Bow Mount Electronics

[Lund Explorer]

The old Eagle has been shipped out to its new home, and now its time for me to go shopping for a replacement for the bow of the boat. The question is, what to put up there?

The console has a Lowrance X510c (fish finder) and a HDS7m (GPS unit), both of which I really like. But the console is a lot larger than the bow, so I'm looking at options up there.

#1 - HDS5x fish finder only?

#2 - HDS7 Sonar/GPS combo?

#3 - Humminbird sideview thinga-mabob?

Does anyone else use a bowmount GPS unit? I'm used to using buoys once I locked down on a spot, but would the cost of the GPS be worth it?

Has anybody used the humminbird sidefinder? I've only seen one in action for a limited time, and still not sure if I can get used to it. I'm also a little concerned about picture size down near my feet which is 6'+ from a tired set of older eyes.

Opinions anybody?

[fishfordollars]

I have a Lowrance 522c on the bow. The only problem is the boat does not move fast enough while on the TM for the GPS unit to work exactly as I would like it.It does not up date fast enough so there is a problem with the waypoints and the tracking being correct. I understand I can correct the issue by purchasing the remote 4,000 antenna. It seems or at least I have been told that this antenna will reset five times faster than the older antennas and this will solve the problem. Have not tried it yet, but may look into it shortly. Just hate to spend the extra money.

[Long Mike]

The GPS unit on the 522 updates itself once per second.  I think that's pretty much the standard with all GPS units.  Bear in mind that, on a good day, the accuracy of one of the units is only plus or minus fifty feet.  If it is receiving a WAAS signal that inaccuracy will be reduced by half.

[K_Mac]

I have a 5X on the bow of my boat and like it a lot. Since you already have an HDS at the console you know how good the sonar is. 8-) I have wondered if I should have spent the extra and bought the HDS5 for the bow. It would be nice to to see the bigger picture while up front.

I don't think this post has helped at all . I will be curious to hear what you decide and how it works for you. Good luck.

[urp]

I would'nt put a side-imaging sonar up front. I tried it. For one thing you have to be doing about 2 to 6 mph to get the best picture. For another turns play havoc with the return. I now have the Humminbird and a Lorance GPS at the console. I had to give up an Eagle Fishmark 480 monochrome fishfinder. Best picture I ever had. God I miss that thing. Like you, I'm fond of buoys.