so how has that interface been? That is what I am really interested in. Quote
Super User slonezp Posted May 12, 2013 Super User Posted May 12, 2013 Not yet. I've got the Terrova iPilot US/2 and and 858 HD on the bow. A 998 SI on the console. The iPilot Link along with the HB 6.61 software is needed for the units to work with each other. There are some issues which seem hit or miss with the software upgrade. I've read the units that are working properly are nothing short of awesome. I'm interested in the upgrade simply because it offers one the feature of loading maps and being able to follow a depth contour. So I can keep the boat in let's say 10fow and just let it run. Quote
Korben Posted May 13, 2013 Author Posted May 13, 2013 I suppose your lake has a lake master map then? I want to know is the iPilot worth it if my lake doesn't have a lakemaster file. Quote
Under the Radar Posted May 13, 2013 Posted May 13, 2013 I'll chime in here. I bought the 898 si for the console first. Six months later I got a 798 si for the bow. One year later it's time to upgrade the TM. I opted for the Terrova 80 w/iPilot. I've never looked back. If I had it to do over again, I would get the Terrova iPilot before the SI units. Even without the lakemaster chips, the iPilot is like having another guy on the boat to just drive. I believe I may catch a few more fish at the end of the day, because I am fishing more and having to concentrate less on that TM. I'm waiting for the Lakemaster chips to come out with more of the lakes I fish here in central fl, then I'll not only get the LM chip, but the iPilot Link as well. Best of luck in your quest. Quote
Korben Posted May 14, 2013 Author Posted May 14, 2013 So the ipilot link is even without it is worth it in your opinion? I have tried to look at all the features be really don't know how it works without the chip. Could you expand upon how easy or what functions you like about it? Quote
Skeeter Driver Posted May 20, 2013 Posted May 20, 2013 It's like Chevy vs Ford. I got the HB units because, for me, they are user friendly. The Touch units are nice, I played around with one at Cabelas, and couldn't help of thinking how many times during the day I'd have to clean the screen. 4k won't give you much leeway on the Touch units since the big unit retails for over 3k Question for you Slonezp -- as an HB guy -- any thoughts on the 360 degree imaging package? Quote
Super User slonezp Posted May 20, 2013 Super User Posted May 20, 2013 So the ipilot link is even without it is worth it in your opinion? I have tried to look at all the features be really don't know how it works without the chip. Could you expand upon how easy or what functions you like about it? IMO The iPilot Terrova or V2 is worth the money. Electric steer is not for everyone From what I have read, the Link, without the Lakemaster chip, will still allow you to use the waypoints you have set on your graph The ipilot already allows you to chart a 2 mile course and follow it. The Link is an improvement on that. You are able to basically press a "go to" button and the TM will take you there. You are also able to set the speed you travel. Question for you Slonezp -- as an HB guy -- any thoughts on the 360 degree imaging package? Haven't even looked at it. Quote
Comfortably Numb Posted May 20, 2013 Posted May 20, 2013 I understand that you want your Ipilot to work with the HB. I had an older MK powerdrive with auto pilot and liked it very much WHEN IT WORKED. Was in the shop more than on the boat. Actually caught on fire twice. I assume the newer ones are improved. Just seems like alot of electronics and computer stuff to go wrong in a pretty harsh enviroment. I got a MK Mazzum and am very happy with it. I had a Humminbird 898c si for two years. Worked with no problems. I just got a Lowrance HDS8 and structure scan. The Lowrance images on Di and Si are so far superior there is no comparison. ..Bill Quote
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