help me upgrade my sonar/gps

[blackpowderhunter]

Currently running a lowrance hds 7 gen 2 gps/finder on my boat.
looking to upgrade this winter to something with Chirp.
Starting to become overwhelmed with garmin vs lowrance, and all of the different transducer options.
i like the garmin echomap 74cv with downview, but then dont like being stuck with garmin maps only without the ability to run navionics (what i have in my lowrance now)
then when i start looking at transducer options and different frequencies my mind starts spinning even more.
what should i be looking at for a transducer? 600w, 500w, 1000w? what frequencies?
95% of my fishing is salt water, puget sound and the straight for salmon and halibut.   
overall budget for a new set up is around 800....
i'm open to any and all input!

[Wetwoodshunter]

Not to be pessimistic, but the chirp transducers typically run in the $1,500-$2,500 range.

I have a Furuno 627 and a Furuno 1971f on my boat. I couldn't afford the transducer yet and use an Arimar p66 transducer. I can mark fish at 20 knots and hit bottom up to 1,200 feet. Although chirp is cool, nobody needs it.

[blackpowderhunter]

i know an upgrade isn't necessary, i find bait, and fish, and catch fish (most days).
but i won't lie... i like toys, and i like to upgrade toys every now and again.

[CLARKTAR]

i know an upgrade isn't necessary, i find bait, and fish, and catch fish (most days).
but i won't lie... i like toys, and i like to upgrade toys every now and again.

I got a lowerance elite and can't figure out how to use it very well. If you are ever in Port Angeles area, get in touch and share some knowledge!

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[blackpowderhunter]

i know an upgrade isn't necessary, i find bait, and fish, and catch fish (most days).
but i won't lie... i like toys, and i like to upgrade toys every now and again.

I got a lowerance elite and can't figure out how to use it very well. If you are ever in Port Angeles area, get in touch and share some knowledge!

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

would be more than happy to!

[Snowgoose1]

I’ve had Raymarine, Humminbird and Lowrance. Finally switched to Furuno Tz touch 2 big screen with 3D and football for a transducer. It’s a lot of money but it shows more than bait fish. You can drive around looking for size of fish then put out the gear, but you gotta still get them to bite. Using the touch screen you can detect size of fish. It’s outrageous what this system can do. Whatever your unit it’s all about the power of the transducer. Check out getting the most powerful transducer you can and you’ll change the amount of time your out fishing.

[lokidog]

I don't think your $800 budget will get you much better than what you have.   

[CLARKTAR]

i know an upgrade isn't necessary, i find bait, and fish, and catch fish (most days).
but i won't lie... i like toys, and i like to upgrade toys every now and again.

I got a lowerance elite and can't figure out how to use it very well. If you are ever in Port Angeles area, get in touch and share some knowledge!

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

would be more than happy to!

Awesome. Shoot me a PM if you are out this way.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[Stein]

You can get an Elite 7 with tranducer and CHIRP for $699.  There aren't going to be may options in that price range, but I run that unit and it is very solid.

https://lr.factoryoutletstore.com/details/280473/lowrance-elite-7t-touch-hdi-transducer.html?category_id=60262&catalogitemid=253380

CHIRP is nice to have, but it isn't going to double your catch.

[blackpowderhunter]

I don't think your $800 budget will get you much better than what you have.   

starting to realize that..budget might go up but we'll see.
looks like my budget would only cover a good ducer..unfortunately, id need a sonar hub on my gen 2 to upgrade the transducer only.  ah well, more research to do!

[lokidog]

If you replace it and want to sell, let me know. Depending on price, I would be interested as I want a second screen to network in that I can mount at the stern.

I really like my Totalscan transducer, but it is around $300 just by itself.

[blackpowderhunter]

If you replace it and want to sell, let me know. Depending on price, I would be interested as I want a second screen to network in that I can mount at the stern.

I really like my Totalscan transducer, but it is around $300 just by itself.

when i do upgrade i will shoot you a message. 

[blackpowderhunter]

You can get an Elite 7 with tranducer and CHIRP for $699.  There aren't going to be may options in that price range, but I run that unit and it is very solid.

https://lr.factoryoutletstore.com/details/280473/lowrance-elite-7t-touch-hdi-transducer.html?category_id=60262&catalogitemid=253380

CHIRP is nice to have, but it isn't going to double your catch.

do you think this would be a measurable upgrade from my current set up?

[Stein]

You can get an Elite 7 with tranducer and CHIRP for $699.  There aren't going to be may options in that price range, but I run that unit and it is very solid.

https://lr.factoryoutletstore.com/details/280473/lowrance-elite-7t-touch-hdi-transducer.html?category_id=60262&catalogitemid=253380

CHIRP is nice to have, but it isn't going to double your catch.

do you think this would be a measurable upgrade from my current set up?

It will get you CHIRP in your budget.  I don't have experience with your current setup but wouldn't hesitate to buy the Elite 7 again given that price range.  I think the next step up involves dropping $1-2k on a transducer and/or a bigger screen if that is important.

[lokidog]

Did a quick search for what I have and this came up, less than what I paid a year and a half ago for a Bargain Cave item and transducer separately. Still a bit over your given price point. I really like the larger screen as you still have a good size viewing window with multiple open.

http://www.thedigitaloasis.com/Lowrance-HDS12-GEN3-Totalscan-Bundle_p_52981.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjw3KzdBRDWARIsAIJ8TMQNKlzUZe-AxrzOX0OsrJy1IwKTM5YA-h2Hk2QqdCs2AVaRbE8k2G0aAjU_EALw_wcB#.W6vn8mhKjIU