Which GPS/ff combo?

[Cr810]

I am new to the forum and just purchased a new boat which will be used mainly for stipers, fluke, and tog. Looking to upgrade some electronics. I want the lowrance hds 7 with downscan and side imaging. Trying to figure out to go with the touch version or the regular one. Anyone have any advice?

[Gerry Zagorski]

Not familiar with this specific unit but I have the Raymarine Hybrid touch and in my opinion, the touch screen makes it a lot easier and more intuative to use.

[CaptJohn]

I have the Garmin 546s, not touch screen, but excellent unit.

[JerseyHooker.Com]

I have had customer complain about the touch screen when its cold out and their hads are hot !!!! not working right ... thats only about 3% hds is the way to go if you interested in a quote let me know

Good Luck

[Gerry Zagorski]

I can see the touch screens being an issue in the cold with gloves on. Key is to have a "hybrid" touch screen which gives you actual menu buttons as well as touch screen menus. Best of both worlds in my opinion.

Good luck with your choice. Only other advice I have is to buy the largest one you can afford and try to mount it in a place where you can view it from the helm as well as the cockpit so you can see it while fishing too.

[Cr810]

thanks guys. i currently have a garmin 488 which was purchased in 04. seems to still work fine. i just bought the boat and got a really good deal on it so looking to spend some money on new electronics and possibly a custom hardtop. i was favoring the hds 7. im thinking no touch after further research. the gps in the boat now is flush mounted. i was going to mount the new unit on top of the gauges next to the compass and the vhf. this should give a good view from the back of the boat.

jersey hooker: if you could get me a quote on the hds 7 gen 2 with structure scan that would be great

thanks guys

[Gerry Zagorski]

Before you mount the unit next to the compass you might want to make sure it does not effect your compass heading since metal items placed too close to a compass can throw it off.

[Cr810]

Thanks for the heads up Gerry.