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Which would you go with? Wife's not gonna let me get both!!! The New Side/Down Imaging system or the Auto Pilot w/ i-pilot? I already have a Lowrance LMS 525c which has a GPS and good graphics. I am torn between finding structure/fish and staying on them once you find them!!! I do like to bass fish a lot also and the autopilot would be nice for working banks. Let me know your thoughts guys (and gals)!
No doubt about it The si unit!!!! That will help you find and catch fish. You can have a cheap trolling motor to do the job!!! Actually let me back up on my statement........ Are you only allowed to get one of the small si graphs??? If so you better have some great eyeballs to see things your looking for on the smaller si units. 1197 or hds8 versus I-pilot..... I would do a graph. hds5 or 797 si versus i-pilot. I might go with the i-pilot. Get a big graph if the wifey will let ya!!!!!!! It is by far and away the best tool on my boat. Ive only had it on the water a handful of times but when you find structure with fish stacked all around it you will be ecstatic!!! I have the terrova with I pilot also and it is a heck of a tool also BUT it doesnt help me find fish!!
It would be a tough decision.. Sure glad I don't have to choose. Certainly finding fish is key, but I was able to find fish before SI.
From a guide point of view, I would have to say the I-Pilot provided I would still have all my waypoints that I have found with my SI over the past few years lol.
The I-pilot allows a guide to take care of the client (netting fish, retying, etc.) and still keep the boat on fish or on track.. It's an amazing tool.
Like I said, glad I don't have to make this choice.
I think it would depend on what type fishing you do the most. For me, I crappie fish 90% of the time. I vertical fish, long line troll with jigs and pull crankbaits. For all these applications, the most important piece of equipment on my boat is the trolling motor. I've got the Terrova, and just installed the i-pilot. The advantages you gain fishing these techniques with the addition of a tm with ap or unbelievable.
If I bass fished 90% of the time, I'd probably opt for the graph with SI. Just my 2 cents worth.
I am a blessed guy and have both the 1197 and the terrova with I-pilot so if I had to give up one which would it be.
As long as I got to keep my old trolling motor I would keep the 1197.
The 1197 helps me find fish and although the terrova with I-pilot definitely makes it easier to troll over them or stay on them I could do this with a normal trolling motor if I had to.
Working them together is a crappie fisherman's paradise.
I have the 997 si and would keep that over the trolling motor .