Are there ANY happy Lowrance HDS users out there?

[mylestom]

Run a HDS8 with structure scan, works great no problems bought locally at Coffs Chandlery, best price I could get in Aust.

Saltwater here, but the only problem I can find is the unit is a lot smarter than the operator. They can achieve so much, that it will be a learning curve for me.

When you see the results that some of the boys are getting it is really the ducks guts. One very good operator (shall remain nameless) is ex Sonar operator Navy, think that speaks heaps. Just wish that this operator could get some of the results he does.

Would I recommend- yep good product and new Software update again which brings more advantages.

I just need more time on the water.

[bustastu]

I have the HDS 10 in the CC and can't be happier. Can't comment on the structure scan thou however i've been told its not a effective in deeper water. Any mass produced items is going to have a problem here and there.

[trueblue]

I'm liking what I am hearing about side scan showing what is in the top 30 metres to the side of the boat when trolling - sounds very useful

[leelee]

I'm liking what I am hearing about side scan showing what is in the top 30 metres to the side of the boat when trolling - sounds very useful

True Blue imagine being able to scan out to the widest settings on the side scan and find those bait schools that are sitting outside your normal transducer beam. The area of coverage is much better and when it reveals baits scools out to each side its only a matter of changing course.

There should/was an article about bluewater sidescaning, but I don't know when and where sorry.

Cheers

Lee

[trueblue]

Thanks Lee, I have that bluewater article - the massive kiwi boat using side scan

it does sound very ingriguing

[leelee]

Thanks Lee, I have that bluewater article - the massive kiwi boat using side scan

it does sound very ingriguing

I agree. Once again to many people think only about use the structure scan to see the bottom, imagine using it to chase pelagics hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm :-)

Cheers

Lee

[spelchek]

HDS5 here - add me to the happy Lowrance user list. My only peeve is I was too tight to spring for a larger model, but I've nothing but good things to say about the HDS5 functionality. I've got an EP60 fuel flow device attached to it - it has stopped working (after 8months) but is going into the shop next week to be replaced (along with the yearly service on my yammie).

edit -> no structure scan here BTW.

[Moonlighter]

HDS5m GPS and HDS5X sounder on my boat. Very happy with both of them. If youre used to the "old" Lowrance menu system that;s been around for years, the bad news is that the HDS menu system has changed and you'll have to re-learn it. Not sure if it is quite as intuiative as the old version or if I'm still in an adjustment phase!

But the pictures are brilliant on this sounder. I run an Airmar P66 transducer but hear that the standard Lowrance is excellent too, especially since the latest software update.

Cheers

ML

[Jabba_]

Ive had a HDS 8 for near 2 years... I love it.. No problems with the unit, but I have had a issue with software on the new 4.0 update.. I have that sorted now...

[trueblue]

how cool is the 'vight vision' option - switching the HDS over to red light colour scheme......... just found that and love it

[smclaren]

Got a HDS8 on my Cruisecraft on the Sunny Coast for the last 18 months. No drama's at all !

Currently going 'toe to toe' with the 1kw Furuno 585 on Gav's "Slack Attack" in terms of performance.

I have seen NOTHING that the Furuno is doing that the HDS doesn't do better !

Buy with confidence !

[Pond123]

I am also happy to have you on my boat for a run to see how they work if you want.

Thanks Marty, that is a really kind offer. Unfortunately I am Melbourne based otherwise I would definatly take you up on the offer.

[Pond123]

Thanks for all the info guys. I now have a much 'warmer' feeling about the Lowrance products. It does feel a bit annoying to have to pay so much for them compared to our US counterparts though. That said, I am a pom and was looking at the price of their products in the UK. UK prices are pretty similar to Aus prices so I guess you could view it that the US are getting a great deal and in Aus we are getting a 'normal' deal. On an interesting note though, a UK sourced unit will work in Aus (no issues with geofencing - I emailed the Lowrance UK guys). They are marginally cheaper in the UK but of course you would have to deal with a UK dealer if there wer problems with the unit. Hmmmm.

The only problem I have is that my boat deal has now fallen through (I was due to pick it up today but it turns out that the warrantly was not worth the paper it was written on) so I am back to square one in terms of searching for a reasonably priced fiberglass centre console in the Melbourne area. Still, it is the boat show next week.......

[fishfeeder]

My HDS10 if great only had a small problem with it freezing once, Had to turn it off and back on again and its never happen again.
It does seem to take a bit longer sometime when your going from say GPS/Fishfinder running to just GPS or just Fishfinder.
I also have the Navionics PLatium+ card and it works fine, I just need to upgrade it to the newer version to get all the MPA zones.

Cheers
Brett

[Scott Mitchell]

[SIZE=3]
So, my question. Are there any Lowrance HDS users out there who have NOT had problems with their units?

Also, if anyone could comment on how useful the structure/side imaging is in PPB I would be most grateful.

I have been running my HDS 8 combo unit with structure scan for over 12 month now ( with over 250 engine hour on the water) & have not had any issues. I have just added an extra HDS5m to use purely as a plotter so I can use the HDS 8 purely for structure/down scan & sonar

We fish in under 30 metres of water mostly & now rely more on the structure/down scan than I do standard sonar - would not be with out it !

It does not matter which brand you buy - they all have their share of faulty units - the more they sell the more this is possible. It comes down to how they address this when the problems occur & I believe Navico stand by their products when needed.

I know plenty of HDS users here in the bay - including a few guides who rack up LOTS of hours on the water & they all agree - they would not be with out them. I also run the Navionics Platinum plus card.

Regards Scotto

* Disclaimer - I am supported by Lowrance/Navico - by my own choice