Help In New Electronics.

[Shifty06]

As title states I am looking at new Electronics all the way around the boat. 2 New graphs livescope/active target, and trolling motor. I would like everything to talk to one another to make life easier but if thats not possible I understand. 

Here is where I am at, I have talked to 2 reputable marine dealers that carry both products. Both have said the same thing.

Trolling motor: I have heard to go with the Ghost.
Ghost PRO's Spotlock is suppose to be the best out right now. An very very few issues. CON's: Not the most powerful or quietest. 
Force: PRO's: Powerful, Quiet. Con's: have had general issues (didn't ask for specifics.) Spotlock issues. as well as software problems. 


Graphs: HDS live's for the 2D an Down/Side imaging. Garmin for the Livescope since it has been out longer. With the caveat that they like active target think its a little clearer an will be switching when all the bugs are out of it. The only I know of or them as of right now is some Xducer's have been DOA. 

I know not one company makes the best of everything but i'm trying to make the best of what I have. 

I 1 unit on my boat now a 7"Ti. Now im not brand loyal so that don't weigh in my decision. What i'm wondering is if Garmin has had this tech for the last 2-3 years what are they sitting on now? I have posted some of this on another Thread but wanted to post on my own to get more input. 

This is a lot of money an i just want to make the right decision for me an be happy with my purchase. I pretty much only Bass, an Crappie fish. with time between the 2 about 50/50 at this moment. 

Thanks, Shifty 
 

[Russ E]

There are several opinions on electronics.

Here is mine for bass fishing. If I pursued other species maybe it would be different.

 

Trolling motor : Minn Kota ultrex. No matter what everyone else says, it is in my opinion the easiest and most reliable to operate. I have tried them all.

 

Graphs: hummingbirds get the nod. Mainly for the 360.

Being able to see cover and structure  around the boat is a game changer.

Livescope is cool, but for average bass fishing it is more work than it is worth. Constantly watching the screen and always trying to point the trolling motor where you intend to cast is not much fun, in my opinion.

 

 

[GaryH]

1 minute ago, Russ E said:

There are several opinions on electronics.

Here is mine for bass fishing. If I pursued other species maybe it would be different.

 

Trolling motor : Minn Kota ultrex. No matter what everyone else says, it is in my opinion the easiest and most reliable to operate. I have tried them all.

 

Graphs: hummingbirds get the nod. Mainly for the 360.

Being able to see cover and structure  around the boat is a game changer.

Livescope is cool, but for average bass fishing it is more work than it is worth. Constantly watching the screen and always trying to point the trolling motor where you intend to cast is not much fun, in my opinion.

 

 

I’m of the same opinion. I have Ultrex with mega 360 and birds on bow and console. Couldn’t be happier. I’d have a hard time switching from the Ultrex.

[GaryH]

11 hours ago, Shifty06 said:

As title states I am looking at new Electronics all the way around the boat. 2 New graphs livescope/active target, and trolling motor. I would like everything to talk to one another to make life easier but if thats not possible I understand. 

Here is where I am at, I have talked to 2 reputable marine dealers that carry both products. Both have said the same thing.

Trolling motor: I have heard to go with the Ghost.
Ghost PRO's Spotlock is suppose to be the best out right now. An very very few issues. CON's: Not the most powerful or quietest. 
Force: PRO's: Powerful, Quiet. Con's: have had general issues (didn't ask for specifics.) Spotlock issues. as well as software problems. 


Graphs: HDS live's for the 2D an Down/Side imaging. Garmin for the Livescope since it has been out longer. With the caveat that they like active target think its a little clearer an will be switching when all the bugs are out of it. The only I know of or them as of right now is some Xducer's have been DOA. 

I know not one company makes the best of everything but i'm trying to make the best of what I have. 

I 1 unit on my boat now a 7"Ti. Now im not brand loyal so that don't weigh in my decision. What i'm wondering is if Garmin has had this tech for the last 2-3 years what are they sitting on now? I have posted some of this on another Thread but wanted to post on my own to get more input. 

This is a lot of money an i just want to make the right decision for me an be happy with my purchase. I pretty much only Bass, an Crappie fish. with time between the 2 about 50/50 at this moment. 

Thanks, Shifty 
 

Good luck with your choice Shifty. ?

[Shifty06]

10 hours ago, GaryH said:

Good luck with your choice Shifty. ?

Thanks, Going to talk to another installer tomorrow an see what they recommend. All the installers I have talked to have a zero bias reputation. And are dealers for all 3 units. So I hope that I am getting a non bias feedback. I'll keep you all updated on my decision. But so far if I was told to go with a whole boat package in the same system Lowrance has been the winner.