7 replies to this topic

[sarcazmo]

So I recently bought a boat that came with a couple of old Eagle 480 graphs.

I started doing some research and am going to upgrade in the near future. Right now I'm leaning towards a Lowrance HDS-8 for the console, not sure if I can swing another one for the bow though.

I've been looking at the bundle that includes the insight maps. Question is is there any way to make sure it has maps for the waters I regularly fish? Any first hand info on these maps? Do you think it would be better to just buy a navionics chip and load those instead?

Thanks!

[Fishing Rhino]

An important thing for you to consider. There are two types of maps on the navionics chip, high-def and non high-def maps. The high-def maps are very accurate, and have been charted by Navionics or someone they hired to do the charting. Their depth lines are accurate and plotted in conjunction with GPS. Every time I've been on a body of water that has a high-def chart on the chip, I have found them to be amazingly accurate. When the boat icon is over a tiny shoal, or a deep hole, the boat is in that position.

On the non high-def maps, they use existing maps. These are not as detailed regarding bottom contours, nor are they accurately coordinated with GPS readings.

If you go to the home page of the Navionics website, you should be able to find a list of lakes that are included for the area of the country that you fish. The list should show which maps are high-def.

[sarcazmo]

An important thing for you to consider. There are two types of maps on the navionics chip, high-def and non high-def maps. The high-def maps are very accurate, and have been charted by Navionics or someone they hired to do the charting. Their depth lines are accurate and plotted in conjunction with GPS. Every time I've been on a body of water that has a high-def chart on the chip, I have found them to be amazingly accurate. When the boat icon is over a tiny shoal, or a deep hole, the boat is in that position.

On the non high-def maps, they use existing maps. These are not as detailed regarding bottom contours, nor are they accurately coordinated with GPS readings.

If you go to the home page of the Navionics website, you should be able to find a list of lakes that are included for the area of the country that you fish. The list should show which maps are high-def.

Thanks for the quick reply! So far i've been really impressed with the maps on the navionics webpage. The one I was looking @ was the Hotmaps Platinum which I believe are the maps you were referring to. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

[Fishing Rhino]

The premium chip also has the same high-def maps as the platinum. The platinum has some extra features that you will need to learn about to see if they are worth the extra cost.

Be sure to check out your state's list of maps on the platinum or premium chip. You'll probably have to download their online store to get that info.

[sarcazmo]

Thanks again for the info. Looks like the navionics covers all the lakes I fish.

Do graphs go on sale much? Wondering if I should wait since labor day is around the corner.

[Wayne P.]

They already are compared to BPS, Cabelas, etc. IF you do your homework and search for the deals. You can save hundreds if you make the effort.
Shop at a dealer that specializes in marine electronics and other marine accessories, not any big box general sporting goods places.

[sarcazmo]

Thanks for the reply Wayne! I've been keeping my eyes open! Also sent you a PM.

[shady oaks]

Sent you a pm.