Gateway or not?

Just bought a Motorguide Xi5. I have lowrance electronics. Should I spend the $250 to buy the Gateway system???

The gateway is nice, but it is not necessary to use the functions of the XI5. It is easier using the HDS, as you can use stored routes from your HDS and set speeds easier, just not necessary. I think I saw that Universal Mania had the gateway for $229.

I found a Gateway Kit 2 weeks ago on Ebay for $215. which included 2nd day shipping. I ran my XI5 for over a year without the network interface with my Gen3, but decided recently that I would try to get the most bang for my buck since I had one Lowrance unit and the XI5! After 2 weeks, Glad I did it finally!

Thanks Pop N Cork.
Ordered mine with the backbone yesterday.
Looks like I made the right call.