Fish Finders / GPS combo, which one do you use and why?

[Swampcreek]

Looking to get a si/di/gps combo. Helix 7 or 9. Or something in that range. I'm all new to this so I know nothing. Whats the ups and downs on side imaging? Is it worth it? Trying to get some education from some of you that has figured it out.
Also, is it worth getting one refurbished for cheaper?

[Hollywood]

I strictly fish salt water and I have a Garmin 73SV which is the fresh water version and I added the Garmin Vision G2 Blue Charts chip to it that enhanced all the mapping and bottom contours, I absolutely love it for the inshore and offshore fishing we do. I can say with the Side imaging in deeper water you are able to see how large an area a structure covers and with the new down imaging and side imaging on a split screen the picture quality is amazing. I feel all three brands are good however the Lowrance will have two transducers for the side and down imaging but Humminbird and Garmin do it with only one transducer. I know you can get the Garmin 74SV"which has the Blue Charts preloaded" for $1099.99 at Bass Pro and if you apply for and get instantly approved for a Bass Pro Credit card you could save $110. I feel buying new is always better on an electronic because of the warranty you get and you can also purchase a three year replacement plan with us at Bass Pro Shops that will give you the option to purchase the same replacement or buy a different one if you choose. If you come by ask for Chris, I am the Receiving and Customer Service Manager.

[doomtrpr_z71]

I have the helix 7 di/GPS and love, I prefer the di imaging myself for in shore. I like refurbished electronics myself but my helix came from the amazon warehouse section for $398 new, the box was just damaged. I'd spend the extra for si for offshore use plus you'll need a mapping chip. That's all I can complain about, the unimap that's standard isn't that great for inshore maps, I just use opencpn to load points for the oyster bars etc.

[countrycorners]

anyone have a Lowrance Hook 7?
I'm trying to decide between Hook and Humminbird.

[doomtrpr_z71]

anyone have a Lowrance Hook 7?
I'm trying to decide between Hook and Humminbird.

I prefer the helix since you can get side imaging, you can get a chirp transducer for the hook but it's extra and you can't get si. The hook base map is even more basic than uni map, at least in my area.

[tallykenj]

Side imaging is awesome.

[UFBeef]

I have a NSS7 Evo2, love it. I used to be a Garmin guy but the user interface was not what I wanted from the newer Garmin units. The Simrad is pretty amazing and does way more than I have figured out. The ability to hook chirp and side vu up without a sounder box or any extra equipment is nice, especially with limited room on a flats boat.

[countrycorners]

with the Helix, what is the value of SI in shallow water. I fish salt, 'bout 2 to 10 feet.

[countrycorners]

oops

[Scout-Fisher]

I just recently purchased the Vision G2 Blue Chart for my Garmin and I can't tell that it has enhanced my maps or bottom contours. Has anybody else had this problem? Any suggestions? I fish mainly inshore.

[TomParis]

I have a question with models like these two,

http://www.humminbird.com/Products/HELIX-5-SONAR-GPS/

https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/on-the- ... 28819.html


Can you enter in GPS coordinates like for example ones that are posted on this website and it will guide you to it, or are they only able to mark locations you have already visited?

[doomtrpr_z71]

I know you can with the helix. You just use hummingbird PC to enter them with a SD card.

[TomParis]

ok thanks for the information

[gaboy1985]

Question...What causes a depth finder to automatically turn off when boat gets on plane? Works fine drifting but when running the machine turns off everytime

[DEMON]

ok thanks for the information

Any modern GPS will allow you to enter coordinates manually at the unit. Easiest way is probably to "mark" your current position & the edit the mark by changing to the coordinates you are wanting. Using the computer & transferring is even easier if you have the software & knowledge to do so.