Considering a HDS7 and need input

Lawguy513 · August 25, 2010, 04:01:56 PM

I have an x135 on the front of my boat, but the screen recently went dead. I figured the repair (out of warantee) would probably cost more than the thing is worth, and am looking to get a HDS 7 to replace it. I considered the 5, but would prefer to increase the size for ease of reading, but don't think the 8 is worth an extra $600-$700 to gain one extra inch of size and a few extra buttons. I already have the power wires and transducer mounted from the 135, and understand from some research that these wires are compatable with the HDS7, with no benefit identified in replacing them. Is this true? Also, I have found a store that will sell the HDS 7 for about $850 versus $999 at BPS (no lake insight). Does anyone see a reason why I should buy from BPS when I don't need the transducer? Also, does anyone know of a better price for the HDS 7 with base maps without a transducer than $850?

skeeter_bite · August 25, 2010, 04:10:26 PM

You can definitely plug and play with the 7, I replaced my dash unit last spring, just unplugged the old lowrance unit, installed the new larger mounting bracket, and plugged in the new HDS7. I did have to do a little additional wiring when I added the structurescan unit. You should not have any problems.
I do wish that I had gone with the HDS8, just for the soft buttons. It does make it a little easier to navigate around instead of using the menu's. But I am pleased with it.

Lawguy513 · August 25, 2010, 04:44:28 PM

I had considered the 8 for the buttons, but because this will be on the front, and not my primary navigation unit, I am not too concerned about that. I do plan to get an 8 or a 10 for the back eventually, and will then break down and get the structure scan then.

fishin couillon · August 25, 2010, 07:25:43 PM

Like SB said, it's basically plug and play. The ducers are the same and the plugs a different but can still use the old one. The difference with the power plugs is that the 135 has the power/N2K power/nema 0183. The new cables for the HDS units have power/nema 0183/yellow wire (accessory). The new cables do not power the N2K network like the older cables do. Also the yellow wire can be used with the LSS units. When someone ask me what to do, i tell them to use the power cable that came with the unit. Thats just me. If you don't need the ducer then nothing wrong ordering with out it. I got mine with ducer just to have an extra on hand incase something happened to the other.
I have both 7 & 8. I'll take the 8 over the 7 anyday. It's just that much easier using the quick buttons and of course the larger screen. Also the 7 has one card slot and 8 has 2 slots.

CatFan · August 26, 2010, 07:30:41 AM

The 7 has a 6.4" screen while the 8 has an 8" screen, so the size difference is more than what you think. I've never used an 8, but the idea of the buttons seems to be good. I've used the 7 in my buddy's boat enough to know I like it.

I'm still not convinced that Lowrance has the leaking problem under control. You continually see people with 520 series, LCX series and HDS units with water leaking in from fishing in the rain. Now I'm starting to see what looks like the 330 series power button failures in HDS units too. This wouldn't be such a big deal if they actually had any kind of reasonable response on repairs.

I have the cash in my dresser drawer for 2 HDS-7s and an LSS-1 to upgrade my boat, but I'm just sticking with what I've got until I feel like they have the manufacturing process figured out.

Lawguy513 · August 26, 2010, 08:25:37 AM

Quote from: CatFan on August 26, 2010, 07:30:41 AM
The 7 has a 6.4" screen while the 8 has an 8" screen, so the size difference is more than what you think.

I saw the measurements. They really should call it the HDS 6.5

Quote from: CatFan
I'm still not convinced that Lowrance has the leaking problem under control. You continually see people with 520 series, LCX series and HDS units with water leaking in from fishing in the rain.

That is why I am having to replace my 135 - because it got a leak, and the screen went dead.

Quote from: CatFan
I have the cash in my dresser drawer for 2 HDS-7s and an LSS-1 to upgrade my boat, but I'm just sticking with what I've got until I feel like they have the manufacturing process figured out.

You hide your cash in the same place I do!

coldfront · August 26, 2010, 09:23:52 AM

I have a very small boat...so the HDS-8 was too big for the console...

so I have the HDS-7...and love it. Also have the sidescan...and love that as well...it's a useful tool for sure.

Soft keys on the HDS-8 are fine...but it doesn't slow me down much if at all for how I use my HDS-7...and actually, since I just want to 'look down' I'm staying, for the time being, wth my old LMS-480 on the bow...both are great units.

btw: not sure I've heard much about 'leaking' screens recently...kow I've run my HDS-7 for two years now with no issues...

the major difference in terms of the HDS-7/HDS-8 will be seen if you like to run split screens. bigger screen gives bigger split screens...and the 8 allows more splits than does the 7...

As for insight maps...personally, I'd buy a unit without those things...they don't do that much for me...as I've noticed plenty of times on my local, little lakes...that my boat is tracking over 'solid ground'...which doesn't bother me...because again, that's not how I use it...

-Bryan- · August 29, 2010, 09:04:32 PM

I like my 7 and am looking at getting another 7 and the LSS-1 unit. Mine are the base maps and I bought the cards to go with them for the better maps. Thought about getting an 8, but can't justify the cash when I can get another 7 and the LSS-1 for less that an 8.

Todd Driscoll · August 30, 2010, 05:37:21 PM

I think the larger screen units really justify themselves when you go to adding the LSS. Here, to be most efficient you are going to want to plot 3 or 4 viewing panes at once and with the 5s and 7s you can only plot 2 panes. The soft keys are also a big plus all the way around.

Lawguy513 · August 30, 2010, 05:50:47 PM

my 135 started working again. I guess I can wait until I can afford the 8. Lowrance sure is proud of these things... I might have to send my kids to community college so I can afford what I want

-Bryan- · August 31, 2010, 02:49:50 PM

OK, so since I have a birthday coming up I was going to order another 7 and the LSS...my wife decided different...she said an 8 and the LSS would be a better option, so I agreed with her...I LOVE MY WIFE!!! The 8 and LSS should be here from star marine in a couple days.

Lawguy513 · September 01, 2010, 08:13:02 AM

That is awesome. I would really love to get the 8 and then get a 10 next year. I have a few other bills to pay before I can spend that much money on play.

-Bryan- · September 01, 2010, 11:05:13 AM

I think my wife just got tired of listening to me wish I had them...

Lawguy513 · September 02, 2010, 08:34:29 AM

Quote from: -Bryan- on September 01, 2010, 11:05:13 AM
I think my wife just got tired of listening to me wish I had them...

Oh, she is tired of it, but doesn't seem to help! I took her fishing, and hooked up the malfunctioning 135 to prove a point, and the dang thing started working midway in. I turned the power on, and you could hear that it was on because of the function keys, and then after 15-20 minutes, boom, it is working! Let's see if it stays working, or if it has an "accident"