We like the HDS but it's time to upgrade. Would like something with a larger screen and the capability of using the navonics chip we currently have. Not sure of budget but let's say $1000-$1500.

What'cha got?

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Posted by PillageUrVillage

Mordor

Member since Mar 2011

15312 posts

Posted on 11/20/17 at 1:40 pm to Coon

If money weren't an option, I'd get a Humminbird Solix. But in your price range the Helix probably has a few models that fall in that range.

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Posted by CP3

Baton Rouge

Member since Sep 2009

7504 posts

Posted on 11/20/17 at 2:20 pm to Coon

New gen HDS is what I would do. You'll already be used to it and the new gens are good to go.

Simrad is tGoat IMO, but that's strictly speaking for their offshore units. I don't know much about their smaller/inshore line

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Posted by Itismemc

Member since Nov 2008

4765 posts

Posted on 11/20/17 at 2:34 pm to Coon

Lowrance the new hooks are awesome if you're not worried about networking

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Posted by Coon

La 56 Southbound

Member since Feb 2005

18543 posts

Posted on 11/20/17 at 2:37 pm to CP3

we have the transducer ran to the rear of the boat and the power cord. Would those be interchangeable (plug and play) with the new gen HDS?

also, i'm seeing some HDS9's for ~$1100 with no transducer and some for ~$2000. could the transducer i have be used for the new one?

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Posted by CP3

Baton Rouge

Member since Sep 2009

7504 posts

Posted on 11/20/17 at 2:41 pm to Coon

Most likely. We upgraded our hdi 7 to a gen 3 hds 9 and both the old transducer and power cable were plug-n-play. I'm pretty sure Lowrance has a standard 7 or 9 pin transducer connector (blue). Should be able to look at the connection you have now and compare to pic of new hds ports

This post was edited on 11/20/17 at 2:42 pm

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Posted by Itismemc

Member since Nov 2008

4765 posts

Posted on 11/20/17 at 2:41 pm to Coon

I misspoke it's the hook 2 series, the Elite TI is nice as well. Touch screen on the elites is awesome.

I run Gen2 HDS's and have no problems with them even if they are 2 generations behind.

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Posted by jimjackandjose

Member since Jun 2011

6626 posts

Posted on 11/20/17 at 3:18 pm to Itismemc

selling the old one? I'd be interested if the GPS works

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Posted by cbr900racer22

City of Central, LA.

Member since Sep 2009

1359 posts

Posted on 11/20/17 at 3:20 pm to Coon

quote:
we have the transducer ran to the rear of the boat and the power cord. Would those be interchangeable (plug and play) with the new gen HDS?

Yes. If I was you I would get the HDS Gen3 head unit only. That will be in your range. The only thing I would consider is the total scan transducer.

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Posted by CP3

Baton Rouge

Member since Sep 2009

7504 posts

Posted on 11/20/17 at 4:00 pm to cbr900racer22

I think cabelas has gen 3 7" with structure scan transducer included on sale. $7-800 if I remember correctly

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Posted by cbr900racer22

City of Central, LA.

Member since Sep 2009

1359 posts

Posted on 11/20/17 at 4:19 pm to CP3

Thats a good deal if so.

OP should be able to get a 9" in his price range. Head unit only.

Call Brian at BBG Marine. That's who I buy from and he has a lot of specials going on.

This post was edited on 11/20/17 at 4:25 pm

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Posted by cbr900racer22

City of Central, LA.

Member since Sep 2009

1359 posts

Posted on 11/20/17 at 4:22 pm to cbr900racer22

LOWRANCE HDS GEN3'S ON SALE NOW WHILE SUPPLIES LAST ! FOLLOW THE LINKS BELOW.

HDS7 GEN3 Insight USA NO transducer / 11784 / 54203 - $599.00
LINK

HDS7 GEN3 Insight USA 83/200khz / 11785 / 54204 --$679.00
LINK

HDS7 GEN3 Insight USA / Totalscan / 13263 / 62045 --$819.00
LINK

HDS7 GEN3 Insight USA/ 3D structure scan / 12914 / 59599 -$1299.00
LINK

HDS9 GEN3 Insight USA No Transducer / 11789 / 54208 --$1109.00
LINK

HDS9 GEN3 Insight USA 83/200khz / 11790 / 54209 -- $1169.00
LINK

HDS9 GEN3 Insight USA / Totalscan / 13265 / 62042 --$1329.00
LINK

HDS9 GEN3 Insight USA / 3D structure scan / 12915 / 59600 --$1749.00
LINK

HDS12 GEN3 Insight USA NO Transducer / 11794 / 54217 ---$1949.00
LINK

HDS12 GEN3 Insight USA 83/200khz / 11795 / 54218 --$2029.00
LINK

HDS12 GEN3 Insight USA / Totalscan / 13267 / 62041 --$2219.00
LINK

HDS12 GEN3 Insight USA/3D Structure scan / 12916 / 59601 --$2599.00
LINK

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Posted by WHODAT514

Walker, La

Member since Mar 2012

1891 posts

Posted on 11/20/17 at 4:27 pm to cbr900racer22

get a hds gen 3 and keep the current transducer it will work. also pair it with a good map card. I can help you with that.

I sent you a message on group me..check it

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Posted by GeauxFast

Gonzales, LA.

Member since Dec 2007

97 posts

Posted on 12/3/17 at 10:25 am to WHODAT514

Whodat, I need to get with you on a map card. What’s the best way?

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Posted by CHEDBALLZ

South Central LA