Wayne P.

Yes you are correct, the SI crystals are longer and produce a thinner SI pulse. The thinner pulses "see" less stuff per pulse so the created images are sharper. The Helix 5 just has 455 kHz Imaging capability. So does the Helix 7 SI GPS. Larger units have both 455 kHz and 800 kHz Imaging frequencies and is why that transducer is standard with those models. BUT the HDSI will improve the images of any SI unit that comes with the standard Compact SI transducer like the Helix 5 SI GPS does. If you had purchased the Helix 9 SI GPS, that comes with the Compact SI transducer, but has the 800 kHz capability. With a transducer upgrade, then you would select Hi-def Sidescan it its menu to add the 800 kHz capability. The Helix 10 SI GPS and Helix 12 CHIRP SI GPS come standard with the HDSI transducer.

I use 40# braid alone or with about 3' of 20# fluorocarbon depending on the bottom makeup. A Senko is quite heavy compared to the baits I typically wacky rig.

The Elite Ti with Totalscan transducer is an all-in-one transducer. Like a Garmin SV or Humminbird ONIX SI. The HDS Gen3 has software that supports that transducer: http://www.lowrance.com/en-US/Software-Updates/HDS-Gen3-35/ You do not have to settle for less than you want.

There are two versions of octopus hooks. One of them is octopus circle and one is not. The circle hook version is not a hookset type hook, the fish hooks itself as it moves away. The octopus hook is a hookset type hook. You have to pay attention to what you are purchasing.

The Octopus hooks in that size have a sort of heavy wire so it takes some effort to get good hook penetration with the barb. For the same size in a smaller wire hook, try the Owner Mosquito 5/0 and remove the barb. A couple more things is a line that has less stretch and a rod with some backbone to overcome hook penetration resistance. I prefer the perpendicular rigging for stick baits wacky rigged.

What kind of "protector" do you have? The correct transducer is shaped like the larger one in this picture: There are two of them on this motor:

It will be when updated if not when purchased. You can have the exact same maps as the Web App. Did you read the PM I sent you? It has the details.

Yandia Trollbridge has had that system on the market for many years.

It may or may not for the water's you need. Check to see.

Most with that have jackplates, do what you did, but do it correctly. I'll send you a PM with some reference info.

For the sharpest images the face of the transducer should be parallel with the bottom of the body of water so the SI pulses are vertical. Most boats set bow up when at rest or at idle speed when scanning. That means the transducer as attached to the transom should be higher at the temp sensor end than the front of the transducer when the hull is level on the trailer. Additionally since you have it attached to the jackplate, if you do not have a holeshot plate or some cover on the bottom of the jackplate, the unit will record sonar echoes from the inside of the opposite side the transducer is mounted and have a series of lines on the right side of the SI view and at the top of the DI view. IF you would have purchased the Transducer Shield and Saver L bracket that is designed to attach to the side of the jackplate, the transducer would be positioned at the proper attitude. It looks like you copied that L bracket and installed it backwards. The angle goes against the transom. Additionally you should be using a shoot-thru XP 9 20 transducer in the bilge for 2D sonar and both transducers connected to the display with the AS SIDB Y cable. That is the proper installation for that hull. Having depth reading issues is typically due to cross-talk between units operating on the same frequency. Try turning the unit off that you are now viewing or at least turn Sonar Off.

You don't have to guess what maps Navionics has, you can view the current maps on their website's Web App. There are two map layers. One is Navionics data called Nautical Charts. The other is HD contours that are created using unit owner's sonar logs--that is called Sonar Charts. You cannot purchase Sonar Charts, that is FREE to download to a Navionics+ or Navionics Hotmaps Platinum regional card. You pick the waters you want to download. When you zoom in to about 1000' click on the circle at the lower left of the panel to change the map layers. Grey is Navionics data and Blue is Sonar Charts.

Unless you can run the motor in reverse, prop turbulence would not be an issue. Typical RFI from the trolling motor. If you did not have it when first installed and are just getting it, there are several things that will cause the change: Some are, worn brushes in the motor, bent prop shaft, out of balance prop, water in the motor due to seal compromised by fishing line, issues with the motor power connection, and damaged transducer cable. Did you install the proper DI transducer for a trolling motor application? The transom version is not it. There are two DI trolling motor pucks that have extra internal shielding to help with possible RFI issues that the transom version does not have. Your unit model would determine which one is suitable.

No "they" do not.

You are crazy if you connected a 12V motor to 24V

Guys do seem to like to look at skirts.

I use the Sportsman Dual Pro. It has 10A per bank and I got that one because it has the smallest footprint so it fits where I need it.

False assumption. A larger wire will have less resistance and is better. You must have a short inside the unit. Contact Humminbird Customer Service. The fuse size is to protect the very small conductors in the power cord. Has nothing to do with any larger size wire.

For a unit with the side looking imaging technology SIZE matters. Get the largest display size you can afford. Everything else is secondary.

I have an old one that has a metal case, been working well for many years. I am on my fourth plastic case model in 8 years. I always get the 10A size. I have come to expect low quality, but they are readily available at Walmart about 2 miles from me.

There is a 360 attachment for it being planned.

Yes, he was. Did not see a 360 attached to it though. Did not look like he used the Spot Lock since he kept his foot on the pedal.

NO you do not need a larger amp fuse and should not use a larger amp fuse. The proper fuse is 3A for that model.

All six models of the Helix 7 are not networkable. The 899ci HD SI Combo is but was discontinued and replaced by the Helix 9 SI GPS.

The Lowrance Elite 3X is about $100 and discontinued. Replaced by the Hook 3X for the same price. The Hook 5X is about $300 and has CHIRP Sonar and Downscan. The X models don't have GPS. The current model Humminbird units are the Helix series. The Helix 5 Sonar model is about $200 and the Helix 5 DI model is about $250. There are GPS versions of those also.