Looking for a fish finder for my new 2019 Hobie PA14 2024
freelancer27 reply :
Hi guys!
I am absolutely stocked! I got an amazing deal on a basically new 2019 Pro Anger 14.
Now, to the next task of finding the right Fish Finder for my needs.
Since I am bit of a newbie in this regard, I am hoping to get some inputs from the community on this.
Requirements:
* At least 7 inch
* Down and side scanning
* good, robust quality
* Compatible with my hobie (I do not have the tools nor the know how to do a lot of custom work)
* Price should be (including the battery, transducer ) under 1000 USD
Thanks all!
Cheers,
Seb.
CountryboyinDC reply :
Congrats on your new kayak. A lot to consider. I believe that your kayak comes with the really neat retractable transducer shroud (don't remember what Hobie calls it) that will hold a side scanning transducer. I think it's supposed to be Lowrance specific, but I would bet that there are plenty of threads and videos of PA owners that have made it work with Hummingbird or Garmin transducers. I think it will be tough without finding a bargain to get a graph mounted with everything you've mentioned for under a grand. I'm not saying it can't be done, but you're going to have to keep your eyes open and buy what will work and is on sale rather than what you want. When Lowrance phased out the HDS Carbon, I got a 7 inch head unit with the TotalScan transducer for a grand. Add mounts and a battery, I'm in it $1,250 or so. Anything Hobie-specific is expensive and rarely on sale. But I would want to make use of the H rail and and other neat stuff on the PA. After all, that's why folks buy Hobie - it truly is better than the competition in a lot of cases. So I would say if buying the PA blew your budget, wait until you can get what you want or find a deal you can't pass up, and then enjoy what you end up with. If you buy a PA and then put a bargain graph on it, it'll be like getting a tricked out Winchester 52 and shooting high velocity Walmart ammo in it.
Dens228 reply :
Lowrance Hook2 Tripleshot w/Navionics $650
Lowrance Elite-7 Ti2 w/Navionics $820
Both are under $1,000.
I'd go with the Elite, mainly for the touch screen.
CountryboyinDC reply :
@Dens228 has a couple of reasonably good options; I didn't realize that the Elite line was so much less expensive than the HDS. You'd still be hard pressed to keep that under a grand, but especially with a creative battery solution, it could happen. I used the Noqua larger battery, and it would kind of blow out your budget.
freelancer27 reply :
Thanks guys!
I could go up a bit more if needed. I dont want to be frustrated in a couple of months when a couple of hundred bucks would have given me a much better option.
Options that I currently consider:
* Hummingbird Helix 7 MSI GPS G3 NAV
* Hummingbird Helix8 MSI+ GPS G3N
--> What is the difference between 'side imaging' and 'side imaging +'. Is it that the later just goes deeper, but has the same clarity, etc.?
* Lowrance Elite-7 Ti2 Fishfinder/Chartplotters
* Lowrance Elite-9 Ti2 Fishfinder/Chartplotters
What are your thoughts?
Hook2Jaw reply :
My Humminbird Helix 7 MSI GPS G3 NAV is an awesome unit and sits on my Hobie PA14. I don't think any other company has side imaging that is as good as Humminbirds.
freelancer27 reply :
On 12/24/2019 at 10:24 AM, Hook2Jaw said:My Humminbird Helix 7 MSI GPS G3 NAV is an awesome unit and sits on my Hobie PA14. I don't think any other company has side imaging that is as good as Humminbirds.
Cool! Yeah, I will go with that unit as well most likely.
Any suggestions for the installation? Any troubles fitting this into the Lowrance ready transducer box on the Hobie?
Thanks man!
Hook2Jaw reply :
On 12/24/2019 at 1:26 PM, freelancer27 said:Cool! Yeah, I will go with that unit as well most likely.
Any suggestions for the installation? Any troubles fitting this into the Lowrance ready transducer box on the Hobie?
Thanks man!
Man, it has been so long since I installed it. I have the old style transducer recess, I'm not sure if your boat has the Guardian system. If it does, you'd probably have to machine a way to install a different transducer in there.
The Guardian only likes Lowrance mounting, from what I understand.
If your boat doesn't have the Guardian transducer system, 60 bucks grabs a Berleypro transducer cover that'll work for the transducer that comes with the unit. Make sure the model numbers match up.
