Depth Souder/Chart Plotter suggestions
 

I got a new 2180 Bay Ranger this weekend that is in need of new electronics. I'm looking to spend less than $800. I use Navionics and like the idea of live bathymetry charts. I also want to look at the charts on my computer after a day on the water. Anyone have experience with this? I am looking at Ray Marine and Lowrance, but I hear good things about hummingbird and thier sidescan. So many options, HELP! :help:

I like the lowrance gen 2 touch


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Yep. Hds touch


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I can't speak for the other brands, but I have an lowrance HDS gen 3 and have been very happy with it.

You can record your scans and upload them to generate a map, and you can also go back and watch the actual sonar readings... I've learned a few things that way. If the fishing's slow, I'll start trolling all over the place so I have more stuff to look upload when get home.

The other brands probably have similar capability but I have no complaints with mine. And congrats on the new boat!

I also recommend HDS gen 3. I have sold quite a few and have them myself. You should be able to get a new HDS7 for around the $800 mark. What size are you look for?

I wanted a 9", but the 7" will fit in my dash and I think I like that look better than sitting on a mount.


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If you don't plan on ever networking another plotter, engine gateway, radar or other networking device you could also look at Lowrance's Hook series. I believe it has down imaging but not side scan.

With the HDS you won't be limited on what you can do or how you can expand. Amazon has the HDS cheaper than what I can sell them for. The HDS-7 package with transducers is right at $800.

I've got a gen 2 touch.. I'd get the 3 if you can swing it. Garmin makes a good unit as well. Both are top notch from my experience.

What i have decided to do was to get the Ray Marine Dragonfly 5 Pro with Wi-Fish ($349 after $50 customer service discount) and mount a 9" iPad ($200 from amazon) on a RAM mount with Navionics which will show both Charts and Sonar on the big screen :)

You will be happy with that decision. I've been running Raymarine products for years and have nothing but good things to say about them. The dragonfly units are awesome. I also run my ipad on my boat as well with the boating app. Good stuff.
http://s20.postimg.org/qjfkjp0nx/201...1_17_33_37.jpg

That's good to hear. Do you have to have a SIM card in your tablet for GPS? If you lose cell service do you also lose GPS?