Lowrance HDS advice?

[win222]

Hello all, I am looking to upgrade my electronics and need some help on what would be best for me?

I currently only bass fish, mainly LM, and spend about 50% of my time around docks, and 50% of the time on drop off's or flats between 5 and 30' of water.

I currently have a HDS-5 on the dash, and want to move that to the bow and get a new HDS unit for the dash. I want to spend $1,200 to $1,600 ish.

I see there is a deal on the HDS-7 with the structure scan for $1,600 ($200 off). or would it be better to get the HDS-8 for about the same price? I could not afford the HDS-8 and the structure scan...

If I get the structure scan is there a way to use my current shoot-thru-hull transducer for the unit in the dash when I'm driving fast with the outboard, then switch it so it uses the transducer built in the trolling motor when it is down? With the structure scan am I able to share way points between the 2 units? Can I use one map card to share between the 2 units? Or are these options only available if I buy other stuff?

Any advice/opinions would be greatly appreciated.

[R520dvx]

The main differences between the 7 and 8 other than the screen size are the soft keys to access menu items easier and the ability to split the screen more ways than the 7.

While the larger screen is awesome, so is the structure scan particularly for drops etc. I'd hate to lose my Structure scan and down scan.

Yes, you can use your current shoot thru hull transducer.

The 2 units will share waypoints through the ethernet cable or network.

You will need a card for each unit.

Hope some of this helps

[Jig Man]

Most of your questions were answered by R520.  One he seemed to miss is the xducer selection.  You can choose either one off the menu when the units are etherneted.

You also can look at the down/side scan at either unit when they are etherneted to the LSS1.

If you spend more time in the front seat than behind the wheel, you may want to consider using the larger unit up front.

Check your pm for a possible better deal than the one you have seen.

[Sam]

Go with the inventor of the down and side imaging: Hummingbird.

If you purchase a Lowrance and get screwed don't be surprised.  :-*