My HDS 12 Gen2 is getting a blank screen from time to time. I called to get an RMA to repair/replace under warranty and the rep tells me I need to tell them now if I want to take advantage of the upgrade program. I asked the details and he says I can get an HDS 12 Gen3 unit for $789 plus tax. Well, the cost differrence between the two units is only $500! He can't explain to me why or find out from someone in his company why the cost is $789?!?!

I've sent a couple units back to Lowrance and have never had to commit to upgrading a warranty. If ask to speak to a different rep. I've definitely had better results with them depending on which rep I get.

Definitely call back and get a different rep. Lowrance has some great employees and some not so great employees.

I agree with you guys. I've never had to send in a unit for repair, but I was mainly wanting them to answer why to $789 price difference. I assume that is the actual cost of a new Gen3 unit and it is cheaper for them to replace it with a Gen3 and break even then repair or replace my unit for free.

Update. Lowrance sent a replacement unit to me last week. Drove 3 hours to the lake where I keep my boat and installed it. When I pushed the power button all it did was show minimal light on the screen and made a constant beeping noise. Tried my other units power source and it did the same thing. Took it out and drove three hours home.

The upgrades they speak of are going to be a refurbished unit that had issues before from another customer. This is one (1) reason we have gone Humminbird exclusive.
We have also had units come back from being repaired and the unit was not the actual unit we had sent in. It had lakes in California with waypoints saved on the unit.

I've done the "upgrade" for customers and the units they receive are new, in box units. The ship in two different boxes, one is the gimbal mount, powercord, transducer and accessories and the other is the head unit. As to repairs, sometimes they send/replace your unit with one that has been previously refurbished -- which is what they are going to do to yours. This is one of the reasons they tell you, if you're able, to keep your waypoints backed up.
John

Spoke with a supervisor today. He was very nice and helpful. He is sending me a new unit with everything included minus the transducer. Also updated my warranty to another 3 years. As long as this unit works I am pleased with the final outcome.

I just sent in my hds10 gen2 last week (map card started freezing it up then it stopped powering up all together). They offered to upgrade to a gen 3 touch for $350. Not a terrible deal but I'm not interested in a touch. They swore up and down I'd get it back or a referbished unit 7 to 10 days from the time they receive mine. We will see. Mine got there Friday.