I'm trying to decide what electronics to put on a soon to be purchased new boat. I have only used Lowrance in the past and have been happy with them, but one of my friends has a Humminbird with the side imaging, and he loves it. I was wondering what you guys thoughts were with regards to comparing the two (I know Lowrance doesn't have the side imaging). How would you compare the GPS mapping packages, and the basic fish finder sonar?

I would love people's comments on the side imaging from Humminbird.  I'd also like comments on the 3D imaging in Humminbird's 947c.  Thanks.

Also, if I were to choose to RAM mount the Humminbird on the console, what would you put on the bow? I had been planning to put an X-25 or X-17 up front (I use my electronics a lot). Does it make any sense to have two different brands of electronics on the same boat, or does this just cause confusion, interference, and clutter (2 gps antennas?)?

Thanks,

CBedo

I can't help you with Hummingbird products specifically since all mine have been Lowrance (or Eagle).  The GPS mapping data comes from software you purchase (seperately in many cases) so if you have to buy say Navonics then you'd have the same mapping data in your unit, regardless of brand.  

As far as side imaging goes, lowrance used to offer it before being sued.  My old X-55 has the sidefinder and I used it for years.  I'm sure the technology is better now, the X-55 had a limited range (maybe 50-60 feet to the side).  It was fun when fishing docks, you could scan under the dock to see if there were fish under it.  But like any shallow or close range sonar use, it wasn't very effective in increasing my catch rate.  It was a much better tool to use in finding brush piles that had been planted under docks.

"if I were to choose to RAM mount the Humminbird on the console, what would you put on the bow"

If you mead what kind of mount, I use a low profile, Johnny Ray swivel mount on the bow.

I do get interference when using both graphs, however, I have both transducers in the back of the boat, I think this will be solved when I get a trolling motor mounted transducer for the front graph.

I don't think you want to get 2 gps units, I don't know if they will interfere with each other but you could buy a super nice unit for the bow without gps and get a lot more for less money.  I don't think you need gps on the bow... but if you think you do, just put a swivel on the ram mount.

Hope this helps.

I've had both. The Hummingbird was great to see structure in a 3D way while the Lowrance was better at finding bait and actual fish.