My HDS5X just died? Repair or not repair?

[Wayne_Red]

Hi Guys
Had the boat out last weekend and had the sounder and GPs running as I normally do. I have a HDS5M Gps and a HDS5X for a sounder. Ran all day ok, nothing rough to knock them around or anything. On the way back in the sounder screen was white and pulsing ( pulsing due to the transducer I guesss) but nothing showing on the screen. I couldnt turn it off so had to unplug it.
I just went out to the boat now to see if it is working. So I plugged it in and turned it on. It came up very faint with the lowrance logo for a few seconds then the screen went white with a few stripped colours and that was it, it stayed like that. Unplugged it a few times to try again but kept doinng the same. Changed over to the power supply for the gps and still did the same.
The units are 3 1/2 years old.
Anyone had experience with similar thing? I assume they don't repair the units but offer a replacement at the cost of a new one?
A week out from xmas if I send it in I don't think I would get an answer this side of new year.
Has anyone had a HDS die out of waranty. If so what was offered?
The way i see my choices are.
1. Send it in for repair and be without a sounder for 2-3 weeks, only to be told it is buggered. ( I could see if my old X85 still works in the mean time)
2. Buy another one for @$800 (probably not)
3. Buy a furuno 627 for @$1300
I have been thinking recently about updating to a 9" HDS touch or standard 8" combo unit and letting these two go with a boat I am about to sell, I bought them for this boat origionally. But its a fair bit of cash and now one has died its got me thinking keeping the gps and buying a 627 to go with it.
Wayne

[Aussie123]

Navico will not repair their units anymore.
It is a bin job unfortunately.
If it was in warranty they would work out something but at 3.5 years old you will be on your own.
Go a 627,awesome unit and repairable if ever needed.

[Moonlighter]

Call Navico. They have a new customer care program and will most likely help you out - usually a new replacement at a discount price.

1300-navico.

If you are quick they might be able to sort you before Xmas, you never now!

[tunaticer]

Get your old sounder working again and sell the boat, save your cash for the new sounder in the new boat. That's what I would do anyway.