Got a new boat this weekend and I have a few questions on what goodies I should put on it. It came with an HDS 7 Gen 2 at the console (nothing worth talking about on the bow), and a Minn Kota 101# (for some reason it isn't working at the moment). I guess my main questions are should I stick to Lowrance or switch to a bird? Im used to using a Lowrance from my old boat but I wouldn't mind making the switch. I want structure scan and possibly side scan, depending on how useful it really is. I need to get a chip as well. Also wondering if the Ipilot is as good and useful as some people claim it to be. Lastly Im going for at least one maybe two shallow water anchors. Talon or power pole? Any advice helps, and I'm not afraid to spend some money to get rid of any excuses on why I still can't catch fish on tournament days.

I have a humminbird and its' nice but I've also fished a lot out of boats with Lowrance electronics and they are pretty awesome too. If it were me I would just leave that HDS 7 right where it is. Unless you want a bigger one then move the HDS 7 to the bow

That's what I was leaning towards

If you already have an HDS unit on the boat I'd do what previous poster said and just move to the bow....just got a Humminbird 1199 for my boat and love it! However, I've also seen the HDS units and they are awesome....since you're already set up for Lowrance might as well keep it. the only thing I will add is go with the biggest unit you can find....glad I did as it makes a huge difference for me. I had to wait a little longer to save up for one but it was well worth it. Next item for me is an ipilot just like you're contemplating....then anchor.

When I bought my boat last year it also came with an HDS 7 in the console. I took that and put it on a ram mount on the bow and purchased the HDS 8 packaged with structure scan (much cheaper than buying them separately). Put the 8 in the console and the structure scan module in the starboard side rod box. My units are networked and I really like the set up. I can mark way points at the console and go to the bow and bring them up on the map there. You can use structure scan and side imaging on both units as well. I use Navionics Premium chips in both units.

The bigger the better on the graph!!! If you go with Lowrance, 12 touch is the way to go. On the anchor for your boat. The Talon is a good choice if you don't have the room in your boat for the hydraulic pumps that come on with the Power Poles.

Can't help you much on the other items, but I just bought a boat a few weeks ago and I have the I-pilot on my boat. Its amazing. Don't think I'd ever go without one. The only thing I don't like is the noise with the electric steering.

If you ever fish offshore, the spot-lock is awesome. We were able to maneuver around humps this past weekend in a very stout wind and never had to worry about the trolling motor.

I'd get to a spot I wanted to fish, and press the spot-lock button. Then all I had to do was worry about fishing. No bites, I'd reposition, depress the spot-lock button and then fish again. It was really great.

Best part was when scanning a hump or point, I sat back at my center console so I could look at my larger graph and used the remote to move around. When I spotted fish, I'd get in position and use the spot-lock function.

I think it was worth the upgrade just for that capability right there.

Now I don't have the I-link system where the trolling motor is linked to my graphs, was told that is another $800. I won't be spending the $800 for that option, but believe the I-Pilot was worth every penny.

I appreciate the help guys, I got my trolling motor working so I doubt I'll go to the Ipilot anytime soon. But I'm going to move the 7 up to the bow and get a 9 with structure on the console and connect the two. As for the shallow water anchor I think the Talon would work best for me, because its a strait down shot and don't have to worry about hitting structure as much as i would if I went with the Power Pole.

You're definitely on the right track with the sonar units.

Talon vs PP is a Ford/Chevy debate, but I'd get two of whichever you get.

...don't forget the 36v lithium battery for trolling and the die hard PM1 for your cranking/electronics battery.