What's coming in sonar/fish finder electronics?

[SacalaitBert]

I've ordered a new boat and want the best electronics I can get. I'm retiring in a few years and want to outfit now or within a couple of years. I am willing to wait if new technology is about to come out or is greatly improving. I presently have an HDS-7 with structure scan. I've been looking at the HDS-12 and the Humminbird 360 but hate to pay $2,000 just for the transducer & pole for the 360.

I need help.

[genec]

The hds-12 is OK but I would stay away from 360 now, new technology every time you turn around

[skiptomylu]

Personally I like the 1198 and Terrova like I have and plan to soon add iLink. Just like the whole idea of what you can do to fish and let the TM do the work.

[Cane Pole]

3d.

[T.C.]

Lowrance touch units..........just ordered a hds9 touch, they are ridiculous. You can create your own lake maps, hook up a underwater camera and view the footage on your screen, hook up a DVD player to the unit for your grandchildren, link it with an iPod or android, plus have touch screen interaction for the faster browsing. Side, down and sonar with overlay so if you are viewing the Chartplotter and a storm is coming it will show up on your screen just like dollar radar as long as you have the weather module.............there really is nothing it can't do. They are nuts, I can't wait to get home and play with mine.

[Cane Pole]

I useta say all those things about my wife.

[rnvinc]

Marine electronic manufacturers rarely leak out future plans until Icast....

Just like any electronic device nowadays...just jump in when you can...

The unit you buy will be "Old News" in 3 years....and (possibly) completely unresourceable in 7-8...

The marriage between HB, Lakemaster, MinnKota, and CannonLink are making some interesting compatability ideas for the fishing market....

The networkabity of Lowrance's features (as Southern Young Gun mentioned above) also make for some interesting decision making....

Rickie

[Pepop]

I'd sure stick with Lowrance myself. I have the HDS-8 Gen 2 w/ LSS-2 and LOVE it! If I decide down the road to jump up to the Touch 9 or 12, I'm already set up for Side Scan.

[kercha83]

First I had the HDS 10 and got rid of it so I can get the 1198c because I like the fact they were coming out with the 360 sonar at that time. After two weeks of playing with the unit and looking at the 360 images, I was not impress. The 360 sonar images looks like images off a ultra sound that Nurses use to look at babies inside the mother. I then sold the 1198c to a board member here and got the 12 touch, I love this thing. But that's just my opinion.