Do I need HDS Insight if I already have Navionics Platinum? - The Hull Truth

delliott00 · 03-29-2009, 12:30 PM

I am upgrading boats and will be installing a new GPS/FF on the new boat.

If I already have a local Navionics Platinum SD card for my Lowrance 525c, is it worth buying a new HDS unit with Insight? Or should I get the base maps only?

What will Insight maps give me that Navionics Platinum doesn't? I like the 3D and satellite maps on the Navionics. I watched some demos which shows that the insight detail only shows when its zoomed out. I tend to run the intracoastal zoomed pretty close in so that I can see the channel in 3D.

Also, I understand Lowrance will offer a firmware update for the HDS units to work with Navionics Platinum.... is that still confirmed on schedule?

Thanks. Will be placing an order once I close on the new boat.

-Dave

LCinOH · 03-30-2009, 09:28 AM

Great Question!

All of the Navionics products will be compatible on the great new Lowrance products with a firmware update from Lowrance in April. The update will be available from the Lowrance web site and with a link through the Navionics web site when it becomes available from Lowrance.

The Navionics Platinum will be necessary even with Insight when zooming in closer than 1/2 NM in order to see the Navionics High Def info, as well as the Platinum Panoramic Pictures, the awesome Platinum 3D and the Platinum Top Down Aerial images.

It is your call whether to buy the Insight, but in order to have all the great features of the Navionics charts, especially the Platinum features such as 3D, Panoramic port pictures nd he Top Down Satellite overlays, you will need the Navionics product.

By the way, the new Navionics Platinum + product has been reduced by $200 until June of this year to MSRP $299. It was $499 until it went on sale...the benefits are huge: greater definition on Panoramic Pictures, Top Down info in many places that rivals our Google Friends and 3D that really jumps out at ya. It is well worth using the Navionics Trade In program to get up to $100 back when you Trade In your old Navionics chart.

LCinOH
MidWest Regional Sales Manager
Navionics Inc

yachtjim · 03-30-2009, 10:19 PM

Dave, if you need to use the unit now get it with Insight so you have charts. If you will not be using the boat until the end of April then get the base map version as the Platinum charts will be better than the insight charts. Another reason to get insight is if you ever take your boat to an area outside of the coverage your Platinum chart has so you will still have charts.

delliott00 · 04-01-2009, 11:45 AM

Thanks LC and Jim, exactly what I needed to know.

I love my Navionics Platinum maps, so maybe I'll jump on that upgrade deal for $100 back.

I doubt I'll ever make it out of the gulf of mexico on my new boat and it won't be transported to me until mid april so it sounds like getting a base model and upgrading to platinum+ is the best setup. Plus I have a nauticpath chip too so I can always use that if I end up a week or two without a map.

Thanks again guys. Order on the way Jim as soon as I decide which model.....

-Dave
'06 Century 3200 WA F250s
'07 Sea Hunt 220 Triton (going up for sale)