I am going to buy a helix 7 gen3 but I will not be using a electric trolling motor or using multiple units. Is there any reason to get the networking version or should I save my money and get the G3 or are there other benefits of the G3N? Thanks
If it were me I’d save some money and only buy what I’d need.
I’m also getting a g3 helix 7 msi with navionics…..
Until that day you get in a boat with Link t motor or 2 units linked and realize you should have bought N for the future upgradbility.
I went with networking just to make sure I was not short changing myself a year or two down the road. I also though about resale too. I would think a G3N would be more desirable in 2 year if I decide to upgrade.
What kind of boat do you have?
I have a 16′ Lund Pike that I restored and updated a couple years ago. It came with a very old 2D sonar/GPS with a 3″ screen. It now sports 2 Helix 9’s G1Ns one SI and one DI, a Minnkota PD2 with Ipilot Link, and a Humminbird 360 all networked together. They are all toys and I purchased them used. Shop, shop, shop…
If you are running a 14’/16′ 25 hp or under tiller or a glass run-about and it is a mixed use lake toy on a smaller lake then I would skip the network option. You will probably change boats before you need networking.
Until that day you get in a boat with Link t motor or 2 units linked and realize you should have bought N for the future upgradbility.
Buy what you currently need, not what future needs IMO. I only think this way regarding electronics cause if you are planning for 2-3 years down the road, well…As we’ve seen, technology will be completely different and you’ll want to upgrade regardless.
A buddy bought a HDS unit a few years back and held off buying DI/SI (funding) and his thoughts were to added it a few years down the road…well, now they have this cool thing called livesight. It’s not compatible with his unit.
<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>wormdunker wrote:</div>
Until that day you get in a boat with Link t motor or 2 units linked and realize you should have bought N for the future upgradbility.Buy what you currently need, not what future needs IMO. I only think this way regarding electronics cause if you are planning for 2-3 years down the road, well…As we’ve seen, technology will be completely different and you’ll want to upgrade regardless.
A buddy bought a HDS unit a few years back and held off buying DI/SI (funding) and his thoughts were to added it a few years down the road…well, now they have this cool thing called livesight. It’s not compatible with his unit.
This is exactly the scenario I take advantage of. In a year todays electronics will plummet in price, You can buy a slightly used one or buy new at a discount which is the reason you should consider network options.
Last August I got a Helix 10 G2N si for my birthday in August last year. 2 weeks later, local Shops were clearing out the year end G2’s getting ready for G3’s. I got another Helix 10 G2 Sonar GPs for 1/2 price. So….I can update G2 by getting a new ducer to get the same performance of a G3 and I did so at half the price.
To me it is all about positioning yourself to NOT buy the latest greatest, rather get in at the end of the current best and take advantages of the discounts. 3 years later, I will do the same thing again.
Wormdunker I am with you I do not need the latest and greatest shucks I still have my 1198 SI on the bow works excellent and Helix 12 SI gen 2 on the console that I picked up cheap after the new units came out all networked with my Ulterra I Pilot Link Bluetooth. My Ulterra Link I picked up as refurbished and saved just about $1,000
X2 on save the money. If something changes in a couple years you can either get the newest, hot, fancy tech or buy a used G3n for steep discount.
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