Best Mapping / Chartplotting Software for Lawrence Mark / Elite 4 series FF's???

Hey guys! Just hooked up my new FF about a month ago and I am loving it, however, I like a little more details in my mapping rather then Lowrance's stock system. IE better mapping, topo mapping, and fishery boundries. I have been looking at different Mapping Programs, such as Nautic Insight Pro, Nautic Insight Genesis, Navionics, CMap, etc...

I was curious to see what the pros and cons are about such Mapping programs, how easy they are to install, if its worth my time, or is it a waste of $$ all together.. I have always just relied on Turns, Pelicans, clicking, bait jumps, Waypoint marks in my head, Bouy locations, etc... Now I have my first FF, its like fishing in a whole different world.. Kinda like cheating almost...

Any opinions would be much appreciated! Thank you! PS. I have the Mark 4 HDI.. It says these are compatible Mapping programs: Fishing Hot Spots & Navionics (Hotmaps, Premium and Gold) CMap Max N, Insight Pro & HD plus Insight Genesis

Two to look at are Navionics Gold or the Lowrance Nautic Insight PRO (don't run the HD version, its too graphically intense for the HDI units and will REALLY slow the processor down).  The Nautic Insight PRO V15 will give you more detailed information.  Here's a link to check out the software:

http://www.lowrance.com/en-US/Products/Mapping/Nautic-Insight-Pro-v15-1.aspx

I have both the PRO V15 & the HD V15 and will show them at upcoming events & classes for anyone interested in checking them out.

Bill

They are pretty expensive.. $100+ for a map? When are you having your demo course so I can see what I am buying before I buy something I regret. Thank you for all of your help! That Insight Pro V15 is what I have been looking at!

Two to look at are Navionics Gold or the Lowrance Nautic Insight PRO (don't run the HD version, its too graphically intense for the HDI units and will REALLY slow the processor down).  The Nautic Insight PRO V15 will give you more detailed information.  Here's a link to check out the software:

http://www.lowrance.com/en-US/Products/Mapping/Nautic-Insight-Pro-v15-1.aspx

I have both the PRO V15 & the HD V15 and will show them at upcoming events & classes for anyone interested in checking them out.

Bill

Its about the same price if I want to upgrade my Raymarine Dragonfly and get a Navionics Update Chip.  You gotta pay more to get more detail.

They are pretty expensive.. $100+ for a map? When are you having your demo course so I can see what I am buying before I buy something I regret. Thank you for all of your help! That Insight Pro V15 is what I have been looking at!

Two to look at are Navionics Gold or the Lowrance Nautic Insight PRO (don't run the HD version, its too graphically intense for the HDI units and will REALLY slow the processor down).  The Nautic Insight PRO V15 will give you more detailed information.  Here's a link to check out the software:

http://www.lowrance.com/en-US/Products/Mapping/Nautic-Insight-Pro-v15-1.aspx

I have both the PRO V15 & the HD V15 and will show them at upcoming events & classes for anyone interested in checking them out.

Bill

They are pretty expensive.. $100+ for a map? When are you having your demo course so I can see what I am buying before I buy something I regret. Thank you for all of your help! That Insight Pro V15 is what I have been looking at!

Two to look at are Navionics Gold or the Lowrance Nautic Insight PRO (don't run the HD version, its too graphically intense for the HDI units and will REALLY slow the processor down).  The Nautic Insight PRO V15 will give you more detailed information.  Here's a link to check out the software:

http://www.lowrance.com/en-US/Products/Mapping/Nautic-Insight-Pro-v15-1.aspx

I have both the PRO V15 & the HD V15 and will show them at upcoming events & classes for anyone interested in checking them out.

Bill

$100 for a map is the baseline.  It's not cheap, but it is what it is.  Other option is to spend about $10 on the Navionics App for your phone BUT now you are using another piece of equipment & how much does a phone cost if lost?  Exactly!  In the long run, $100 is cheap given the features & benefits to those looking to add better mapping to their unit.  It becomes an instrument much like a rod/reel which are generally about the same $.

As for upcoming seminars ... SOON!  The upcoming training course in a few weeks is being held at the new Bass Pro Shops in San Jose but that is ONLY open to employees of BPS.  Looks like I'll be one of their 2 trainers & support staff!  Hooray!!!!

They are pretty expensive.. $100+ for a map? When are you having your demo course so I can see what I am buying before I buy something I regret. Thank you for all of your help! That Insight Pro V15 is what I have been looking at!

Two to look at are Navionics Gold or the Lowrance Nautic Insight PRO (don't run the HD version, its too graphically intense for the HDI units and will REALLY slow the processor down).  The Nautic Insight PRO V15 will give you more detailed information.  Here's a link to check out the software:

http://www.lowrance.com/en-US/Products/Mapping/Nautic-Insight-Pro-v15-1.aspx

I have both the PRO V15 & the HD V15 and will show them at upcoming events & classes for anyone interested in checking them out.

Bill

$100 for a map is the baseline.  It's not cheap, but it is what it is.  Other option is to spend about $10 on the Navionics App for your phone BUT now you are using another piece of equipment & how much does a phone cost if lost?  Exactly!  In the long run, $100 is cheap given the features & benefits to those looking to add better mapping to their unit.  It becomes an instrument much like a rod/reel which are generally about the same $.

As for upcoming seminars ... SOON!  The upcoming training course in a few weeks is being held at the new Bass Pro Shops in San Jose but that is ONLY open to employees of BPS.  Looks like I'll be one of their 2 trainers & support staff!  Hooray!!!!

Would you be willing to spend a little time with me showing me the functions? I just want to see it before I buy it... $100 isn't bad for something that is a big upgrade, and based on what you are saying it is something that is a big upgrade... I am super interested!

I'm generally touring various West Marine stores that I cover on behalf of Lowrance.  My territory is Sausalito to Monterey on both sides of the Bay.  Starting late October, I'll be adding BPS in San Jose to the list as well.

Yes, I can meet you at one of the stores or arrange something when I'm planning to be at one.  Not sure EXACTLY when yet I'll be making my next round to the stores for visits but it is almost always on a weekend since I do have a regular weekday job 

Working on it! ...still 

Closeset WM is about 5 mins away in Santa Cruz.. Please let me know when you will be around! Thank you! I am anxious to buy this!

Closeset WM is about 5 mins away in Santa Cruz.. Please let me know when you will be around! Thank you! I am anxious to buy this!

We might be able to work something out sooner, rather than later.  I work in Watsonville so I could fire a unit up at work & let you play with the maps.

Closeset WM is about 5 mins away in Santa Cruz.. Please let me know when you will be around! Thank you! I am anxious to buy this!

We might be able to work something out sooner, rather than later.  I work in Watsonville so I could fire a unit up at work & let you play with the maps.

Awesome Im in Seacliff so just a stones throw away from you in the Dub! Just let me know I would love to check it out! PM me when ready! Thanks again!

Closeset WM is about 5 mins away in Santa Cruz.. Please let me know when you will be around! Thank you! I am anxious to buy this!

We might be able to work something out sooner, rather than later.  I work in Watsonville so I could fire a unit up at work & let you play with the maps.

Awesome Im in Seacliff so just a stones throw away from you in the Dub! Just let me know I would love to check it out! PM me when ready! Thanks again!

I have to bring the chips in to work along with my power supply setup this week anyways to get a co-worker dialed in with his new Simrad unit so we could do it then too.  I'll PM you what day this week (or such) will work. 

Just make sure it's not the one with all my waypoints hahahaha!

Just make sure it's not the one with all my waypoints hahahaha!

I accidentally formatted that chip without realizing what was on it