Questions About the "New Technology" Fishfinders

[flyrod]

So I am having problems with my older Raymarine unit (transducer issues) and I am researching upgrading to something with newer technology. My question is what is more useful on SML, side-scan or Chrip?  I get totally confused by some of the specs for the new Lowrance and Garmin offerings.  I am leaning toward a Lowrance but I am wondering if any folks here have some input that could be helpful.  I have read all of the recent threads on the subject but still don't have a clear understanding of Side-scan vs Chrip and what Gen 3 brings to the table other than touchscreen operation. Don't have $2000 to spend would like to stay near or under $1000 and still get  a 7" screen.  Also my Raymarine Chart Plotter works fine so I am reluctant to spend money on that functionality but I don't see any of the newer Lowrance units with the X indicating fishfinder only.  Any input is appreciated.

Thanks.

[mwardncsu]

Sidescan vs CHIRP - two totally different things.

In simple terms, CHIRP is just "regular" sonar, but in which the frequency is varied quickly across pulses - which can help with better target resolution due to the varied frequencies and how objects reflect to it. It is incrementally better than traditional single frequency sonar, or "Broadband" sonar (which is really just a lot of signal processing & filtering on the received reflected sonar returns) - but in the depths we fish, questionable how much better it may be.

If you had to choose, in my view sidescan is the 1st priority, as whatever you go with that would be sidescan capable, would have a good "regular" sonar function as well. Sidescan is going to help you see those fish to the left & right outside the cone of your regular sonar - so you know if there were fish "just over there" and could re-position the boat to target them. When catching live-bait it is even that much more valuable.

If looking at side-scan, DO NOT go less than a 7" screen - and honestly even at 7" it can sometimes be marginal - but it will work.

The Lowrance HDS Gen3 does a few things
- has touch-screen (which the Gen2 had)
- but it also adds back buttons so you can navigate & control the unit via the touchscreen OR buttons - sometimes one is better than the other - buttons are useful when you're on plane and bouncing around and can't get the precision you need with a touchscreen - or, when its winter and you have gloves on your hands
-Gen 2 & Gen3 has integrated Side-scan - no seperate box - just plug the StructureScan xducer into the back of the unit (though you have to make sure the bundle you buy has the StructureScan transducer - else you have to purchase this seperately
- Gen3 has integrated CHIRP (available for Gen2 via an external SonarHub module)
- Gen3 (*I think*) has integrated WiFi - so you can connect your SmartPhone to the unit and display the sonar screen - could be useful with a wrist holder for the phone when jigging as an example.... and they are starting to offer "apps" that add functionality to the unit when accessible via WiFi

Not sure they make any of the newer units in a "X" only - they did do a "M" (map only) model of the Gen2 - but don't get an "X" even if you can - eventually that RayMarine will crap out - and/or you'll have a need to drop waypoints from sonar on the chart, etc.... nice feature of the HDS is "trackback" and you can scroll through the sonar output screen, and it will show on the chart screen when something way - great when trying to get back on fish.

[flyrod]

Thanks for the info it helps a lot! I guess I need to save up some more and spring for the Gen 3 unit hopefully in 9" screen size but I am going to have to either talk my wife into spending the extra or perhaps beg for forgiveness after the fact!

[mwardncsu]

This could be an interesting deal for you......

HDS12m Gen 2 Sonarhub Bundle

HDS12m
Sonarhub
Navionics plus card


Unless it sold already, BOE Marine (www.BOEMarine.com) had one of these left as of yesterday - I think the price is $1999. You'd need to add the StructureScan xducer - which would be several hundred $$$, but that's a heck of a deal on an HDS12 Touch unit. You'd need to give them a call and ask for Brian as it may be hard to find on the website.

The 12M is a no-sonar unit, but you connect it to the SonarHub module which gets you CHIRP sonar and StructureScan (Side & down scan).

[flyrod]

Thanks, I've been away on a business trip but will check it out.