Which newer Humminbird units (if any) are compatible with the built in transducer on my Minn Kota Fortrex 80lb?

If the answer is "none", can you update/upgrade/replace the built in transducer, or would I have to go to an external mounted transducer in order to run the newer units?

Ideally, I'd like to get something that I could network with my 998 unit at the console. But networking aside, I need something newer to handle the newer navigational data as my 788 can't load a good bit of information that my 998 can.

Any information is appreciated.

You can use the built in transducer for your 998 (or anything newer) but only for 2d sonar.

If you are asking about buying a new unit then I am assuming that you would get a Helix since they replace the older core units like your 998. All that you have to be concerned with is that you buy a network unit. Not sure what the gen 3 units are but the gen 2 they would be labeled Helix 9 N with the N meaning network. you'll have to use the adapter to plug the transducer in. Depending on what type of unit that you use, you may need to purchase an adapter along with the network cable. All very easy to do if you are only connecting 2 devices. If you are connecting more sucj as a 3rd unit or a 360 then you will need the hub.

The current Helix models that are networkable are G3N. Same types as the G2N, just more models available and more power.
They can be �dumbed down� to work with the US2 transducer.

What do you mean by "dumbed down"? Other than the adapter cable, are there specific steps I need to take to make a Helix 7 G3N compatible with the US2 transducer? Or is it "plug and play"?

The G3N unit�s have Dual Spectrum CHIRP 2D sonar. You can change the unit setting to 83/200 kHz to match the US2 transducer. That is reducing the 2D quality performance the unit has.

The G3N Side Imaging models have 19 choices for Connected Transducer. Most of those make the unit dumber than original.