Lowrance Hook2 Tripleshot

[viejo]

New here, thanks for being here!  I bought a Hook2 Tripleshot.  Took it out and loved the features but the GPS was about 800 yards off.  Spent an hour with customer support and ultimately they said send the unit in or return it for a new one at the store I bought it from.  So, I returned it.  New unit had the same problem.  

 

My question, this is my first experience with Lowrance, but I know it's highly thought of.....should I let Lowrance fix this unit or return it to the store and get a different brand?  If the latter, what do y'all recommend?!?!

[Bankc]

That's an odd problem.  I have a Hook2 5 on my kayak and it's always been pretty accurate.  Two units with the same problem suggest it might not be an issue with the unit itself.  Then again, it could have been a manufacturing defect, and if the two units from the shop came off the line one right after the other, then I suppose it could be an issue with the unit.

 

It might be a problem with the map.  What mapping software are you using?  You might try a different map if your unit has that feature available.  It could be that the map itself just isn't very accurate.  If you tried both units at the same lake, especially if it's not a large and popular lake, I could see this being an issue.  My Hook2 5 came with three different mapping programs.  It has the standard Lowrance, which is pretty useless, in my opinion.  It also came with a Navionics map, which is a bit better.  But mostly I just stick with the C-Map, as it seems to have the most detail in the lakes I fish.  A couple of the smaller ones aren't mapped, so I use the C-Map Social Maps that users upload, if available.  Also, there's a software update available for the Hook2's, but I don't know if they address your problem.  But I'd start there before taking the unit back.  

 

Also, you might check the GPS coordinates that it gives (if it has those.  I think it does in the menu, but I can't say for sure).  Check those against the ones in your phone's GPS or something that gives you reliable GPS coordinates.  If the numbers agree, then it's probably not a GPS issue, but a mapping one.  If the numbers are off, then I'd either send it in for repairs, or swap it out with a different model or brand.  

[viejo]

3 hours ago, Bankc said:

That's an odd problem.  I have a Hook2 5 on my kayak and it's always been pretty accurate.  Two units with the same problem suggest it might not be an issue with the unit itself.  Then again, it could have been a manufacturing defect, and if the two units from the shop came off the line one right after the other, then I suppose it could be an issue with the unit.

 

It might be a problem with the map.  What mapping software are you using?  You might try a different map if your unit has that feature available.  It could be that the map itself just isn't very accurate.  If you tried both units at the same lake, especially if it's not a large and popular lake, I could see this being an issue.  My Hook2 5 came with three different mapping programs.  It has the standard Lowrance, which is pretty useless, in my opinion.  It also came with a Navionics map, which is a bit better.  But mostly I just stick with the C-Map, as it seems to have the most detail in the lakes I fish.  A couple of the smaller ones aren't mapped, so I use the C-Map Social Maps that users upload, if available.  Also, there's a software update available for the Hook2's, but I don't know if they address your problem.  But I'd start there before taking the unit back.  

 

Also, you might check the GPS coordinates that it gives (if it has those.  I think it does in the menu, but I can't say for sure).  Check those against the ones in your phone's GPS or something that gives you reliable GPS coordinates.  If the numbers agree, then it's probably not a GPS issue, but a mapping one.  If the numbers are off, then I'd either send it in for repairs, or swap it out with a different model or brand.  

That's helpful.  

 

I was using the Chart button to determine my location.  I was in Galveston Bay in my kayak when I tried it, and it showed me on land even though I was at least a half mile away from the shoreline.  It does show the GPS coordinates, and therein lies my biggest concern.  The Longitude was off about 28 seconds compared to the google earth coordinates on my phone.  The Latitude was off about 17 seconds.  That's pretty close to my guess as to how far off the unit was saying my location was relative to where I was.  

 

I can live with the unit for the 3 weeks or so they say it'll take to get fixed, but the fact that it's off has me worried about Lowrance as a brand.  It is comforting that you don't have any problems.   Any additional thoughts?

[Darth-Baiter]

I have a Hook reveal 5 coming.  I’ll look out for this and compare it to my handheld GPS. Thanks. I bought it from a store so I can give it back.   Sucks you have to install everything to see and find ant potential issues. 

[viejo]

12 hours ago, They call me “Gaiter Salad” said:

I have a Hook reveal 5 coming.  I’ll look out for this and compare it to my handheld GPS. Thanks. I bought it from a store so I can give it back.   Sucks you have to install everything to see and find ant potential issues. 

Sorta....I have a transducer arm, so I didn't have to do much installation yet.  I wanted to wait until I figured out the unit before I did the more permanent install.  Glad I did!  I can take mine back too, I just don't know I'll like a different brand as much as I like this one....of course, since this one doesn't work.....

[Darth-Baiter]

Got mine installed yesterday.  Out on the water today.  Mine is accurate.  Learning the buttons has been surprisingly fast and easy. 
 

my nocqua battery is suspect tho.  

[Mustache Dave]

I have the Hook2 Triple shot on my console and bow.  I also use the Navionic mapping chips.  I find them to be spot on compared to my phone GPS.  I had to play around quite a bit to get both screens to look exactly the same, but got there.  I really like the simplicity of the Hook2 and ease of use.  I know it is entry level stuff, but it works good for me.