looking for Electronics Advice

I’m looking to upgrade my electronics. I plan on putting a basic Helix 7 (sonar & gps) at the bow to run off the trolling motor. When I bought my Pro V it had a Lowrance 332 at the console which I plan on keeping, I really like the gps on it,works great. The one I’m looking for advice on will be the other one I add to the console.

There are reconditioned 899 ci HD with side and down imaging for $499. Would this be asking for trouble? I just spent $1500 on a new trolling motor so the budget is a little tight.
I’m also looking at a 999 with down imaging (no side) for $699 (not reconditioned)

I have about $1100 to spend and would like to do the bow and console.

Would like to hear what you guys think of a reconditioned unit.

Thanks in advance!

Does it come with the 2year humminbird warranty?

JAnderson wrote:

Does it come with the 2year humminbird warranty?

90 day, but the extended can be purchased.

I really like my helix 7 with side and down.

the prices on reconditioned units are very tempting, but i’d avoid them myself just for the warranty alone on a new model.

if your 332 is still working and you’re happy with it, you might consider putting this year’s upgrade budget entirely into your console unit. you can always upgrade the bow unit next year…

for example, $1100 will get you a Helix 9 SI unit plus the upgrade to the HD transducer. that’s a very nice unit, it’s light years ahead of a reconditioned 899 unit, and it’s networkable if you decide to go that route in the future.

Helix 9 SI: $999
and you can find these slightly cheaper is you dig on the web
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Humminbird-reg-Helix-trade-SI-Sonar-GPS-Combo/2171476.uts?searchPath=%2Fbrowse.cmd%3FcategoryId%3D734095080%26CQ_search%3Dhumminbird%26CQ_st%3Db

upgrade from XNT 9 SI 180 T to an XHS 9 HDSI 180 T: $85
http://www.humminbird.com/Category/Support/FAQ/TransducerExchange/

Michael C. Winther wrote:

the prices on reconditioned units are very tempting, but i’d avoid them myself just for the warranty alone on a new model.

if your 332 is still working and you’re happy with it, you might consider putting this year’s upgrade budget entirely into your console unit. you can always upgrade the bow unit next year…

for example, $1100 will get you a Helix 9 SI unit plus the upgrade to the HD transducer. that’s a very nice unit, it’s light years ahead of a reconditioned 899 unit, and it’s networkable if you decide to go that route in the future.

Helix 9 SI: $999
and you can find these slightly cheaper is you dig on the web
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Humminbird-reg-Helix-trade-SI-Sonar-GPS-Combo/2171476.uts?searchPath=%2Fbrowse.cmd%3FcategoryId%3D734095080%26CQ_search%3Dhumminbird%26CQ_st%3Db

upgrade from XNT 9 SI 180 T to an XHS 9 HDSI 180 T: $85
http://www.humminbird.com/Category/Support/FAQ/TransducerExchange/

I believe this is the correct answer for your situation, the Helix 9 SI/GPS is a great value for the features you get and that 332 would be a fine bow unit until your next upgrade.

To save a little money or to have some left over for a map chip, the Helix 7 SI/GPS is still a very nice unit for $600, just less functional for SI because of the smaller screen.

http://bbgmarine.com/humminbird-helix-7-sigps-combo-p-13387.html

Good luck with what you decide.

That’s the direction I’m starting to lean Michael. I got out on Bald Eagle last night with a buddy that has the Helix 9 and was pretty impressed with it.

The price of the reconditioned is tempting but if things go south with it I’m out $500, half the cost of the Helix 9. I like the idea of upgrading the transducer, I was not aware that was even an option!

Thanks for the feedback, I learned something new