I'm not concerned with using the Ipad as a fish finder. I'm looking into two HDS gen 2 7 touches for that. With that said one of the options for their rebate is the broadband g3 or g4 radar. I'd like to know more about this if anyone has experience with this feature. My concern is how easily and reliable it is to allow the ipad to be usable. My idea is to use it for navigation purposes on a body of water. Looking at contour lines on it while using sonar and side imaging on the HDS is what I envision. Also, I'd like to know what you guys suggest as a mount that holds it firmly and is easy to remove. Something water proof would be needed as well obviously.

Any input would be appreciated. Maybe I just have this all wrong but I'd like to hear from you guys experience and hope you can spare your knowledge. I have some low end grayscale electronics on the boat and looking to make a major upgrade.

Thanks

As long as you either have the gofree wfi module with gen2 touch or just a gen 3 I think it will work as you invision. If you have a gen2 that is not a touch you can't control the unit with iPad which sucks. I have a ram mount with ram bracket for iPad with the lifeproof waterproof case for my iPad and it works fine. Make sure to test case as directed and do not put iPad in the case while testing if the case is sealed and water proof. I have a 9 and gen2 10 and because the 10 is not a touch I can't control I don't use the iPad as much as I thought because I have to use the 10 to change screens. The 10 is on the bow. I need to rerun my cables and put the touch upfront and and 10 on console. Also you might want to get something for sun glare because the iPad in direct sunlight is not very easy to see with that case on it. Also need to keep iPad charging if you keep screen on with no auto screen saver. Otherwise you are constantly messing with iPad to get screen back on. a third unit is better but I understand the cost. The case mount and bracket extra long charger cord add up. Might worth looking at that cost compared to getting a 7 inch sonar GPS that allows you to use your preferred map card

Before you do upgrade I suggest getting Wilson Fraziers DVDs on sonar and GPS at itaint tv.com. You may change your mind and save some money on what you upgrade to. Best DVDs on sonar and GPS. I have dr sonars DVDs they are good but not as good as Wilson frasier's.

If you get 3 units don't need two touches. Side imaging is not very useful when you are on the trolling motor so an elite 7 with GPS on bow. Would save a few bucks. Why radar? Gen 2 touch 7 with lss2 HD transducer and elite 5 with GPS at console and elite 7 on bow. Oh and you will want to get an external antenna for console units so you can mount the antenna in the back of the boat closer to transducer or your waypoints will be way off. I am not familiar with elite models but assume they network the same as HDS models which allows you to choose what antenna you want to use for GPS and which means one external antenna should work for both console units.

For $2,200 before tax but after rebates you can get a HDS 7 gen 2 touch with insight bundle with lss 2, an elite 7 chirp with insight, an elite 5 chirp, and point 1 antenna. You will need some networking extras for antenna and networking units.
Option 2 The lifeproof iPad nuud case is $92, the ram mount cradle is $65 that will fit ipad with the lifeproof case, the ram ball mount is $35. So two HDS 7 touches with lss 2, wifi module, and point 1 antenna would be after rebates: $1,000 for lss 2 insight bundle, HDS 7 with 83/200 transducer and wifi module is $1,000 for unit plus $200 for wifi minus $300 for rebate is $900. Plus $200 for point 1 external antenna, plus $200 for iPad accessories plus networking cables for HDS unit not included in either option. Grand total is $2,300. iPad stays home and you have 3rd unit in case another goes out plus save $100 and less hassle than with iPad

The elite 7 will network to an HDS, the smaller elites will not. After cost analysis I decided be better to our elite 7 on bow and network to HDS at console. The crystals on the sides of the LSS for SI are sensitive and you hit enough stumps with trolling motor they will jar loose. To me it's not worth SI anymore on trolling motor. The iPad is a cool feature, but you can do so much more with 2 networked systems for about the same price.

Another thought....
I repurposed my Samsung S3 phone to use for nav along with my 'birds. I have a RAM mount on my console for it and a USB socket I added for power. With the Navionics app it works great. Since the phone has a real GPS chip and the maps download to the phone there is no need for a WiFi or data connection.
I have also used my S5 phone and it works great also.
I have thought about using a smaller iPad but I need to look for features and make sure it has a GPS chip.
The Navionics app for the iPad and Android works very well and for Bird users has some features we can't get using Nvionics on the Birds like Water Level offset.

Thanks for all the info. Im still trying to digest it all and at work right now. My budget is around 2 - 2.5k. So the most bang for the buck is what I'm looking for. It seems to make sense to not have SI on the bow.

Let's keep the great info coming.

I've recently been using my Ipad as a transducer. It works great.

Sweet. I already have an ipad that hardly get's used anymore and my 6+ with the navionics app works great on the lake. Hence my thoughts on using it for navigating and using the touch at the console for sonar and imaging for mapping/scouting. I don't think this would be practical while on the bow fishing though.

It's a little confusing with all the options available and technology. I want to get it right the first time around especially with the amount of money involved.

Thanks

Get a LifeProof case to make the iPad/iPhone waterproof.

http://www.lifeproof.com/en/