Which Sonar Unit for my Auto Pilot?

[Hillside]

I purchased a Lowrance Outboard Pilot Hydraulic Pack hoping it would work with my current Lowrance unit...it does NOT.  I am not too concerned since I was thinking of doing an upgrade anyway.  The question I have is, what should I upgrade to?  I was considering the Lowrance HDS-9 LIVE with Transducer but I am not sold on its performance reviews.  Any input is appreciated.

 

Thanks in advance.

[shawn393]

I have only played with live units on display but I own 2 of the ti2`s and I love them. The new active imaging transducer is really nice and is light years ahead of the total scan ducer it replaced

Edited April 3, 2020 by shawn393

[Andre wallyandre]

1 hour ago, Hillside said:

I purchased a Lowrance Outboard Pilot Hydraulic Pack hoping it would work with my current Lowrance unit...it does NOT.  I am not too concerned since I was thinking of doing an upgrade anyway.  The question I have is, what should I upgrade to?  I was considering the Lowrance HDS-9 LIVE with Transducer but I am not sold on its performance reviews.  Any input is appreciated.

 

Thanks in advance.

You can use aHDS Gen2 and up. Another very interesting option is to use a Simrad Go that is the Lowrance Ti brother. The Ti can’t run the Nac1 bjr the Simrad Go can run a Nac1 and the MotorGuide Xi5. The Go series like the Ti are a lot cheaper then a HDS

[shawn393]

Sorry yes he is correct. The ti can't run the autopilot.  I have a simrad go unit also and I like that one too. The only thing I don't like about them is you can't link 2 units together to share sonar

[Andre wallyandre]

Something very interesting now is the rebate you can get on Simrad Go. Like on the Go 9’’ you are getting $150 back so it’s interesting 

You can view and control your Go on a phone or tablet

https://www.simrad-yachting.com/offers/go-series-cashback/

Edited April 3, 2020 by wallyandre

[Roys Boys]

I’ve got the HDS gen 3 love the unit for trolling just mainly use it to keep the boat straight, I bought a control king for the kicker to

[Hillside]

Thanks for the replies (I value and appreciate the input).

 

I just don't know which HDS gen3 and up models are worth looking into other than the HDS Live 9 that would work.  

 

Yes, the controlking for the kicker is going on. 

[lrg355]

HDS gen 2 or later. That includes HDS gen 3 also, carbon, live, etc. If it isn't a HDS model it wont work. Be careful not to be fooled when the specs say autopilot, they mean for motorguide electric motor interface. Specs must say Outboard pilot.

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[Frogger]

Only thing that kills me with Lowrance auto pilot. Locks you in to having to get a pricy graph just to operate it. Can’t wait to see the rig out there John! Sounds like she’s coming along.


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[Andre wallyandre]

You can buy Simrad Go 7 for around $750 less the 100 cash back so $650 to have an excellent sonar-FPS with the autopilot compatibility 

[Andre wallyandre]

I just find out this $500 for a 7" and a C-Map Pro:

https://www.simrad-yachting.com/simrad/type/reconditioned/rfb-go7-xsr-activeimaging-3-in-1-c-map-pro/

[Hillside]

Thanks again.  I am looking into my options today.

[Hillside]

I went with the GO9 XSE Active Imaging 3 in 1.

 

Thank you to everyone for your input (especially wallyandre).

[Frogger]

Sounds like a nice addition!


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[Andre wallyandre]

You won’t be disappointed 

[chowder]

Oh well, I'll throw this out there anyway. I've had numerous HDS units and really like them. My present setup is 12"  HDS linked to a high end high watt transom mount transducer, with thru hull like performance. The 12" HDS is also linked to the Lowrance autopilot. A 2nd 9' HDS unit is linked to the Lowrance Broadband Radar. Pretty happy with the whole system and I would argue that you do want to think about where you want to end up when you get the first building blocks instead of reinventing the wheel a couple of times on your way