Ender

Ok...so I went with the Xi5 trolling motor with the pin point GPS, best thing I have bought besides the boat. The anchor feature is the greatest thing ever, went out in some inclement weather last weekend and I was able to fish at the same time as my son, normally i'm doing all i can to keep the boat off the shore or slamming into docks. Now its time to pick up some electronics...I have set my mind on Lowrance HDS units (only because my trolling motor has a built in transponder) I realize that all the companies are close, but this is just easier. My question goes out to the folks running Lowrance HDS gen 2 units. I am planning on putting two HDS units on the boat (bow and console), now here are the questions. I don't have a good grasp on the hardware needed, and I my not have a good grasp on the terminology used to explain myself...but here goes. 1. The MotorGuide Xi5 trolling motor came with a universal integrated sonar utilizing Lowrance® 83/200kHz transducer pre installed. will this transponder work for side scan imaging, or structure scan imaging or both? Also how are the two different kinds of imaging used. 2. If I want to have both side scan and structure scan will i need two different transducers? ( if so please give part numbers or explain the difference so I know what I need) 3. Can I run side scan and structure scan on the same unit, if I only purchase one unit? 4. If I was to purchase only one unit at a time, (I will buy two, might have to wait a couple of months for the second one) Should I mount it at the bow or at the console, and why? 5. would most people mount the side scan transducer in the trolling motor, or on the transom, or mount the structure scan scan transducer in or on the trolling motor, and why? I understand some of the questions are straight forward, and some will be influenced by personal preference, but more information is better then less so I can get a handle on this sonar stuff! I would just like to buy once, so thanks for the help in advance. Ender

Ok...so I went with the Xi5 trolling motor with the pin point GPS, best thing I have bought besides the boat. The anchor feature is the greatest thing ever, went out in some inclement weather last weekend and I was able to fish at the same time as my son, normally i'm doing all i can to keep the boat off the shore or slamming into docks. Now its time to pick up some electronics...I have set my mind on Lowrance HDS units (only because my trolling motor has a built in transponder) I realize that all the companies are close, but this is just easier. My question goes out to the folks running Lowrance HDS gen 2 units. I am planning on putting two HDS units on the boat (bow and console), now here are the questions. I don't have a good grasp on the hardware needed, and I my not have a good grasp on the terminology used to explain myself...but here goes. 1. The MotorGuide Xi5 trolling motor came with a universal integrated sonar utilizing Lowrance® 83/200kHz transducer pre installed. will this transponder work for side scan imaging, or structure scan imaging or both? Also how are the two different kinds of imaging used. 2. If I want to have both side scan and structure scan will i need two different transducers? ( if so please give part numbers or explain the difference so I know what I need) 3. Can I run side scan and structure scan on the same unit, if I only purchase one unit? 4. If I was to purchase only one unit at a time, (I will buy two, might have to wait a couple of months for the second one) Should I mount it at the bow or at the console, and why? 5. would most people mount the side scan transducer in the trolling motor, or on the transom, or mount the structure scan scan transducer in or on the trolling motor, and why? I understand some of the questions are straight forward, and some will be influenced by personal preference. I would just like to buy once, so thanks for the help in advance.

Wow!!! This is the kind of information I was looking for, thank you so much!!! Now that said, if one was to go with one sonar/gps unit, would one mount it on the bow, or console...or mount on console and have a mount that could swivel so to be seen in both locations. Also where is the most efficient place to mount the transponder, transom or get it in the trolling motor. im looking to be able to see structure, chart spots I want to return to later, and be able to hold the boat in on location under moderate current and wind thanks again for your reply!

2016 bass tracker 195, $3500 price range, for one electronics unit and trolling motor, if two fish finders are needed, I can do that as well. I like the idea of the "anchor" feature on the trolling motor. Thank you for your help

Yes I see your point, I guess what I meant was what are some good combinations that work for people out there, I have no electronics at this time and a 45 lb. thrust trolling motor, I just want some good suggestions. I would like to buy once if possible.

Hello, have had my boat for a year now and believe it's time to up grade. I was looking at the motor glide ix5 trolling motor and the Lawrence hds series electronics, is this a good combination, or is there a Minn Kota system that's better.