Fishingmickey reply :
Garmin 93SVplus 9" screen, sonar, side scan, down scan and chart plotter w/maps and transducer. Use the Ram mount 1.5" H-rail ball mount for the head and Ram's transducer mount (I mounted the ball on that accessory plate). 600.00 for the unit and a hundred plus or so for the mounts. Makes for a neat, clean and removable installation.
FM
freelancer27 reply :
On 12/24/2019 at 10:24 AM, Hook2Jaw said:My Humminbird Helix 7 MSI GPS G3 NAV is an awesome unit and sits on my Hobie PA14. I don't think any other company has side imaging that is as good as Humminbirds.
On 12/24/2019 at 10:50 PM, Fishingmickey said:Garmin 93SVplus 9" screen, sonar, side scan, down scan and chart plotter w/maps and transducer. Use the Ram mount 1.5" H-rail ball mount for the head and Ram's transducer mount (I mounted the ball on that accessory plate). 600.00 for the unit and a hundred plus or so for the mounts. Makes for a neat, clean and removable installation.
FM
Was today at the Westmarin in Marin City (their flagship store) and talked with a very knowledgable and objective guy there.
What I really did not understand before was that one needs a special transducer to get all of the special featues (mega side imaging, 3d scan, Live scope, etc.). And these transducers are quite big (unfit for a kayak) and cost another 1.5k USD on top of the fishfinder itself.
With all my research, I did not understand that. So was very happy to learn that.
He also walked me a bit through the different modesl (Hummingbird Helix, Lowrance Elite, Garmin Echomap and Raymarine Element).
He said that for his money he would go with the ECHOMAP™ UHD 93sv and the GT54UHD-TM Transducer which I could get for 999 USD (+ tax) or the Ray Marine Element with HV-100 Transom-Mount Transducer for 1050USD.
Would power it with this: NOCQUA Pro Power Kit Battery Pack 10.0 Ah
What do you guys think on the guy's input and the options?
Leaning towards the Garmin as of now.
Thanks all and Happy 2020!!!
Hook2Jaw reply :
I don't know the specifics on upgrading transducer models with the units themselves, all I can tell you is I've seen fish fins using my Humminbird Helix 7 MSI G3. I have a friend who used to use a Garmin Echomap, his terminals got destroyed by saltwater and he was not very pleased with the image quality.
From personal experience, I can tell you my Helix and the base transducer can give you awesome imaging.
freelancer27 reply :
On 1/1/2020 at 10:07 PM, Hook2Jaw said:I don't know the specifics on upgrading transducer models with the units themselves, all I can tell you is I've seen fish fins using my Humminbird Helix 7 MSI G3. I have a friend who used to use a Garmin Echomap, his terminals got destroyed by saltwater and he was not very pleased with the image quality.
From personal experience, I can tell you my Helix and the base transducer can give you awesome imaging.
The guy at Westmarine said that the imaging was more or less the same between all these units, since they were using the same kind of transducer (made by the same company). He also mentioned that the Hummingbird's connectors were a bit too wiggly and prone to let in water.
Hook2Jaw reply :
On 1/2/2020 at 4:02 AM, freelancer27 said:The guy at Westmarine said that the imaging was more or less the same between all these units, since they were using the same kind of transducer (made by the same company). He also mentioned that the Hummingbird's connectors were a bit too wiggly and prone to let in water.
My connections are not wiggly or prone to water intrusion, and Humminbird Mega Imaging operates at megahertz levels of frequency -- I have two friends, one who switched from Garmin to Humminbird, and another who switched from Lowrance. Those two persons would tell you that the Humminbird has better imaging than the units from other brands in the same price range.
freelancer27 reply :
On 1/2/2020 at 4:07 AM, Hook2Jaw said:My connections are not wiggly or prone to water intrusion, and Humminbird Mega Imaging operates at megahertz levels of frequency -- I have two friends, one who switched from Garmin to Humminbird, and another who switched from Lowrance. Those two persons would tell you that the Humminbird has better imaging than the units from other brands in the same price range.
Thanks for taking the time to respond!
Guess, I will have to go back to the store and play a bit more with the units. In the demos I have not seen too big of a difference between the units tbh. The touch screen of the Garmin is nice (not sure how that would behave with some water/ rain on it though). The Hummingbird's UIX is a bit more confusing to me at the start. The Garmin looks simpler, but also a bit less appealing.
freelancer27 reply :
Was at Westmarine today again and played with all their Fish Finder for about 1h.
