Need advice on updating my electronics.

[Brush Buster]

I have seen many discussions on this issue but everyone has a specific way to fish which in my minds dictates what you buy. The wife has given me the green light to buy which is the most importnat thing.
I will buy two units and connect them together.

1. One will be at the console which needs SI, DI and GPS with internal antena. I want at least 8" screen. The transducer for this unit would be on the transom.
2. The other will be on the front of the boat. I need DI, GPS with at with a 5" screen ok but prefer 7". I need internal antena and the transducer on the trolling moter for spider rigging.
3. I want them linked if possible
4. Would like to stay below $3500

I have always been a Lowrance man but willing to change. Your advise is greatly appreciated as it is very confusing when you start shopping

[Cane Pole]

Well, what is your specific way to fish Buster? Might help to know. However, tough decisions are easily solved with the flip of a coin. Less confusing.

[bb no longer in business]

If you're looking for a 8" screen with internal antenna, only Lowrance fits the bill. All 7" screens and above in the Humminbird line use external GPS receivers. However, Humminbird offers the best alternative for DI/SI on the trolling motor. Honestly, there are many pros and cons on each brand and it would take a bunch of typing to explain the differences. I would prefer to speak with you and I can offer some ideas based on your needs and what's important to you.

Please give me a call at your convenience.

Brian

[Brush Buster]

Well, what is your specific way to fish Buster? Might help to know. However, tough decisions are easily solved with the flip of a coin. Less confusing.

Thanks cane pole.

I prefer spider rigging slow off the front. easing up to structure with 6 rods out the front. I like double minnows and use the Capps and Colman rig most of the time. I want to be able to see down into the structure. Once things start heating up i can not resist long line trolling due to the amount of area i can cover. I would want someting in the back for that. I started pulling cranks this year too.

[Brush Buster]

If you're looking for a 8" screen with internal antenna, only Lowrance fits the bill. All 7" screens and above in the Humminbird line use external GPS receivers. However, Humminbird offers the best alternative for DI/SI on the trolling motor. Honestly, there are many pros and cons on each brand and it would take a bunch of typing to explain the differences. I would prefer to speak with you and I can offer some ideas based on your needs and what's important to you.

Please give me a call at your convenience.

Brian

I will give you a call Monday. Thanks for the response

BB

[mbhutton]

I have always had great luck with lowrance. I will be updating mine next year so I will keep an eye this post to see what you end up with


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[Cane Pole]

The units are basically equal in performance. I have had both. The Lowrance has better down imaging and the gps gives directional icon down to 0.mph. The HB is easier to use out of box, but if you are accustom to Lowrance drop down menus, then it is easy to use the Lowrance.

I slow troll at about .4mph. At this speed the HB has no directional icon (donut), making direction of travel indeterminate.

The HB is easier to install because it is a stand alone unit. If you link two units together, you must add another component or have 2 units capable of Ethernet.

You must add a component (LSS1) to get Lowrance SI capable, however you can link 2 other units thru the LSS1 and it is expandable.

Lowrance is also NMEA 2000 capable. I am adding the digital dashboard to my HDS with the Yamaha engine interface cable. HB does not offer NMEA 2000.

You can get 2d and SI images from the HB transducer. Lowrance requires a separate 2d transducer.

I like the SI 2d overlay feature of the HDS.

I like the HB trolling grid feature.

I like the ability to store and retrive multiple waypoint files using the HDS.

The HDS gps and down imaging made the difference for me because of my fishing tactics.

I don't get into the customer service combat zone. Both Lowrance and HB have been good to me.

These are facts, not BS.

[lcookie]

Depending on how deep you typically fish you will get better SI range out of the Bird. 200 ft each way in 5 ft of water looks good on big screen. Not so much on the smaller ones.

[Brush Buster]

The units are basically equal in performance. I have had both. The Lowrance has better down imaging and the gps gives directional icon down to 0.mph. The HB is easier to use out of box, but if you are accustom to Lowrance drop down menus, then it is easy to use the Lowrance.

I slow troll at about .4mph. At this speed the HB has no directional icon (donut), making direction of travel indeterminate.

The HB is easier to install because it is a stand alone unit. If you link two units together, you must add another component or have 2 units capable of Ethernet.

You must add a component (LSS1) to get Lowrance SI capable, however you can link 2 other units thru the LSS1 and it is expandable.

Lowrance is also NMEA 2000 capable. I am adding the digital dashboard to my HDS with the Yamaha engine interface cable. HB does not offer NMEA 2000.

You can get 2d and SI images from the HB transducer. Lowrance requires a separate 2d transducer.

I like the SI 2d overlay feature of the HDS.

I like the HB trolling grid feature.

I like the ability to store and retrive multiple waypoint files using the HDS.

The HDS gps and down imaging made the difference for me because of my fishing tactics.

I don't get into the customer service combat zone. Both Lowrance and HB have been good to me.

These are facts, not BS.

Thanks Canepole. It looks like i will be going with Lowrance given the issue with the (donut) on the HB

[skeetbum]

From what has been posted, I'd go the same way. Lots of my fishing time is spent under .5mph. This is gonna hurt my savings.