two many options...

Ok guys im looking to upgrade the electronics on my boat. I have spent the last two weeks trying to reserch my options. Please keep in mind my knowledge on this topic is very limited!!! Im undecided on my budget but I think its between 3,000- 4,000. I think all I really want is gps at the console linked to good sized do everything unit at the bow. Also interested in adding a new troing motor with i-piloit out of this money if possible. Im leaning toward hb as a brand but am open to all sugestions. thank you for any advice

I you want the I-Pilot, which works with the Terrova and PowerDrive V2, so if you want to maintain your ability to use the wired control, you are limited to the Terrova, if not you can use either, but the PowerDrive V2 does not power down via the remote, so the electronics will be a continual drain on your battery(s) unless you install a switch or breaker, and remember to use it. Then there is the issue of how large a motor you need. Once you know that, you'll have a good idea how much money you have left for the sonar, but I think I would start there, and work back to the sonar so you don't over spend on the sonar. If when you are done you are not happy with your choices you could then consider going I-Pilot in stages, buy the motor this year, and the I-Pilot next year. Just a thought.

As for sonar, I think you might want to go to the store and check out the controls, you may find one is easier for you to operate than the other, than that should play a big role. There is a learning curve with any new toys, and the new sonars are no exception, so if one seems easier for you to use, you'll likely get up to speed quicker with that one. I have heard both units called easier than the others, I suspect more so the HDS8 & 10 with the programmable buttons than the HDS5 & 7, but again, that may be person dependent. Just go to a place that has both types available to operate in a simulation mode, and try a variety of models by both manufactures. I'd go more by that than by personal opinions as both the HB and Lowrance units seem to be pretty good units over all.

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Originally Posted by Lou

I you want the I-Pilot, which works with the Terrova and PowerDrive V2, so if you want to maintain your ability to use the wired control, you are limited to the Terrova, if not you can use either, but the PowerDrive V2 does not power down via the remote, so the electronics will be a continual drain on your battery(s) unless you install a switch or breaker, and remember to use it. Then there is the issue of how large a motor you need. Once you know that, you'll have a good idea how much money you have left for the sonar, but I think I would start there, and work back to the sonar so you don't over spend on the sonar. If when you are done you are not happy with your choices you could then consider going I-Pilot in stages, buy the motor this year, and the I-Pilot next year. Just a thought.

As for sonar, I think you might want to go to the store and check out the controls, you may find one is easier for you to operate than the other, than that should play a big role. There is a learning curve with any new toys, and the new sonars are no exception, so if one seems easier for you to use, you'll likely get up to speed quicker with that one. I have heard both units called easier than the others, I suspect more so the HDS8 & 10 with the programmable buttons than the HDS5 & 7, but again, that may be person dependent. Just go to a place that has both types available to operate in a simulation mode, and try a variety of models by both manufactures. I'd go more by that than by personal opinions as both the HB and Lowrance units seem to be pretty good units over all.

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Good points Lou! I had to put a switch on my V2 Power Drive so it would not drain the power when it was setting. Lou is right go and try the Fish Finders out at your local store and see what you like the best. Good Info Lou:cool:

I am in the same boat. LOL. I too am upgrade everything with the I pilot and terrova 80# 60 in. That looks like its going to be about 1400.00 Plus a new battery. So I figure I have about 1500.00 to 2000.00 to spend on FF. I was going to go with the HB 798 HD Si unit for the console but others have been pretty go about saying go big with what you can so I have since changed to the HB 898 SI unit. Especially because I think I can get for around 1200.00 on the internt as apposed to going to BPS of Scheels for around 1500.00. So that leaves me 800.00 to go into the bow FF. There I dont need GPS of SI so I think I think I am going to go with 596 DI. My orginal budget was 3000.00 but with the battery and some other minor things I think I am going to be over that but that I will piece them in later.

Hope this helps. I cant wait till the ice breaks just so I can get out there and play around with the SI/DI.

Later
Clint

It is definately a very good idea to go the store and play with the buttons on different units.....BUT....

Be very sceptical of what sales clerks tell you about their products.....

Only "real world users" can give you "real world explanations" of the differences/similarities/advantages/disadvantages

Facts here:

The units are basically equal in performance. I have 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.

The HDS gps icon application and down imaging makes 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.

Thank you guys for your help! think I have decided on the lowrance hds 8 and 5

Going to give the H-bird 570 DI ...found it for $272 bucks online .....cheapest so far ( been looking too !)