Here my latest take:
* Hummingbird:
+ Slightly better side imaging than Lowrance
- Completely confusing User Interface
- Unit (Helix series) just felt and looked cheap
* Raymarine Element
+ Great build quality
+ 3d scan included in base transducer
- some limitations in setting up custom graph combinations
- side and down imaging did not feel as detailed as Humming bird or Lowrance
* Lowrance Elite
+ Decent build quality
+ Touch screen was good
+ UX is the best amongst all units
+ Decent side imaging (behind the Hummingbird) and great down imaging
- Heard some stories that the Lowrance were prone to break
* Garmin Echomaps
+ Good touch screen
+ Good UX
- Graphs looked a bit less detailed than all the above
The guy at WestMarine said that they were going to LA to get trained on the new Lowrance units that will come out in March.
Right now I am torn between the Lowrance (because of the best UX) and the Raymarine (because it has the 3D scan). Will probably wait till I have more info on what Lowrance is coming out with soon.
Cheers.
jw90 reply :
I'm in the same boat as you. Looking for a nice unit for my PA12. Really want to take advantage of the guardian system. Was most interested in a Hummingbird Helix or Garmin. As far as mounting the transducer to the guardian system, Hobie has a page with some templates you can print out and trace/cut/drill. From their website: Support > Product Support > Choose your kayak > under manuals/parts guide choose transducer mounting templates for Hobie guardian. They only have a couple lowrance, ray marine, and one for hummingbird.
freelancer27 reply :
On 1/4/2020 at 4:40 AM, jw90 said:I'm in the same boat as you. Looking for a nice unit for my PA12. Really want to take advantage of the guardian system. Was most interested in a Hummingbird Helix or Garmin. As far as mounting the transducer to the guardian system, Hobie has a page with some templates you can print out and trace/cut/drill. From their website: Support > Product Support > Choose your kayak > under manuals/parts guide choose transducer mounting templates for Hobie guardian. They only have a couple lowrance, ray marine, and one for hummingbird.
Cool, that should come in handy! Thanks a lot for sharing!
What are you going with and why?
jw90 reply :
I was thinking of the helix 9. Want something with a good size screen. The mega imaging looks amazing and I like the maps and different features that hummingbird has. I do look at Garmin a lot though, but most likely will end up going with hummingbird. Both look amazing though.
freelancer27 reply :
On 1/4/2020 at 6:57 AM, jw90 said:I was thinking of the helix 9. Want something with a good size screen. The mega imaging looks amazing and I like the maps and different features that hummingbird has. I do look at Garmin a lot though, but most likely will end up going with hummingbird. Both look amazing though.
Have you played with the Helix 9 in store? I did and the user interface was super confusing to say the least. The build quality and the cable connectors in the back were also fairly poor for such an expensive unit.
I think I am almost decided on the Raymarine 9.
+ Has almost as good side and down imaging as the Helix
++ Has 3D scan by default in the included transducer
+ is super robust build
+ Super bright display
+ I hear a lot of good things about the Raymarine customer service, compared to others (especially Lowrance)
Only thing that I am not super happy about (not sure what impact this would have) is the missing touch screen.
I found the Raymarine for 899 USD shipped.
jw90 reply :
I've messed around with most brands in the store. Hummingbird definitely isn't as user-friendly as the other brands, but I think once you turn off some of the screen options you don't want and configure your presets, it wouldn't be too bad. I haven't checked out the connections in the back though.
Hawkeye21 reply :
I bought myself a new fish finder for Christmas and decided on the Garmin 73sv after looking the last few years. I haven't used it on the water yet but I've enjoyed messing around with it in my garage. The touch screen is nice and everything is easy to use. I like how the unit pops out of the mount easy so it can be stored without messing with unhooking any cables. The compatibility with Panotpics was also a selling feature for me in case I decide to upgrade to it some day. After looking for a long time I was able to find a brand new unit on eBay for $469 and also got 10%. After tax I think I spent a total of about $449 on it. Pretty sweet deal.
freelancer27 reply :
On 1/5/2020 at 12:33 AM, Hawkeye21 said:I bought myself a new fish finder for Christmas and decided on the Garmin 73sv after looking the last few years. I haven't used it on the water yet but I've enjoyed messing around with it in my garage. The touch screen is nice and everything is easy to use. I like how the unit pops out of the mount easy so it can be stored without messing with unhooking any cables. The compatibility with Panotpics was also a selling feature for me in case I decide to upgrade to it some day. After looking for a long time I was able to find a brand new unit on eBay for $469 and also got 10%. After tax I think I spent a total of about $449 on it. Pretty sweet deal.
