Buying a Z-7, need advice on Electronics

[ryancompetition2]

Well, I found a nice Z-7 (18'8", 150HP) that I'm in the process of purchasing. All approved and completing the transaction.

I'd like to hear recommendations on outfitting this boat with depth finders for the console and bow. The original finders I gave back to the original owner as I wanted to upgrade from what he had.

Have been looking at the Humminbird 798ci (console) and 778c (bow) but was also considering the 898 for the console too. Other thoughts were possibly an HDS-7 (console) and HDS-5 for the bow.

I definitely want side imaging as well as GPS functionality.

The boat will be used to fish up here in the Pacific Northwest in places like Moses Lake, Liberty Lake, Snake, Columbia, etc... for fun and hopefully some local level tournaments.

Any and all suggestions welcome.

Thanks, -Todd

[kikstand454]

i would get the slightly cheaper unit for the front and spend the money on an interlink. this way you can mark a waypoint on either unit and the other one shows it. nice huh? they also have the new downscan that seems pretty nifty in some of the units...may look into that too.

also i personally would look into the new humminbird gps receiver that is accurate within a meter.

3 feet is much nicer than 30ft.

[JohnnyBigger]

Save you money and get a hummingbird with side imaging, they are unbelievable. just my opinion

[Wayne P.]

All of the newer HB units with GPS come with 50 channel receivers including the internal antenna models. I have the 798ci SI and it sure is less cumbersome not having to deal with the mounting/cable routing of an external antenna like one of the older models I have.

All the LEI HDS models have an internal GPS antenna.

[Tpayneful]

I have the 788ci on the bow interlinked to the 798c SI on the console.  My external GPS antenna is mounted on the back deck, closer to the transducer.  They both have the 50 channel GPS.  I should have spent the extra $300 and put a 789ci SI on the bow.

If I ever get another bonus check I will buy a 898c SI mount it on the console, move the 798c SI to the bow and sell the 788ci.

Wider is better as far as SI is concerned.

[K_Mac]

I would take a look at the Lowrance HDS units. I have the 5 (no si or down scan) on my console and 5X on the bow, and have been happy with both. A 7 with si and down scan, and a 5 on the bow would be an awesome set-up IMHO. Good luck and enjoy the new boat. 8-)

[Adam G]

You don't need any electronics.  Someone told me once,

"I've never once seen a fishfinder catch a fish."

Seriously, here's your shopping list:

HB 998c SI COMBO (external GPS), or 898 if needed...

HB 778c (XTM 9 20 T transducer)

AS Interlink module

AS GR 50 GPS antenna (bow unit)

AS SIDB Y cable for Dual beam/SI ducers on 998 (no switch)

XAP 9 20 Transducer for hull mount on 998

Ram mount for the 998

2010 Navionics map SD card, western region.

Spare MMC/SD card for updates and screen caps

Feel free to send me you CC info and I'll get all this stuff on order.  ;D