The 7 will not communicate but the 9 will. Unless they have changed something with the 7's very recently. As far as the difference in the Helix 9 and 10, pretty much the only difference in those is screen size as neiter of them have chirp where the Helix 12 does. The 1159 would do everything the helix 9 would most likely do for you on the front of the boat. Of coarse the Helix 9 will be clearer and brighter. But.....cant go wrong really with the Helix 9 or the 1159 in my opinion. Others may disagree. Hopefully more will chime in so we can get a more rounded diverse information so the best choice can be made for you.