Lowrance Hook 5 Mid/High/DownScan Upgrade Ideas?

I have been using Lowrance Hook 5 Mid/High/DownScan, purchased on 8/14/2017, for kayak fishing but it has been constantly giving me issues.  It freezes after 1-2 hours use and to get it started I have to disconnect the power cable and reconnect and restart. 

I returned it for repair to Lowrance twice but it is still having the same issue.  I have installed transducers to 3 of my kayaks and my Zodiac.  I don't want to purchase 3 additional transducers and power cables to upgrade to Hook2. 

Been searching for new Hook 5 head units at Ebay but the price been closer to a new unit price.  If possible I would like to continue using my existing 50/83/200 CHIRP transducers.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Has Lowrance actually repaired it? If so what did they do to it. If they can’t replicate the problem they might just test it and return it to you. Does the problem happen on all three boats? Have you checked wires for breaks or corrosion? I would look closely at all solder joints, terminals and any spot that could possible develop corrosion on the power wire.

uh, you should be able to use the same power cables and transducer cables on the hook2.  Better yet get a HDS unit. 

I upgraded from an elite 4 to an HDS7 gen3 and used the same cables

Have you checked your micro SD card by any chance? On my Hook 5 the micro SD card was completely corroded upon removing, causing similar issues to what you're having.

I sent in the my Hook 5 for a replacement and have since gooped the entire micro SD card area off to prevent any water from seeping through.  Haven't had any issues since.

Has Lowrance actually repaired it? If so what did they do to it. If they can’t replicate the problem they might just test it and return it to you. Does the problem happen on all three boats? Have you checked wires for breaks or corrosion? I would look closely at all solder joints, terminals and any spot that could possible develop corrosion on the power wire.

The first time they returned the unit stating they couldn't duplicate the problem.  The second time they claimed that they repaired/replaced unit but the problem continues.
Yes, the problem happens on all of my 3 kayaks.  I checked all my connectors for corrosions but didn't notice any.

Thank you for your advice.

I upgraded from an elite 4 to an HDS7 gen3 and used the same cables

Does HDS model has any smaller screen like 5"?

Have you checked your micro SD card by any chance? On my Hook 5 the micro SD card was completely corroded upon removing, causing similar issues to what you're having.

I sent in the my Hook 5 for a replacement and have since gooped the entire micro SD card area off to prevent any water from seeping through.  Haven't had any issues since.

Didn't notice any corrosion in SD card area.  Like to keep the SD card area for data backup.

Smallest they have is 7inch. You won't regret it!

Has Lowrance actually repaired it? If so what did they do to it. If they can’t replicate the problem they might just test it and return it to you. Does the problem happen on all three boats? Have you checked wires for breaks or corrosion? I would look closely at all solder joints, terminals and any spot that could possible develop corrosion on the power wire.

The first time they returned the unit stating they couldn't duplicate the problem.  The second time they claimed that they repaired/replaced unit but the problem continues.
Yes, the problem happens on all of my 3 kayaks.  I checked all my connectors for corrosions but didn't notice any.

Thank you for your advice.

How long does it take to malfunction. Maybe you can get someone to run it on their kayak and see what happens.

Has Lowrance actually repaired it? If so what did they do to it. If they can’t replicate the problem they might just test it and return it to you. Does the problem happen on all three boats? Have you checked wires for breaks or corrosion? I would look closely at all solder joints, terminals and any spot that could possible develop corrosion on the power wire.

The first time they returned the unit stating they couldn't duplicate the problem.  The second time they claimed that they repaired/replaced unit but the problem continues.
Yes, the problem happens on all of my 3 kayaks.  I checked all my connectors for corrosions but didn't notice any.

Thank you for your advice.

How long does it take to malfunction. Maybe you can get someone to run it on their kayak and see what happens.

It takes a couple hours.  At first the buttons start responding slowly and stop responding.  The screen is still on but not responsive.  Once it starts acts up it freezes approximately every 30-40 minutes.

Smallest they have is 7inch. You won't regret it!

Do you recommend HDD Gen 3 or Live?
Do you need a larger battery?

uh, you should be able to use the same power cables and transducer cables on the hook2.  Better yet get a HDS unit.

Nope. Hook2 is totally different connections at the head unit.

uh, you should be able to use the same power cables and transducer cables on the hook2.  Better yet get a HDS unit.

Nope. Hook2 is totally different connections at the head unit.

That is what I thought based on looking on the connector photos.

Thank you.

Hi Bruddah,
I have had stellar service from Lowrance. If they said they corrected the problem, can you fire it up on another kayak to see if it is still having the sane problems. Last season, I damaged my Hook 5 and when I got it back, it did not fire up. I called Lowrance Support and they told me that all of their units have been tested prior to getting shipped out. Since I had not been using my kayak after salmon season, I checked my female connectors to the battery and noticed that they had corrosion on them. I cleaned it all up and my Hook 5 fired up right away.
Aloha,
Michael da Bruddah