collapse

Advertisement


Author Topic: help me upgrade my sonar/gps  (Read 2383 times)

Offline blackpowderhunter

  • Trade Count: (+5)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Apr 2014
  • Posts: 1056
  • Location: Renton
help me upgrade my sonar/gps
« on: September 23, 2018, 12:45:09 PM »
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!

Offline Wetwoodshunter

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+8)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Dec 2014
  • Posts: 1164
  • Location: Sekiu, WA
Re: help me upgrade my sonar/gps
« Reply #1 on: September 23, 2018, 01:18:25 PM »
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.

Offline blackpowderhunter

  • Trade Count: (+5)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Apr 2014
  • Posts: 1056
  • Location: Renton
Re: help me upgrade my sonar/gps
« Reply #2 on: September 23, 2018, 01:33:53 PM »
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.

Offline CLARKTAR

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (+3)
  • Scout
  • ****
  • Join Date: Feb 2016
  • Posts: 404
  • Location: Port Angeles
Re: help me upgrade my sonar/gps
« Reply #3 on: September 23, 2018, 06:41:52 PM »
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


Offline blackpowderhunter

  • Trade Count: (+5)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Apr 2014
  • Posts: 1056
  • Location: Renton
Re: help me upgrade my sonar/gps
« Reply #4 on: September 24, 2018, 07:40:45 AM »
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!

Offline Snowgoose1

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Hunter
  • ***
  • Join Date: Jan 2008
  • Posts: 104
Re: help me upgrade my sonar/gps
« Reply #5 on: September 25, 2018, 08:28:01 PM »
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.

Offline lokidog

  • Trade Count: (+6)
  • Explorer
  • ******
  • Join Date: Mar 2009
  • Posts: 15186
  • Location: Sultan/Wisconsin
Re: help me upgrade my sonar/gps
« Reply #6 on: September 25, 2018, 09:20:11 PM »
I don't think your $800 budget will get you much better than what you have.   :dunno:

Offline CLARKTAR

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (+3)
  • Scout
  • ****
  • Join Date: Feb 2016
  • Posts: 404
  • Location: Port Angeles
Re: help me upgrade my sonar/gps
« Reply #7 on: September 25, 2018, 10:22:15 PM »
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


Offline Stein

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+11)
  • Explorer
  • ******
  • Join Date: Sep 2013
  • Posts: 12521
  • Location: Arlington
Re: help me upgrade my sonar/gps
« Reply #8 on: September 26, 2018, 08:27:31 AM »
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.

Offline blackpowderhunter

  • Trade Count: (+5)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Apr 2014
  • Posts: 1056
  • Location: Renton
Re: help me upgrade my sonar/gps
« Reply #9 on: September 26, 2018, 08:37:02 AM »
I don't think your $800 budget will get you much better than what you have.   :dunno:
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!

Offline lokidog

  • Trade Count: (+6)
  • Explorer
  • ******
  • Join Date: Mar 2009
  • Posts: 15186
  • Location: Sultan/Wisconsin
Re: help me upgrade my sonar/gps
« Reply #10 on: September 26, 2018, 08:52:40 AM »
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.

Offline blackpowderhunter

  • Trade Count: (+5)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Apr 2014
  • Posts: 1056
  • Location: Renton
Re: help me upgrade my sonar/gps
« Reply #11 on: September 26, 2018, 09:01:47 AM »
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.  :tup:

Offline blackpowderhunter

  • Trade Count: (+5)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Apr 2014
  • Posts: 1056
  • Location: Renton
Re: help me upgrade my sonar/gps
« Reply #12 on: September 26, 2018, 09:08:46 AM »
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?

Offline Stein

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+11)
  • Explorer
  • ******
  • Join Date: Sep 2013
  • Posts: 12521
  • Location: Arlington
Re: help me upgrade my sonar/gps
« Reply #13 on: September 26, 2018, 10:19:28 AM »
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.

Offline lokidog

  • Trade Count: (+6)
  • Explorer
  • ******
  • Join Date: Mar 2009
  • Posts: 15186
  • Location: Sultan/Wisconsin
Re: help me upgrade my sonar/gps
« Reply #14 on: September 26, 2018, 01:01:57 PM »
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

 


* Advertisement

* Recent Topics

Springer 2024 Columbia River by dilleytech
[Today at 04:04:01 PM]


Springer Fishing Opportunity 3/29 & 3/30 by Blacklab
[Today at 12:48:56 PM]


Long Beach Clamming Tides by dilleytech
[Today at 12:39:19 PM]


Let’s see your best Washington buck by abhold87
[Today at 12:03:27 PM]


Bearpaw Season - Spring 2024 by bearpaw
[Today at 11:45:41 AM]


Walked a cougar down by Rainier10
[Today at 11:17:49 AM]


SB 5444 signed by Inslee on 03/26 Takes Effect on 06/06/24 by hughjorgan
[Today at 09:03:26 AM]


Average by lhrbull
[Today at 07:31:56 AM]


CVA optima V2 LR tapped hole for front sight by Remdawg
[Today at 07:09:22 AM]

SimplePortal 2.3.7 © 2008-2024, SimplePortal