Electronics Issue

[Perentie]

So I have a 2013 Tracker PT 175. I would like to get some new electronics however I am limited by budget. I would really like to get a Lowrance HDS 7 gen 2 (not touch) possibly with Structure scan. However I cannot afford two units. below are the 'requirements' and points out my difficulty.

 

1. I fish from the bow, so would like the unit at the bow or able to be easily moved from dashmount to the bow.

2. I have a Elite DSI 5x(no GPS), and a Elite4x (this one shows 'fish' icons when it thinks fish are below it, this is more of a depth and temp unit for me).

3. Would like the GPS mapping features at the Dash and SS to be available at the dash while cruising around to find nice holes.

4. Would still like the GPS location available to me while fishing at the bow of the boat.

 

Is there an adequate solution to my dilemma ?

 

If I recall the HDI unit cables aren't that easily detachable for switching the units location from bow to wheelhouse that easily.

 

I am stuck in CT atm so Fishing season is still a couple of months away, but would like to be able to come up with and purchase a solution with it installed before the season.

 

Thanks.

[Wayne P.]

If you want to use the HDS-7 at both locations, all you need is a trolling motor transducer at the bow, and another power cord. Then an extra Ethernet cable from the console to the bow if you want SS/DS at the bow..

 

The LSS-2 is an Ethernet accessory so you can put the LSS box under the dash, and have SS at the bow or console.

 

The easiest method of moving the display is by using a RAM mount so you don't have to unscrew and detach the gimbal mount.each time. I would just take an extra RAM mount ball at the bow.

[WIGuide]

You've got a few different options:

 

1) Put your HDS on the dash and either of your other units up front. The Elite 4x shows the fish icons because there is an option in your menu that is turned on. You can turn it off by referring to your manual. With this setup, you could run your Gen2 on a ram mount and just spin it around so it faces your front deck. Definitely not ideal, but it could get your through until you save up to get a second one.

 

2) Put the HDS at the dash and also buy the GoFree WIFI Module (http://www.lowrance.com/en-US/Products/Wireless/GoFree-WIFI-1-Module-en-us.aspx) which allows your locator to broadcast a wifi signal which can then be picked up by either your smart phone or tablet and will mirror the screen of your Gen2. If you get a Gen2 Touch instead, you can actually control it from the tablet or phone, however in your case you can get the information you need from it just being able to mirror.

 

Not sure if you like either of those options, but hopefully they can head you in the right direction.

[Perentie]

Thanks, for both of the suggestions. Though with some more research, it has now become an even harder choice with seeing that  Hummingbird has Side Scan without the requirement of a separate unit (Structure Scan for Lowrance).  Not to mention total cost seems to favor Hummingbird, and Bird tends to give a nice sun cover as well, where with Lowrance you have to buy one separately as well. Now it is just a matter of really looking both units over and really seeing if the higher cost etc.. is worth it for the Lowrance.

 

I do know folks will try to say one or the other due to 'fanboi'ness, or other brand loyalty. My main thing is bang for buck. Why i tend to buy AMD chips for my computers vs Intel's.

 

Ahh the joy's of winter gearing up for spring....

[Chief 2]

I just ordered a HB998c HD SI to put on the bow. I'm sticking with the cheap Lowrance I got with my 2013 190 Pro Team package at the console for now. I spoke with the HB rep and I can still use the GPS even when I have the trolling motor out of the water so I should be able to see it ok from the console.  Picked mine up here.

http://www.universalmania.com/humminbird-998c-hd-si-combo/

[slonezp]

I just ordered a HB998c HD SI to put on the bow. I'm sticking with the cheap Lowrance I got with my 2013 190 Pro Team package at the console for now. I spoke with the HB rep and I can still use the GPS even when I have the trolling motor out of the water so I should be able to see it ok from the console.  Picked mine up here.

http://www.universalmania.com/humminbird-998c-hd-si-combo/

I've bought 3 graphs from them over the last year including an 1198 last week. Great company to do business with.

[Nice_Bass]

I have hds  gen2 at the counsel and smaller unit up front.  For me, I have a swiveling ram mount just forward and right of the windshield that I can use while driving and then I can swivel it to view when on the TM.  Doing it this way for me allows me to see what is under the TM ducer, and then I can see it again as it goes under the back. 

Not the best set up, but economical as well as I can get a second view from the back.

[WIGuide]

Thanks, for both of the suggestions. Though with some more research, it has now become an even harder choice with seeing that  Hummingbird has Side Scan without the requirement of a separate unit (Structure Scan for Lowrance).  Not to mention total cost seems to favor Hummingbird, and Bird tends to give a nice sun cover as well, where with Lowrance you have to buy one separately as well. Now it is just a matter of really looking both units over and really seeing if the higher cost etc.. is worth it for the Lowrance.

 

I do know folks will try to say one or the other due to 'fanboi'ness, or other brand loyalty. My main thing is bang for buck. Why i tend to buy AMD chips for my computers vs Intel's.

 

Ahh the joy's of winter gearing up for spring....

If you get a touch unit instead, you no longer need the sonar hub just the lss-2 transducer which is $300. Otherwise you can get the bundle from Bass Pro for $1700. The regular gen2 after sonar hub and lss-2 transducer is going to run you $1600. Both units should come with a sun cover. (I know touch does for sure) 

On the other side of things, you can get a Humminbird 999 for $1500. You might be able to find a closeout 998 for even less. So it really comes down to what features you really want in your locator, and that will be a personal decision.