Nice. Sounds like a good deal!
The reasons why I am probably staying away from Garmin are:
* No real down scan (they stich side scan together, which does not always give an accurate picture)
* The overall picture quality was inferior in my opinion comparing to the others
* I will most likely not upgrade to panoptic (so no motivation for me)
Different horses for different courses I think 
Dens228 reply :
On 1/5/2020 at 1:03 AM, freelancer27 said:Nice. Sounds like a good deal!
The reasons why I am probably staying away from Garmin are:
* No real down scan (they stich side scan together, which does not always give an accurate picture)
* The overall picture quality was inferior in my opinion comparing to the others
* I will most likely not upgrade to panoptic (so no motivation for me)
Different horses for different courses I think
I wasn't aware of the no real down scan concern. I just did a little research and am quoting this from another forum.
So after a lot of reading about this, here is what I have learned. The GT transducers all have a dedicated down viewing crystal. The CV (clear vu) transducers do not, they use the side ducer and software stitching (as explained in the video). If anyone is concerned about not having a dedicated crystal, they can purchase a GT transducer and it will work fine. In fact, from what I’ve read, a lot of CV owners are now contacting Garmin to try and replace their CV transducers. The lawsuit does not prohibit Garmin from selling the GT transducer separate, only from bundling it with the unit. Check your ducer. If it’s the GT model you are good.
freelancer27 reply :
On 1/5/2020 at 3:32 AM, Dens228 said:I wasn't aware of the no real down scan concern. I just did a little research and am quoting this from another forum.
So after a lot of reading about this, here is what I have learned. The GT transducers all have a dedicated down viewing crystal. The CV (clear vu) transducers do not, they use the side ducer and software stitching (as explained in the video). If anyone is concerned about not having a dedicated crystal, they can purchase a GT transducer and it will work fine. In fact, from what I’ve read, a lot of CV owners are now contacting Garmin to try and replace their CV transducers. The lawsuit does not prohibit Garmin from selling the GT transducer separate, only from bundling it with the unit. Check your ducer. If it’s the GT model you are good.
Good to know! Thanks for the clarification!
Hawkeye21 reply :
On 1/5/2020 at 3:32 AM, Dens228 said:I wasn't aware of the no real down scan concern. I just did a little research and am quoting this from another forum.
So after a lot of reading about this, here is what I have learned. The GT transducers all have a dedicated down viewing crystal. The CV (clear vu) transducers do not, they use the side ducer and software stitching (as explained in the video). If anyone is concerned about not having a dedicated crystal, they can purchase a GT transducer and it will work fine. In fact, from what I’ve read, a lot of CV owners are now contacting Garmin to try and replace their CV transducers. The lawsuit does not prohibit Garmin from selling the GT transducer separate, only from bundling it with the unit. Check your ducer. If it’s the GT model you are good.
I made sure I purchased the GT transducer.
Dens228 reply :
After spending way too much time looking at the Lowrance Elite 7 Ti2 and the Garmin Echomap UHD 73 sv side my side I pulled the trigger on the Garmin.
The imaging seemed a little crisper and the transducer is a little smaller.
I really wanted the Fish Reveal of the Lowrance but it wasn't enough to overcome the Garmin.
Now I just need the water to be ice free.........lol
jaimeastin reply :
On 1/11/2020 at 10:28 PM, Dens228 said:After spending way too much time looking at the Lowrance Elite 7 Ti2 and the Garmin Echomap UHD 73 sv side my side I pulled the trigger on the Garmin.
The imaging seemed a little crisper and the transducer is a little smaller.
I really wanted the Fish Reveal of the Lowrance but it wasn't enough to overcome the Garmin.
Now I just need the water to be ice free.........lol
Great choice. You can always add panoptics one day... Maybe Garmin will make their own fish reveal. Even just and overlay would be nice.
Garmin has the best user interface to me... The touchscreens are actually useful and not just an afterthought like with other devices. I think mega is beautiful, but I just wasn't impressed with the units. I have livescope and upgraded to the UHD transducer. It's not mega, but it is still very good 
Dens228 reply :
On 1/12/2020 at 12:19 PM, jaimeastin said:Great choice. You can always add panoptics one day... Maybe Garmin will make their own fish reveal. Even just and overlay would be nice.
