Fish-Hawk.Net

Looking to buy the helix 5 very shortly, do I need to buy the package with the navionics chip? Or just standard one will work? Just looking for local lakes ottawa to bay of quinte

When buying the Helix 5, get the package with the chip. When you get the Navionics with the unit, you are getting the chip far below what you would pay for the Helix with even the cheapest Navionics available when bought separately. Now, if you can find someone that has them in stock, that's the next thing. I expect some in any day but they are like hen's teeth to get.

Ed

ive got the helix 5 and use my navionics chip all the time for navigating/plotting waypoints. I wouldn't want it without navionics. That being said, I trailer my boat to multiple bodies of water (I don't only fish a "home lake"). The only reason I didn't buy the combo (with the chip included) is because I wanted down imaging (which you can't get as a combo). So yeah...id recommend the combo because of the big discount on the chip.

I have the Helix 5 DI, and it came as a combo with the navionics chip. Cheapest place I could find the combo was at Orleans boat world. 15 bucks cheaper than sail, and they had a bunch in stock. Bought mine in June.... worth a shot

Ah really ?! I should have shopped around!

Have to agree with getting the package as the GPS is really the best when on the water.

I have the same unit, love it but am a little dissapointed when it comes to the sonar charts... The depths are few and far between (I have only tried Ottawa river so far).Any body else have the same issue ??? I can see the coloration that would mark depth changes but there is barely anything for depth (ft) on countours

Olivier

Olivier: You can take the chip and download sonar charts from your computer. This will give you 1' intervals. Go to www.navionics.com, click on downloads, and follow the instructions.

Ed

as well..Ed [toobinator] gives advice and does not expect you to go to his place

BUT

he has great gear and deserves your support