Lowrance Side Image add-on

[LAPORTE]

In a e-mail I asked when the SI add-on would hit the market for Lowrance. Here was the response I just got... 



From: Linda Colt <linda.colt@navico.com>
Date: November 23, 2009 8:06:59 AM EST
To: Don LaPorte <dlaport1@ford.com>
Subject: RE: Side Imaging ?


It has already shipping to the dealers. It is called Structure Scan ,
part number is #132-06




Linda Colt
Customer Walk in Service Department
12000 East Skelly Drive
Tulsa Oklahoma 74128
1-800-324-1356 ext 8747
Direct Line  918-438-8747
Linda.colt@navico.com

[River Rat]

Just in time for winter storage!  I'm kinda disappointed that I was told to expect a price tag of $250 for the add-on and it's more than double not to mention the fact that I (and many others) waited all dang season for this product.  The HDS is a very nice unit and I do like mine but am going to take the winter to decide if they are with staying with or moving over to Hummingbird.  I know how many minutes I sat on hold and even had their phone system hang-up on me after sitting for 42 mins (yes I was mad and checked my call log) trying to talk to customer "support", with this new feature how good is the support system actually gonna be?!

Sorry all for the tirade on what should be "good news" but I'm just not happy with them at all.

Thanks for the info, Don.  Looks like an ugly weather day again this Friday, not too sure about the Reef Run... hope you have a good Thanksgiving if I don't talk to you first!

Scott

[McCarter]

If you do switch to humminbird, you will not be disappointed.  Plus, while Lowrance is just now getting SI, humminbird is ready to release more new technology.  The new down imaging will also revolutionize the fish finding world.  and the best part......its free!  all you have to do is go to there website and download the upgrade to an SD card and load into your 'bird.

McCarter himself

[Lightningboy]

I waited for the Lowrance for a couple of reasons.  I don't like the look of Humminbird down sonar; maybe I'm just not used to it, but the Lowrance is "easier" for me to read.

2nd, I wanted Lowrancenet.  You've got a backbone cable with T fittings to network everything, including actuators for boat/motor functions.  I've got Bennet trim tabs, they make an actuator that will display my tab position on screen.  Many more for fluid levels, fuel flow, direct engine readouts, etc.

I've had varying results with Lowrance tech help.  Several years back I'll be darned if I could get a human on the line.  Recently had a glitch, and got right through to the help line; not a minute on hold.

I'm curious how to mount the new structure scan transducer.  Anybody seen any mounts yet?  It looks like it would attach to the bottom of the hull, but I'd like to run it off the jackplate.

BTW- only lowlife weasels like McCarter use the bird...

[REEL_MAN]

What do you mean winter storage, go south!  I am switching over from Lowrance to HB this winter. The SI feature is fantastic (now with the center read feature) and you won't have any regrets. The only reason I've stayed with Lowrance is the service I have Received from Linda Colt, she is the greatest asset Lowrance has. If you decide to stay with Lowrance keep her phone number on hand (you WILL need it) call her direct. 918/438-8747

Reelman
<))))>{

[BryanP]

lighteningbolt, HB now has a color pallette that looks identical to the Lowrance colors along with the Switchfire Sonar option so there should be no difference in 2D now.

[Joby @ Humminbird]

Here is a shot of the New Humminbird Down Imaging and the New Color Palette.

[LAPORTE]

No picture came thru Joby ...

[Bender]

Dear Joby,
Please release the update now!  I took what I thought was my last trip of the year the other day to Champlain but I will get the boat back out if I can play with that. The lakes will be frozen up here in January.
Thanks!

Back on topic I think it is good that Lowrance is releasing this, might help competition and keep pushing advancements further. I never had any software problems with Lowrance, but had to return many units for various hardware problems. It sucks when the GPS dies in the middle of Saint Clair.
I just did a quick look for the Structure Scan box and it seems to be $5-600. Pretty expensive add-on. HDS5 w/ maps - $749 + $599 for LSS =
~$1,350. Go up to an HDS8 and the total is ~$2,450. The HB 997 is $1,500 + $100 for map chip = $1,600. The 998 can be found online for $900.

[BryanP]

Bender, you mean the 798 is $900.

The 998 isn't available yet.  It's the replacement for the 997 and it is scheduled to be available in early January.  Biggest difference between the 997 and 998 is a faster processor and the addition of an ethernet port for future expandability.

There will be 4 Side Imaging units from Humminbird this year:

1197  10.4" screen  $2800
998  8" screen  $2000
898  7"Screen  $1500
798  5" Screen  $1000

Also for 2010, all 700, 800, 900, and 1100 series units will be Lakemaster compatable.

[djkimmel]

That picture is amazing! I have to increase my fishing savings account...