Hello All!

I have not purchased a unit yet to make my maps with yet. I am not currently loyal to Humminbird or Lowrance.

What is the best model to use with ReefMaster? I have been looking at Humminbird Helix 9 G2N SI.

What type of hardware or extras are needed for either make of sonar aside from the unit and transducer? External GPS antenna?


We are wanting to make a contour map for a area where a new marina is wanting to be built .

Any unit capable of logging sonar from Lowrance, Simrad or Humminbird will be able to record data to create maps with. Lowrance/Simrad are preferred by many of our users because it is possible to create maps that can then be displayed on the units, which is not possible for Humminbird. To be honest there isn't really much to choose between them as data recording devices - they will all do the job - so much of the decision is down to personal preference. Note that cheaper, smaller-screened units generally do just as good a job at recording data as the pricier units.

Ok. Thank you!

I am looking into the live data with a lowrance. I want the sonar and computer networked so I can see my location on the laptop screen. I cant seem to find the cable which would be used to connect unit and computer together.

That my last question and Im making the purchase.

More important then the brand or model of sonar, is the ducer used. A ducer with a narrow coneangle gives more precise depths then a ducer with a wide coneangle. That is, if precise mapping is the point. If you are looking for a more rough map then just about any ducer will do.

There are several ways to get your position on a PC. Using a chartplotter (like the Helix) can be done with NMEA0183 or NMEA2000, Digital Yachts have good solutions based in NMEA. But there are less expencive and just as good solutions that can plug directly in the USB-port on your PC and give GPS-based positioning.