Help me plan my electronics.

I'm about to pull the trigger on a nused boat. I was going to buy new, however a fishing friend FB linked a boat to my profile. Turns out to be the boat I want with the options I want. I called the guy and I may be buying a used boat, 2016 model year. Bank already approved the loan. Took a half hour. lol

It comes with a Powerdrive trolling motor and Helix 5 SI. I got a guy interested in the Powerdrive.

I have a budget if I want to stay married. lol
Trying to keep my initial electronic purchase to 5k or less.
My dream set up is Helix 10 Mega DI on the bow, Helix 9 or 10 SI at the console, I-Pilot Link, Mega 360, and Mega Live. Ethernet the whole thing. I can build this in stages, and may end up with a third sonar unit at the transom for pulling cranks.

How would you build this package?

Obviously, the trolling motor comes first. Terrova is best option to stay within budget. Get the link model with the generic transducer, because you will not need it when u add the 360 and live. Match the thrust to the boat. I assume #80lb.

Buy the bow mount helix next. As large as you can afford. Make sure it’s mega and networkable. If it’s me, I’m eventually putting another helix at the console and passing on the third at the stern. If you buy big enough you can see the one at the console while cranking. Unless you bought a barge.


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Congrats on a new rig! Sounds like a dream setup. That power drive is likely not going to give you the network ability you want and need. Maybe you can sell for a few bucks to offset cost of one with i-link.

I would get the mega 360 last or not at all if you are going to add the mega live. Be sure you have all mega live specs for compatible units so you don't buy a graph that won't work. I know there have been lots of discussion but I'm not sure what is available from Humminbird directly (I wouldn't trust a 2nd hand source).

MEGA 360 must be connected to a SI MEGA+ or DI MEGA+ ...

That means at least a G3N - - and 8” SI MEGA+ G3N or larger (8” DI MEGA G3N is not MEGA+) ...

Rickie

Also — MEGA Live is “rumored” to work with G3N and G4N but we do not have 100% documented confirmation from HB yet that G3N is compatible ...

Rickie

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Originally Posted by thaDudeAbides

Congrats on a new rig! Sounds like a dream setup. That power drive is likely not going to give you the network ability you want and need. Maybe you can sell for a few bucks to offset cost of one with i-link.

I would get the mega 360 last or not at all if you are going to add the mega live. Be sure you have all mega live specs for compatible units so you don't buy a graph that won't work. I know there have been lots of discussion but I'm not sure what is available from Humminbird directly (I wouldn't trust a 2nd hand source).

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Great advice. I'm going all Gen4 Mega+ Helix units.

Hey Mike! It's is Mike right?
Talked to the man in Brookfield. He had some great tips.

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Hey Mike! It's is Mike right?
Talked to the man in Brookfield. He had some great tips.

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Ah, you were talking to Jimmy "3 Clicks".

Sent you a PM.

Things are a go.
Time to start buying gear. I'd like to support my local fish store an will buy what he has in stock. BassPro doesn't have anything I want, go figure. Any recommended Crappie.com supporters to buy the rest from?

BBG Marine

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Originally Posted by thaDudeAbides

BBG Marine

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X2! Call Brian for advice and the best price.
Bbg marine


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Originally Posted by Redge

X2! Call Brian for advice and the best price.
Bbg marine


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Brian has always had great prices and service. I’ve bought a lot of electronics and 2 trolling motors from him.

I just bought a Helix and a Terrova from BBG Marine, great to deal with and shipped very quickly!