Lowrance Plotters

[Andy_Rs600]

Hi All,

So it seems I've just bought my first boat for a few years - a RibCraft 6.8. It's not currently got any nav system at all, so I'll be fitting from scratch.

At present my choice is the Lowrance kit, but I'm struggling to work out what the differences between the different models is. The choice seems to be between the Elite Ti, the HDS Gen 3, and the HDS carbon range. I'd be console mounting a 7inch in the first instance although later might add a second unit on a bracket.

Does anyone have any comments on any of the above? Use is mainly leisure cruising, but perhaps on the longer/more offshore side, plus probably some sailing support work. Might look at adding radar later.

[jeffstevens763@g]

i have the elite 7 combo love it does all i want choice of having 3 screens up at the same time

[diver 1]

I have the Lowrance HDS8 - previous owner had bracket mounted it and it totally blocked forward vision for person sitting next to cox. I flush mounted it and its ideal. Also got a Garmin 750s touchscreen. Personally I much prefer the Lowrance and find touchscreen awkward at times esp when very wet

[Pikey Dave]

HDS9 gen 3, very happy, use the touch most of the time even in the very wet stuff, only resort to the buttons when it's too rough to aim properly. I've had Raymarine, Garmin & Lowrance over the years & still keep coming back to Lowrance.

[jonp]

I've used hds units since they first came out, each new gen has become more advanced and more intuitive to use. I currently have a 12 hds gen 3 and love it, they are so easy to use and setup, my outfit is kept at home where as soon as it gets within my wifi range it auto updates any new features or firmware updates.

[Andy_Rs600]

Thanks guys. Does anyone know what you get extra in the Carbon series other than a very slightly nicer screen and a lighter wallet! Generally my opinion is to avoid the very top spec line because you don't get good value but happy to be proven wrong.

[warder54]

I'm very happy with my Elite 4 seperate plotter and sounder/fish finder. Small footprint and clear screen for the size.

[SteveHall]

I have HDS Gen2's and they look so dated now - but do the job.

[willk]

Originally Posted by Andy_Rs600

Does anyone have any comments on any of the above?

A few thoughts...

• The Lowrance kit is good and the Navionics mapping is superb. I have older Gen 2 HDS units, one in Button and one Touchscreen - both are fine.
• Go for as big a screen as you can fit/afford
• The bigger budget ranges have extra features that you may never use - i.e. Radar and Sidescan compatible - if you will NEVER require either - why pay for them?
• Consider how/if you will network the boat. At 6.5m I'd say there is scope for a NMEA2000 network and buy accordingly.
• Bracket mounted kit is not as waterproof and more prone to damage/theft. If you can, plan to sink both units or play with different sizes to make them fit. My "pair" below.

[jonp]

Totally agree on go as big as you can, the extra detail and bigger screen make viewing so much better especially as you are travelling.

[pumpmanphil]

I got gen 3 very happy