So my father and I are looking to upgrade the electronics on our rig. We've got a 1993 Blazer 202 ProV. The last time we upgraded everything, was about 15 years ago. So as you can imagine, our current electronics is very outdated and well overdue for an upgrade.  Our trolling motor is a Motor Guide 12/24V adjustable 56 lb. thrust, so this is underpowered for our rig, and also needs an upgrade. I've seen numerous videos of guys showing off their new electronics and everything they can do. Now we're left wanting to bring our electronics up to date. 

I've done some research on the newer depthfinders, and I understand some of the new technology, but I know there's more left to know. I also know there's a ton of new trolling motor technology out there, and I feel in the dark about that. I was hoping some of you guys here could bring me up to speed on what is what, and what we should be looking for. 

We would like a to have a setup that we can track where we have been on the water, so we can track those same paths again (or avoid them when necessary). We do a good bit of bass fishing, but we also like to fish for walleye as well, so having something that we can follow the same path over and over is nice, especially whenever trolling over big open water. I know there is also motors out there now that you can set to run you along a certain depth or contour (sort of like cruise control from my understanding). 

I hope this all makes sense, and you all can get an understanding of what exactly we're looking to get. I'd appreciate any advice you can offer on what gear we need to be looking for, and what gear we need in order to do all of this. Thanks everyone.  

The Minnkota iPilot models and Motor Guide XI5 Pinpoint models will retrace a track you create.

They have built-in GPS.

 

The Minnkota iPilot Link setup will follow a chosen depth contour on Lakemaster mapping with a Humminbird sonar/GPS unit.

 

Check each brands web sites for more details.

 

As far as a sonar unit, four brands have units that do traditional 2D sonar, side looking imaging, and downlooking imaging. Some with and without GPS/Mapping.

Humminbird, Lowrance, Garmin, and Raymarine.

 

Just pick your technology preference and see what fits in your budget.

The Minnkota iPilot models and Motor Guide XI5 Pinpoint models will retrace a track you create.

They have built-in GPS.

 

The Minnkota iPilot Link setup will follow a chosen depth contour on Lakemaster mapping with a Humminbird sonar/GPS unit.

 

Check each brands web sites for more details.

 

As far as a sonar unit, four brands have units that do traditional 2D sonar, side looking imaging, and downlooking imaging. Some with and without GPS/Mapping.

Humminbird, Lowrance, Garmin, and Raymarine.

 

Just pick your technology preference and see what fits in your budget.

 

Thanks for the info Wayne. My father seems set on getting a Motor Guide again, and the more I read and watch videos on the xi5, the more impressed I am. 

 

One question, will the Lowrance Elite 7 CHIRP model work for what I want with this trolling motor?

Raymarine dragonfly. Best bang for your buck

I recently purchased a Humminbird 859ci HD DI KVD Combo.

 

I set it up as a portable with a small battery, bag, makeshift transducer mount on a piece of plastic pipe, etc and have been using it for ice fishing. I have both the Navionics + and Hotmaps Premium for Lake East.

 

If you like, we could meet sometime and you can try it out on your boat? Just don't be surprised if I drop a line in the water while we're at it

 

I am near Blairsville, PA. A little bit of a drive, but I am interested in fishing the bigger 3 Rivers areas this summer with a (hopefully by then) restored boat.

 

Might help us both out a bit. Drop me a PM if this sounds interesting to you.

Thanks for the info Wayne. My father seems set on getting a Motor Guide again, and the more I read and watch videos on the xi5, the more impressed I am. 

 

One question, will the Lowrance Elite 7 CHIRP model work for what I want with this trolling motor?

http://www.lowrance.com/en-US/News/Lowrance-Partners-With-MotorGuide-to-Launch-PinpointConnect/