Lowarnce Structure Scan overlay?

[Wallijig]

I am about to pull trigger on new depth finder for my boat. Been leaning towards HDS-7 or HDS-9 touch model. Adding then structure scan transducer so I can use structure overlay.
Does any one have experience with lowrance unit now use the structure overlay on GPS feature. That is feature making me lean most toward lowrance over hummingbird. I fish lot of areas which maps are not made feel this would help me map structure for lakes I fish and Would also have more detail then any map purchased?

 

[Badbagger]

https://www.bbcboards.net/lowrance-garmin-sonar-gps/

 

[russ010]

it works great if the lake you are on already has maps made and shows the contours. I'm not sure which lakes you fish, or if they maybe have cards made for particular lakes where you live - but that is the only way you'll see depths with the overlay.

If you get out there and it just shows you on blue water, you can make your own maps through some programs by recording the overlay, then transferring it to a computer for use with Google Earth. Then you can go to the topography view and overlay the structure you recorded. I have no idea how to do this, but I read about people doing it all the time. I get lost when they start describing it, so I just make notes and record tons of way points and go back in after the day to rename the numbers with actual descriptions and/or icons of the structure below.

 

[Wallijig]

Thanks for the info guys!!!

 

[wihil]

Haven't done it with the new Touch units, but I did play around with a HDS10 Gen2 and the LSS2 for a bit (actually for a LONG time, think the owner was ready to boot me out of the pilots spot) earlier this fall.

For large lakes that have good mapping, its neat but not really necessary. I could see where it would shine for smaller lakes with actual structure in them. If they're a typical mud pit, it'll be kind of pointless IMO - unless you want to travel down the Dr. Depth software route and make your own maps. I really wanted to try it on a river system, but we were just out trolling the big lake that day.

I played with the Touch in the store for a good while also - Scheels had the 7 Touch on the wall. It's fast - but honestly no faster than the Gen2's it seemed. The widescreen was nice too. I'm not a fan of the lack of buttons, because I've learned over more than a few years that touchscreens - no matter how rough and tumble they can build them - will eventually fail.

With the deals going on right now at Cabelas on an HDS10 Gen2 and the Lowrance Rebate, you could get more screen than the 9 Touch and still afford the LSS2 to get Structure mapping. Remember that the LSS2 transducer is like an additional $400, which needs to be added too the 9 Touch's price (it's not included).

I heard Navionic's (?) is doing something this year also with mapping where you can upload your sonar data and they'll send you down a lake map. I think it's called "Genesis" or something - might be an option and doesn't need the SS for the data. Supposed to work with the 'Bird and Lowrance. (and Furano/etc)


Personally I'm waiting to see what's coming out this spring - they're offloading the Elite DSI's CHEAP right now, and with the new HDI transducer on the E7, I suspect a lot of the Elites will be getting an upgrade.

 

[Wallijig]

I stopped by Scheels today and played with HDS7 today. Then went over and seen what I could with Humminbird units.
It is amazing what HDS can do! Now I want it more then ever. Going to just hold out during ice see if I can find it on special this spring at sportsman or boat show. Maybe also they will have a type of rebate when buying it with structure scan transducer.