Garmin has the best user interface to me... The touchscreens are actually useful and not just an afterthought like with other devices. I think mega is beautiful, but I just wasn't impressed with the units. I have livescope and upgraded to the UHD transducer. It's not mega, but it is still very good
Now I just need to get good at reading the sidescan!
jaimeastin reply :
On 1/12/2020 at 10:13 PM, Dens228 said:Now I just need to get good at reading the sidescan!
Get out there and play with it... Yep, no fishing, just messing with it. Do it every season so you learn in different conditions what settings to change
Dens228 reply :
On 1/13/2020 at 12:48 AM, jaimeastin said:Get out there and play with it... Yep, no fishing, just messing with it. Do it every season so you learn in different conditions what settings to change
As soon as I won't be skating my kayak on top of the ice!
freelancer27 reply :
Looked loong and strong at the Garmins, but I feel that they are last in terms of picture quality (at least what I have seen at the WestMarine demo units). I agree that touch screen is super helpful on the water when one wants to operate a unit very fast.
My current ordered list is:
1. Raymarine Element 9HV (best combo of usability, picture quality, features and build quality)
2. Lowrance Elite Ti 9 (great usability, a bit behind in picture quality behind Hummingbird Helix and Raymarine Element)
3. Hummingbird Helix (best picture quality. Felt the usability was the worst and the build quality as well)
4. Garmin Echomap (good build quality, good usability and build. Poor picture quality)
Waiting for some sales on the Raymarine or Lowrance and then will probably pull the trigger on one of the two.
jaimeastin reply :
On 1/13/2020 at 9:25 AM, freelancer27 said:Looked loong and strong at the Garmins, but I feel that they are last in terms of picture quality (at least what I have seen at the WestMarine demo units). I agree that touch screen is super helpful on the water when one wants to operate a unit very fast.
My current ordered list is:
1. Raymarine Element 9HV (best combo of usability, picture quality, features and build quality)
2. Lowrance Elite Ti 9 (great usability, a bit behind in picture quality behind Hummingbird Helix and Raymarine Element)
3. Hummingbird Helix (best picture quality. Felt the usability was the worst and the build quality as well)
4. Garmin Echomap (good build quality, good usability and build. Poor picture quality)
Waiting for some sales on the Raymarine or Lowrance and then will probably pull the trigger on one of the two.
Garmin is not the best with pictures.. I showed what you get with their best package. Hummingbird's Mega is the best picture out there, but I do not like the interface at all. Nothing beats livescope in action. Garmin has done me well with customer service and they product quality. With all that said, I still use my monochrome Garmin echo 150, 200 , striker 43cv, and the this super terrible lowrance color unit. There is only so much I really need from the fish finder.
Everyone has different opinions and we all catch fish. Keep on trying our units and get the one that fits you the most.
Boomstick reply :
I'm starting to look at fish finders as well for a kayak I'm planning to buy and rig out and I am likely going with a Garmin Echomap 74sv or 94sv or the largest that I feel I can comfortably fit really. I chose the Garmin because it doesn't break the bank too badly and I have always found them extremely easy to use. The picture quality isn't the best, but I imagine that won't be too much of an issue to be honest, also I can afford a 9" where I would be looking at a Raymarine Element 7HV or a Lawrence HDS 5 for the same price, and the larger screen should help with my inability to see anything in the sun.
freelancer27 reply :
On 1/13/2020 at 11:27 PM, Boomstick said:I'm starting to look at fish finders as well for a kayak I'm planning to buy and rig out and I am likely going with a Garmin Echomap 74sv or 94sv or the largest that I feel I can comfortably fit really. I chose the Garmin because it doesn't break the bank too badly and I have always found them extremely easy to use. The picture quality isn't the best, but I imagine that won't be too much of an issue to be honest, also I can afford a 9" where I would be looking at a Raymarine Element 7HV or a Lawrence HDS 5 for the same price, and the larger screen should help with my inability to see anything in the sun.
I would highly suggest to go into a WestMarine (or similar) and check out the units out in person. The Garmin is solid, but I feel that if one does not use the Panoptix, there are better options (for the same price) available.
