Ordering a Z7. Have a few questions

[shakyhead]

I have a few questions regarding upgrades with the 2011 Z7.  Upgrades that I am considering now are HB998 SI/GPS Ram mounted at the console, rod organizer, 2 bank 15A charger, carpeted step replaces center seat, and a 6" plate with the 150 Pro XS (sucks about the 200 this year).  If anyone would provide some answers to my questions below, it sure would help.  Thanks.

1.  My dealer said that Nitro factory would install the HB998 if I order the upgrade.  My question is how well is the workmanship (cabling, mounting, location of the side image transducer) when ordered on the boat.  I am a stickler for cabling and don't want to have to reinstall the unit when I get it.  Do they mount the 2d transducer glassed into the bottom of the boat with this unit?  Where do they locate the GPS puck?

2.  It seems the only thing a dealer does is install the prop and batteries.  Is this true.  I wanted to use a certain dealer for their workmanship, but if the cost is the same and they don't install anything on the boat, I can order it local without a 3 hour drive to pick up.

3.  I am on the fence about hydraulic steering.  I have never driven a boat with it so I dont know what I am missing.  Is it worth it?

[BassBUFF]

Can't answer your specific questions but I can offer a few suggestions.

Make sure you get a 24v trolling motor and a 3 bank multi-stage charger, you'll thank yourself later.

Adding electronics from the factory might extend the warranty on the units, something to check on. They cannot mount the SI transducer in the hull, it has to be outside for it to operate properly. They can mount the 2D transducer in the hull though. Have them mount the GPS antenna as close to the transducer as possible!

I won't own another boat without hydraulic steering or a Hot Foot!

[Ron Fogelson]

Couple things stuck out to me, first get the hydraulic steering, you will love it, it will help resale value.  Also if you are upgrading to a 2 bank 15A charger make it a 3 bank.  This will let you charge your 24v tm and cranking battery, just plug it in and everything will be good to go next trip out.

As far as cabling, mounting of the transducer and gps puck, I have no issues with the way Nitro did my stuff, the transducer "not HD or SI" was mounted in the glass in the boat and would hope they placed the GPS puck as close to the transducer as they could or you might end up with 6 to 8 foot of difference in what the gps says and when the Unit is showing on the bottom.

[Dchance]

If you are mechanical you can save money by buying and installing the HB by yourself. That is what I did with my Z7 last year. I had the dealer install the 2d sonar in the hull before I got the boat, then I installed the rest at home. running the cables is pretty cut and dry, any extra length I had is wrapped up and cable tied underneath the removeable storage bin. as far as the gps puck, I bought the ram mount attachment so it is right behind my unit. no drilling in the boat.
as far as what the dealer does, I am not sure. I have heard they are doing all the rigging at the factory now? this was not the case when I bought mine. the rigging was done at the dealer.
GET the HYDRO STEERING!!! that should come standard. Very much worth it.

Advice would be to be sure and put your excitement to the side when the boat comes in and really look it over and take your time and be sure EVERYTHING is up to your standards. Too many stories of people finding things wrong or issues with their boats after they get a chance to get it home and look at it closer. Take your time and have them fix evrytihgn before you pick it up.
jackplate is a must too, and I upgraded to teh 82lb thrust and it works good.
Hotfoot and blinker trim are also must haves for me.