Lowrance upgrade

[BIGSHOW]

Looking to upgrade my electronics. I currently have the lowrance LMS-480m in the dash and the lowrance x135 on the bow on a ram mount. First thing i would like to keep it flush mounted in the dash but there isn't much room. I think the HDS-5 is pretty close to the lms-480m. First thing does anyone know if the HDS-5 would go right in the same hole? Or will I have to cut? Second thing is id like to go as big as I can on the bow and maybe get structure scan. Even if i can only get a 5" on the front. I would like to stay around $2,000 or less. Also I am gonna get a discount on the HDS-5 from trading in the lms to lowrance cause its screwed up. Any suggestions or help?

[Big dreams]

Never had luck trading old units in through Lowrance.  They usually say the unit is too old.  As far as upgrading, I would think twice about putting structure scan at the bow and not the console.  There are some that put SS in front but not many.  Not saying it wont work but ideal speeds for SS is idle speed (3-4 mph).

With that said, for $2,000, I would get the Structure scan at the console, and get the Elite 7 DSI (down scan) at the bow.  Then get yourself the 15' ethernet cord and link the two together so you can share waypoints, and if you want, check out the side imaging at the back of the boat as you go next to docks and what not.

That's what I would do...

[Slipkey]

Agree with dreams on Structure scan placement.  You'll be better off mounting on the back of the boat.  The problem with the Elite 7 is that you can't share the structure scan transducer (or any sonar information), if you ever wanted to see it from the front.  The Elite series doesn't have an Ethernet connection. 

If you've only got $2K to spend, I would invest it on a pair of HDS-7's to start (or an 8 for the bow and a 7 for the console?), network the two and then add the structure scan later.   Once you add it, if you have ethernet cables between the bow and the console,  you'll be able to share all sonar and GPS information between the two units (including real-time waypoint creation/deletion/modification). 

[MSURoss]

I will have an HDS 5 forsale that comes on my boat I am picking up in two weeks.

[BIGSHOW]

I found a hds-8 and structure scan for 1399. So that leaves some room for the other unit. Thanks for the info on the structure scan up front. I'm am new to it but it makes sense that you have to be moving to see it. My only concern is do you guys think the hds-5 has enough size to get a good picture at the console? Since that is as big as I can go in the dash. Unless I mount something bigger on the side of the console. But I really didn't want to do all that. I only have a Ranger 180vs and plan on moving up in probably 2 yrs tops unless a deal comes along. I was close to getting a reata 2050 a few weeks ago but the price was a few thousand high. Unless they sell new dash plates that allow me to reconfigure my guages.

[Big dreams]

You can get custom dash panels at a decent price.  I have a 5 inch at the console but it is used only for depth while running.  I have an hds 8 on the side and would not smaller if possible.  It is nice to have quad screens but even on the 8, it is small. 

[BIGSHOW]

Where would I get the cutom dash panel? I would prefer the hds-8. Going from the 7 to the 8 you gain like 2" and and extra slot.