Lowrance HDS Gen2 Touch Series?

Bigtalljv · 11 June 2013, 19:36

Hi,

As my hull refurb slows down I am starting to think about all the expensive stuff I am going to need when it's a boat. Somewhere in the past I had determined that I wanted a Lowrance HDS series unit. I am planning on adding radar to it and now it looks like my suzuki outboard will be able to connect to it as well.

Other than cost is there any reason not to go with an HDS Gen2 touch system? I'm looking for GPS and bottom finding for diving. GPS and radar for those 30 mile trips to the California Channel Islands, and radar because of that one time I got caught in fog outside the Long Beach harbor.

Also what's the story on transducers? Which frequency do I want? I'm thinking about a through-hull since I have a hole already in the bottom of the hull. There was a drain plug but it's fused shut so I need to fill it with something.

thanks,
Jason

willk · 11 June 2013, 21:33

It's an interesting bit of kit.

From a diver's perspective, interesting because for $199 you can add StructureScan (the Gen2 Touch version has the head unit built-in). You will need a $80 thru-hull ducer in tandem with the StuctureScan transom skimmer.

You are already aware of the NMEA2000-engine benefits.

Lowrance Radar is supposed to be good. I don't see much benefit for a RIB in the G4 kit - save a few bucks and go G3 (looks like a marketing hike to me).

The Gen2 also integrates nicely with the SonicHub, if you want music onboard.

Installers tell me that Lowrance tend to leave you a bit short of cabling, so the costs can bump up over a major install.

Lowrance also have a nice GPS antenna with an integrated Electronic Compass for about $170, nice to have with RADAR.

Nos4r2 · 11 June 2013, 21:43

Incidentally, I tried using an HDS touch unit on Saturday with a plaster on my finger so no skin contact-normal touchscreens don't like this-and it worked the same as normal.

My Ballistic 7.8m is right on the limits of the standard cabling. Search for a pic of it, the head unit is on the port side of the console and the underdeck trunking on starboard.

jyasaki · 12 June 2013, 16:03

JV; if you do get one, let me know how it works for you. Next purchase will likely be a HDS7 unit, but not sure which one (may be delayed long enough for Gen 3 to come out...)

I'd be interested in hearing how the touch screen works with spray and wet hands and such (not so much the function, which I assume they got right; but more the readability after smearing wet fingers on the screen and other unforeseen stuff like that.)

jky

Rogue Wave · 12 June 2013, 21:31

we are installing an hds7 on a rib next weekI'll let you know how it works.

I have to be honest and say the touch versions lack of buttons is definitely pushing mine and I will be putting one on my 4.7

ncp · 12 June 2013, 22:38

Mt HDS-7 Gen 2 (non-touch) is great. The touch has the same processor and a few more bells and whistles (hardware: included structure scan, software: different split screen options, contrasting options, etc.)

The UK guys will tell you no-no on touch due to wearing gloves but even in mid-winter here, I'm never wearing gloves.

jyasaki · 13 June 2013, 15:59

Great input; Thanks, guys.

jky

gotchiguy · 13 June 2013, 18:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by ncp

The UK guys will tell you no-no on touch due to wearing gloves but even in mid-winter here, I'm never wearing gloves.

There are gloves nowadays which have conducting tips so are fine to use

Nos4r2 · 13 June 2013, 18:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by gotchiguy

There are gloves nowadays which have conducting tips so are fine to use

It's nothing to do with conducting tips-see my post earlier, the HDS7 touch worked fine when I used it with my finger taped up.

It's about not actually being able to control what you're doing finely enough wearing decent waterproof gloves.

Bigtalljv · 13 June 2013, 22:47

you guys wear gloves on a boat?? No wonder it costs so much to live in CA

Jason

jyasaki · 14 June 2013, 23:04

To be fair, I've resorted to gloves a few times in Monterey, when those northerners shipped excess cold air our way.

jky

Bigtalljv · 15 June 2013, 05:42

Oh come on. Nothing like a good dose of reality to take the wind out of my poor attempt at a dig. Monterey and San Francisco might very well be two of the coldest places on earth during the summer. I'd just never go out in it as I am a fair weather boater only. Sun and no swell for me.

Jason