Bought a new Ranger Z520 and need to add electronics. I like the idea of the HDS-12 Gen 3 for the bow and helm. I'm seeing packages that include extra transducers and parts. I want to make sure I buy it right the first time so I'm looking for advice on what I need to get.

The dealer recommended this package.
Dual HDS-12 package

I want to be able to use all of the relevant features of the system, including side scan, 3D, etc.

My boat has a Minn Kota 112 Fortrex with a transducer built it, but the dealer said that transducer won't do everything I need from the HDS-12.

Looking for an education on what I should buy. Thanks!

For the Gen3 HDS-12 Boat in the box package, I would look at this one instead. Has the HDI transducer for 2D and down imaging for the trolling motor, Totalscan transducer for 2D, down and side imaging at the transom, Point One for GPS and heading sensor, as well as the Sonic Hub for listening to some tunes or ball games. Everything you need including cabling is included in the package. If you want the 3D option, then you will need to purchase the 3D module/transducer which will add about 1K to the package. Might want to read up on it and see if it is something you actually want. You can always add it at later time if you wish. If you want it now, the the total scan transducer would not be needed or you could install it on the trolling motor if you want side scan on the bow. (Note; edited my post regarding the 3D as Grout was posting)

http://bbgmarine.com/lowrance-hds12-gen3...b2-p-22511.html

If you are wanting 3D, then don't buy either one of those 2 packages.


We'll never mind, I could have sworn they had a boat in a box 3D combo; but I can't seem to find one. MAK's link seems to be the better value and then you can sell the totalscan transducer and buy the $1000 3D module & 3d transducer. You're also gonna need a transom ducer or shoot through hull 2d transducer.

I'm more confused than ever after doing some reading. At this point I don't even know what the possibilities are or what I might want or not want. It's frustrating, I need a local sales guy who is an expert in this stuff to spell it out for me in simple terms I think.

Don't forget to consider the honker battery power needed for a larger bow unit.

I got what I wanted in the previous generation and stopped paying attention to stop wasting more money for a while. I opted for an HDS 9 at the bow to avoid the notable extra power for a 12. The bow unit is draining power for hours as you use it while fishing with the outboard off. Quite a few boats with multiple large screen units find they need two boat batteries, or at least a high performance Group 31.

I argue that you can do whatever you want at the console because the outboard is usually running when you have console unit/units running. (Be sure to put those in sleep mode when you stop to fish so you don't drain power as rapidly.)

Yep, now the gen 3 has been replaced with the "carbon"..oooohhhhhhh, absolutely no benefit to bass fisherman.

This is what you want:

Gen3 if you have the money, sounds like you do.

Hdi transducer for the trolling motor if you want 2d & down image. If you want 2d, side image & down image buy a total scan transducer.

For the console graph you have 2 options for 2d sonar. Do you want a shoot thru hull or transom mount?

If you want 3D, you need the 3d module and the 3d transducer. If you just want side imaging, then just buy a lss2.

1 Ethernet cable to tie both graphs together.

Do you want a point 1 heading sensor? If yes, you need the point1, a nmea starter kit and 1 extra "T".

Listen to this guy he knows what he is talking about.

If you get the Total Scan (All-in-one transducer featuring Broadband, CHIRP, StructureScan HD and DownScan Imaging�) do you also need a shoot thru or 2d skimmer in addition?

No, but the totalscan won't read at plane.

If you have a slow boat, it would be fine. I forget that not all of us don't have bass boats.

well mine runs 83 mph on plane so I guess that's a yes.

I guess that I ain�t the only one that has been confused about the Gen3 setup.

Thanks for everyone's help.

Too many choices that's for sure.

Yep - a long way from the Lowrance "green box" and Hummingbird Super 60 days.