Thread: New boat - 3 upgrades needed

Originally Posted by Humminbird_Greg

Look at the following 5-inch color display units. I don’t know that you will find a new 7-inch color display unit in that price range or not. If you plan to later on connect your bow and helm mounted units together you will need to look at the 700 series units (the 798ci HD Si instead of the 598ci HD Si you mentioned) as the 500 series units cannot be Ethernet connected.

778c HD
597ci HD Combo (sonar + GPS)
596c HD

Appreciate the info on the networking functionality info. Would that primary use be for sharing waypoints between the two units? Are there other disadvantages besides that in foregoing networking? I do like the looks of the 597ci HD and would still consider the 598 this fall.

That would depend on the type of network you set up Tundah (InterLink versus Ethernet). You could share waypoints with either but the Ethernet networking offers more sharing capabilities (waypoints, sonar, water temperature sensors, GPS) and is a more stable platform. You can always share waypoints between units by using an SD card and HumminbirdPC (the 596c HD would require the purchase of a PC Connect kit as it has no SD card reader).

Thanks for the info Greg. Definitely have some considerations to contemplate, but I at least have a strong starting point with the trolling motor. Will re-evaluate after that purchase and the remaining budget. If only I didn't have to re-sod the yard this summer...

I bought a 80lb Terrova with I Pilot for my 18 tracker and love it. Also a 898 with a navionics chip. I use the map and gps ALL the time, especially pulling cranks and spider rigging. Get biggest screen you can afford. Brian at BBG has excellent service and prices.

Forget the yard upgrade the boat the yard will be there when you get around to it.

Congrats on the new boat. I have a 2002 Tracker PT 185 with a 75 horsepower. Tracker seriously under powers their TM's that they sell for their boats. I'm sure they do that to keep the price low. I upgraded mine to a 80lb 24V MinKota Maxxum a couple years ago and it is a great motor. I suggest that as an improvement for sure. I bought mine on bargain cave at Cabelas and it was pretty economical. I also upgraded the electronics over the years. I ordered my TM with Universal Sonar and have an Older Humminbird hooked up to it. Just last month I upgraded my Transom mount sonar to a Lowrance Elite 5 DSI. I've had it out once and didn't see much, but it seemed to be working well. I also got that at the Bargain Cave. I've really enjoyed my Tracker over the years. You should love yours. You've got a much nicer motor than the old EFI's they used to put on the boats.

Originally Posted by BoarBuster

Forget the yard upgrade the boat the yard will be there when you get around to it.

I'm with ya, unfortunately my HOA isn't

Seed it straw it then haul it to the lake.