Boomstick reply :
On 1/14/2020 at 12:42 AM, freelancer27 said:I would highly suggest to go into a WestMarine (or similar) and check out the units out in person. The Garmin is solid, but I feel that if one does not use the Panoptix, there are better options (for the same price) available.
I have, which is why I like the Garmin. I thought it was cake to use.
freelancer27 reply :
On 1/14/2020 at 12:45 AM, Boomstick said:I have, which is why I like the Garmin. I thought it was cake to use.
Have you compared it to the Lowrance (touch) or Raymarine Element (non-touch)? What makes you favor the Garmin?
Boomstick reply :
On 1/14/2020 at 3:43 AM, freelancer27 said:Have you compared it to the Lowrance (touch) or Raymarine Element (non-touch)? What makes you favor the Garmin?
I liked the interface of the Garmin. I could sit down and figure it out without having to read the manual or waste any time. Even my kids could figure out how to use it in the same amount of time. The other model I was considering was the Lowrance HDS as well, but you know the price difference.
The one I did not get my hands on was a Raymarine Element, and I have heard good things about them, but at the same time I can get a Garmin for 60% the price too.
freelancer27 reply :
On 1/14/2020 at 7:25 AM, Boomstick said:I liked the interface of the Garmin. I could sit down and figure it out without having to read the manual or waste any time. Even my kids could figure out how to use it in the same amount of time. The other model I was considering was the Lowrance HDS as well, but you know the price difference.
The one I did not get my hands on was a Raymarine Element, and I have heard good things about them, but at the same time I can get a Garmin for 60% the price too.
Yeah,
Garmin, Lowrance and Raymarine have very easy to understand user interfaces. If the Raymarine Element had the touchscreen it would be the ultimate one. But even without touchscreen it feels like it is a pretty d**n good deal.
The moments where a touch screen would be particularly helpful are:
* Quickly Setting a way point on a particular part of the screen
* Quickly scrolling through the past graphs (down, side imaging)
* Quickly zooming in
Again, all of these can be done fairly well with other devices as well. Touch just makes it a bit easier and quicker.
jaimeastin reply :
On 1/14/2020 at 9:24 AM, freelancer27 said:Yeah,
Garmin, Lowrance and Raymarine have very easy to understand user interfaces. If the Raymarine Element had the touchscreen it would be the ultimate one. But even without touchscreen it feels like it is a pretty d**n good deal.
The moments where a touch screen would be particularly helpful are:
* Quickly Setting a way point on a particular part of the screen
* Quickly scrolling through the past graphs (down, side imaging)
* Quickly zooming in
Again, all of these can be done fairly well with other devices as well. Touch just makes it a bit easier and quicker.
I didn't think I would use touchscreen... Boy way I wrong. I use it all the time... Not just with livescope. I use it when I am patrolling on the console. I will mark spots. On the bow, I am marking spots and zooming in with livescope. My bottoms are hardly used.
I disagree with one user that without panoptics, there are better. I tested many units,even bout s lowrance unit that I thought I would used with my Garmin units. The lowrance touch units were not as easy register touch. Garmin had the best interface, no questions. Lowrance feels cheaper. Ray marine is just a lowrance unit for a different market. I was never impressed with Ray marine.
Garmin sells one of the very best value packages. You can get a 9"screen for $600. You keep saying that Garmin doesn't have the best picture, but I have get to regret the picture I get. I still catch fish. I still see the structure that I need to see to determine where I want to fish. Down and side imaging only let's see sea structure... It is d traditional that gives you some of the very best information. Seriously, if it's not lifescope, you're not going to be wasting that much time on the sonar while you're fishing.
Livecope is the only thing add truly encourages you to watch the screen so much. I try not to do it as it sometimes unfair, but it's just so amazing to see in action. Otherwise all the fish finders do the same. hummingbird has some of the best imaging, but the interface lacks intuitive precision. a screen so nice yet lacks touch or any intuitive actions to get in and get out. Lawrence is not as easy either. could not believe the men you have to go through to get the basic actions that you just get out of garmin.
freelancer27 reply :
On 1/14/2020 at 12:06 PM, jaimeastin said:I didn't think I would use touchscreen... Boy way I wrong. I use it all the time... Not just with livescope. I use it when I am patrolling on the console. I will mark spots. On the bow, I am marking spots and zooming in with livescope. My bottoms are hardly used.
