Lowrance Experts

Ok I have a Lowrance HDS 8 with structure scan and x125 in the bow of the boat all networked. I’m looking to get another unit to have next the the HDS 8 at the helm. I hate splitting it up for the map and sonar. So I have been looking and used HDS 5 or 7’s are pretty expensive. I could go to L & M and get a Hook 7 for cheaper and I have a 100 gift card burning a whole in my pocket. So what is the best bang for the buck with getting second unit for mapping mostly? I know if money was not object I would get another HDS 8 and would be set but I don’t think is in the budget if I want to stay happily married. Also don’t know what units are all able to hook in the structure scan unit and network.

Thanks

I don’t believe the hook 7 would be compatible to connect to your HDS unit via Ethernet for sharing saved waypoints, etc. from one unit to the next. Someone on here will correct me if I’m wrong. I’m also pretty sure that the hook is not compatible with structure scan that you are running with your hds8. Someone on here will also correct me if I’m wrong on this one as well.

What kind of used prices are you seeing for 7s and 8s?

I was in the same predicament and was told the hook will not network with the hds units, thus you would need another map card so I decided that was not worth it.

I was seeing the HDS 5’s for 450 on the low end and then the 7’s and 8’s were more in 700-800 range. I could buy a new hook for 350 and Elite 7 for 650 or hook 9 for 515 and just use then as stand alone. Would be nice to network but don’t have to. So is it worth it to buy a used one to get networking or have stand alone and new out of the box?

Those prices are very high IMO they will never sell for that. Brand new Elite 9TI for 1000.
I have an hds 5 that I’ve considered selling to upgrade and I wouldn’t ask anywhere near 450 for it.

I believe the hook has a nmea 0183 connection. It would allow some networking between units but I don’t think you could share the sonar over that.

TripleA wrote:

What kind of used prices are you seeing for 7s and 8s?

I just picked up a used HDS8 gen 2 with sun cover, 25′ Ethernet cable with brand new power cord and brand new ducer.
$500 off CL
I thought (hope) it was a decent price anyway.

I just picked up a used HDS8 gen 2 with sun cover, 25′ Ethernet cable with brand new power cord and brand new ducer.
$500 off CL
I though (hope) it was a decent price anyway.

I think it is and I would jump on that. I will keep looking

I just got a Hds 7 gen 2 with Mn chip and ram mount. Power cords and transducer for 300$ used off line. Good deals are out there just have to be patient

walleyeguy000 wrote:

I just got a Hds 7 gen 2 with Mn chip and ram mount. Power cords and transducer for 300$ used off line. Good deals are out there just have to be patient

That’s a good deal!

The Hooks/Elites will not network via ETHERNET to the HDS units, you will need to connect them via NMEA. The NMEA will transfer data such as a waypoints, but NOT sonar data, that’s what the ethernet cable is for. Having said that, having two ducers at the front/back of the boat is never a bad thing anyway. And you will not be able to share map card data between the two.

walleyeguy000 wrote:

I just got a Hds 7 gen 2 with Mn chip and ram mount. Power cords and transducer for 300$ used off line. Good deals are out there just have to be patient

Some good deals I will keep looking on craiglist. Any other hot spots to find stuff?

Thanks Guys