tenncrappie please don't take this wrong. What exactly do you expect the manufactures to do? I understand that the manuals don't answer all the questions or explain all options in great detail and can be confusing . Realistically they are no different than computer, phone or car makers for that matter, they all come with manuals, but not a lot of detail on how to use them.

After installing my HDS units a few years ago and after reading the manual I did a ton of reading on the internet to find a good base set up for them. I wrote this down and headed to the boat and with the manual went through the menu and changed the settings and to familiarize myself with them. Once on the lake I started pushing buttons and changing settings to suit my likes. If I got the unit screwed up I'd go back to my notes to get my base set up back. Yes it took several hours of reading and watching but it sure shortened the learning curve on the water. When I bought my new Touch I went to the lake with no fishing equipment in the boat and spent about three hours messing with it.

IMO time on the water working with them is the best teacher, asking lots of questions helps too .

Again, please don't my reply wrong, not trying to be a wise arse.