Which gps/ff would you buy if?

you longlined 90% of the time, pulled cranks 10% of the time, no vertical jigging or sitting over/near structure, always moving. Fish solo 99% of the time from the bow, gps is a requirement to mark structure/points, 04 boat is a tracker PT175. Currently have 2 FF, one on the bow and one at the console, wanting to upgrade both. FF at console does not have to be GPS or as fancy as the one on the bow as majority of time spent at the bow. Budget is $1000 for total electronics upgrade. Also considering a TM upgrade to an ipilot model TM but not included in the $1000 budget. Not willing to go over the $1000 budget either as I feel this is sufficent to get a decent/good upgrade in electronics.

I'm partial to Lowerance, have had 3-4 on different boats, always been happy with them. Now they have all the GPS/Fish Finder combo's they really give good pictures of the structure and fish. Not sure about the cost, but there are some really good units out there..

I drive a Toyota.

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Originally Posted by Cane Pole

I drive a Toyota.

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And I drive a Ford and a Mazda, your point being?

I have the Lowrance HDS-5 and mostley tightline. The enternal GPS is not fast enough to please me but from what I understand you can buy a external puck that will do the job. If only longlined then my unit would do the job.

everyone has there own prefrence, its like what the one guy said do i buy Chev or a Ford

you just need to do some reading and make your choice, its a hard decision but eathier way you wiil do fine

I have two HDS unita hooked to a Structure Scan unit and live them. Mine work great. I also had a Elite 5 DSI and didn't like it, the GPS didn't work well for spider rigging.

I would bust your budget but I wouldn't have to do anything afterwards. Lowrance or "Bird would be your choice. I like the HB898 for the console and a non side image with gps for the nose. The side image is a great tool for locating fish and structure and will save large amounts of time. Once the waypoints are established, and if the units are ether netted ( I think that's the term)together, they will show on the front unit and you can establish the first track that you want to troll thru, then hit return and double back thru em til the cows come home. A 798 would save some money but I think the larger screen to be worth the extra. Wish my bank account would stand the stress, I would do just what I've described. A friend has 2 798's and says that he can find fish much better with the front unit before running over the fish, but we cast and jig more than troll. Good luck and let us know how you decide and why, you're educating us all.

If your not set on a new unit since Lowrance doesn't make these anymore you can save some money and have some really great electronics. First a 520c or 522ic on the nose with split screen gps/graph and on the console a 510c Lowrance without gps. These locators have plenty of power and awesome colored detail. You can find these still being offered on Ebay and such and make a really good deal on them. I have a 520C on the nose and a 522I C on the console and have them linked together with an external puck gps ant..we are talking about a limit of $1000 only reason I am throwing this out..In my opinion you can't go wrong with these units. Ranger

Although there are no actual facts made public yet... It is a possibility that HB may eventually let their sonar units cross communicate to their I Pilot trolling motors....

Rickie

thanks for all the suggestions, keep 'em coming. I should add to my OP that I usually fish the same area(s) where I know there are crappie from previous trips, they just move around as usual. I'm not one to go wandering all over the lake as this lake (Tellico Lake) has a somewhat narrow main channel with lots of boat traffic making it rough to longline there and survive the day. I have several different large and small coves I visit depending on my mood and rumors from friends about the bite but the pleasure boaters like 'em as well.

Keep the suggestions/ideas coming. I have no real preference, just want a good upgrade that I (hopefully) will be pleased with.

Lowrance ,,,or garmin hand held, I use both on my tracker.... and If I get to go with some one else I can take the hand held and still find my marked spots, and maby find some new spots and mark them, then transfer to Lowrance....

I use a 788c and really love this unit. It has two map card slots and it just works out great for me trolling and that is what I do 90% of the time.

Don't do the SI thing unless you can get at least a 7" screen. If willing to go over budget and SI is have to, the 898 is the best value, but not my choice. If take your budget, stomp it three times, run it through with a home made shank, burn it and scatter the ashes during a storm - HDS 8, Structure Scan and double dog dare anybody to question you on how you spend your money. It is yours afterall.....unless that feller gets re-elected, then that is called into question.

Wannabe...