Please someone help!!! The more I look at these things the more I get confused. So, after trying to research, I am here looking for a little advice, and fishfinders are the subject.

First, I am pretty well sold on the Humminbird SI, but from what I have read my boat(G3 18 foot) has a few problems with those. So, I am looking at Lowrance now.

I plan on getting two units, one at the console and one on the trolling motor.

My first question, what is “linking” two units?

Next question. I am having a few problems figuring out what units I would like to get. Maybe if I tell you what I am looking for someone can help. First, at the console, I want a large display, but I don’t want the $2000 model. Also, from what I have read, I think I want the external gps antenna, and I do not want the hard drive. Now, for the trolling motor, I would like to stay with the same specs but keep the price somewhere about $500. I would like both of these to read the best Navionics card. After trying to figure out the Lowrance web site and talking to Gander Mountain in Tyler, I still don’t know what models to look at, could someone please point me in the right direction?

Another question: what is the best Navionics card?

Last question: can someone recommend an excellent place near Lake Palestine/Tyler to buy and have these units installed?

I feel I must apologize for these questions, but I have been offered very little help from dealerships and retail stores in the Tyler area.

Trump... There will be a Lowrance Pro Staffer at Garland Bass Pro shop not this Sat, because he's fishing tournament this weekend, but he will be there every Sat. until July 5th. Only Sat. from open to 5pm.

Well, here is little problem. I am working Saturdays in Tyler - except this Saturday I am in Dallas. I can't win on this deal it seems.

Trump---Send Linda Colt with Lowrance Cust Svc your questions and she can certainly give you some options. Very good lady to answer questions and for support after you get the units. Might also want to check Lowrance website FAQ & Tips/Tutorials section.

http://www.lowrance.com/Support/

You can also compare product features on their web site if you have it narrowed down to 2-3 units. Linda's contact info is below, usually best just to email her:

Linda Colt
Customer Service Department
12000 East Skelly Drive
Tulsa, Ok 74128
1-800-324-1356 #8747
Direct line 918-438-8747
Fax 918-234-1745
Email: linda.colt@navico.com

Trump903
Give the Boat Center on Hwy. 155 a call. They can help you out on inst.

heres a good console unit- he may still have it? http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbt...cHD#Post2206462

I would probably would recomend the LMS 520 with GPS. this is color unit. does pretty much same thing as the big screen units. the units run about $650. each. right now if you buy any LMS 500 series unit you can get a free map card, per unit that you buy from Lowrance. all you have to do is send in the rebate card. this promotion is going on until July. go to Lowrance.com for more details and when then promotion ends.

networking- net working lets you share information between the two units. like share wpts and save wpt on both units at same time, temps read, gps location and etc. by do this you have used the nema bus net work cords for all the newer units its the red net work cord.

I would probably go to Bass Pro shop buy them. here's little tip. lst get a bass pro shop rewards card. then go buy the 1st unit. then turn around buy 2nd unit. the reason why you will get reward points on the 1st unit. then take that point and apply to your 2nd unit. so in return you will get few dollars off on your 2nd unit. just trying help save some cash.

sometimes you get a percentage off on the intial sign up, and first purchase- for a basspro credit card

and yes- the 520's will take the Navionics Premium 2008 SD cards.

I tried the networking and was not satisfied. I have a 520c and 522 c units. It seems you can get the same effects from just swapping network cards and downloading waypoints etc to each unit.

Go with the external antenna, the 522c that I have on my bow looses the signal a lot because I have to turn the unit up to see it while standing. Other than that there good as gold.

Dave

Try this http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templa...&hasJS=true

LMS520c and an LCX-27C w/ all of the newtwork cabling for $1482.00. Of coarse you'll have to buy the trolling motor puck, if you don't have one.