I disagree with one user that without panoptics, there are better. I tested many units,even bout s lowrance unit that I thought I would used with my Garmin units. The lowrance touch units were not as easy register touch. Garmin had the best interface, no questions. Lowrance feels cheaper. Ray marine is just a lowrance unit for a different market. I was never impressed with Ray marine.
Garmin sells one of the very best value packages. You can get a 9"screen for $600. You keep saying that Garmin doesn't have the best picture, but I have get to regret the picture I get. I still catch fish. I still see the structure that I need to see to determine where I want to fish. Down and side imaging only let's see sea structure... It is d traditional that gives you some of the very best information. Seriously, if it's not lifescope, you're not going to be wasting that much time on the sonar while you're fishing.
Livecope is the only thing add truly encourages you to watch the screen so much. I try not to do it as it sometimes unfair, but it's just so amazing to see in action. Otherwise all the fish finders do the same. hummingbird has some of the best imaging, but the interface lacks intuitive precision. a screen so nice yet lacks touch or any intuitive actions to get in and get out. Lawrence is not as easy either. could not believe the men you have to go through to get the basic actions that you just get out of garmin.
Which transducer are you using? Probably would not fit in the transducer slot of the Hobie.. 
jaimeastin reply :
On 1/14/2020 at 1:24 PM, freelancer27 said:Which transducer are you using? Probably would not fit in the transducer slot of the Hobie..
I am using one of the GT UHD transducers. I just looked at the new Bass Pro Catalog.
Garmin has the new EchoMap UHD units that come with the Ultra Hi-Res transducer without having to purchase the add-on like I did.
Also, Lowrance has the new Hook Reveal. The hook series now have fish reveal. That s not bad.
That's the way it goes.. You wait, you get better.
freelancer27 reply :
On 1/16/2020 at 5:27 AM, jaimeastin said:I am using one of the GT UHD transducers. I just looked at the new Bass Pro Catalog.
Garmin has the new EchoMap UHD units that come with the Ultra Hi-Res transducer without having to purchase the add-on like I did.
Also, Lowrance has the new Hook Reveal. The hook series now have fish reveal. That s not bad.
That's the way it goes.. You wait, you get better.
Interesting. Though 1800 USD is a bit too rich for my taste for a Fish finder on a Kayak, plus the transducer would not fit the Hobie either.
Talked with a Lowrance guy about the new Hook Reveal. He said it does not have any significant features that the TI2 series would not have.
Fishingmickey reply :
On 1/16/2020 at 6:14 AM, freelancer27 said:Interesting. Though 1800 USD is a bit too rich for my taste for a Fish finder on a Kayak, plus the transducer would not fit the Hobie either.
Talked with a Lowrance guy about the new Hook Reveal. He said it does not have any significant features that the TI2 series would not have.
The Garmin 93sv Echomap UHD w/transducer retails for 1049.
FM
freelancer27 reply :
On 1/16/2020 at 7:05 AM, Fishingmickey said:The Garmin 93sv Echomap UHD w/transducer retails for 1049.
FM
Do these have the Ultra Hi-Res transducer?
jaimeastin reply :
On 1/16/2020 at 7:47 AM, freelancer27 said:Do these have the Ultra Hi-Res transducer?
Yes
Fishingmickey reply :
On 1/16/2020 at 7:47 AM, freelancer27 said:Do these have the Ultra Hi-Res transducer?
As Jamie said it does. It is also panoptix live scope capable. The GPS store has the 93SV UHD w/transducer with navonics maps and panaoptix in a bundle for just over 2K. If you bought them separately. It's 899 for the 93SV, 349 for the UHD Transducer and 1499 for Panoptix.
jaimeastin reply :
On 1/17/2020 at 1:11 AM, Fishingmickey said:As Jamie said it does. It is also panoptix live scope capable. The GPS store has the 93SV UHD w/transducer with navonics maps and panaoptix in a bundle for just over 2K. If you bought them separately. It's 899 for the 93SV, 349 for the UHD Transducer and 1499 for Panoptix.
Not bad...
I paid $1200 for two 93SV, no UHD and the old g2, non navionics maps
I paid $390 for the GVC 20 blackbox and gt34 UHD, used on eBay.
I paid $1500 for livescope.
Only this I got out of the bunch is networking..one would still need to buy that..
Which buy the way I made my own networking package. Many people have inquired about getting one. I will have all the details this weekend or next week. Saves well over $150 or move than going with Garmin.
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