hds7 vs hds8

[rla69]

Other than the obvious bigger screen what are the advantages of the hds8 over the hds7?

[Marcus]

I know on the 8 you get the keys along the bottom of the screen and I think you can split the screen 4 way vs 2 way for the 7

[Reel Draggin Tackle]

Other than what has been mnetioned, I don't think there is any other difference. All of the software capabilities are the same.

[5th Tuition]

Maybe I'm just a jelouse hds 7 user; but I beg to differ that the screen is smaller. If you notice, the bottom of the 8 screen AlWAYS displays things such as colorline, sensitivity, etc. and has a height of approx. 3/4 of an inch. This bottom "banner" reduces the screen size to almost the same size as the 7. If you are comfortable with going through the menu instead of the wheel and buttons, there isn't much difference between the two. Now the 10 is a completely different matter. That's one sweet machine.
5th (Marty)

[fishinblues]

Do the wheel and quick menu buttons make changing the gain more user freindly than the HDS 7?

[1987-cobb]

Do the wheel and quick menu buttons make changing the gain more user freindly than the HDS 7?

The wheel is a nice feature that I forget to use most of the time. Not really a wheel, it doesn't turn, but just senses you finger going around.

The buttons on the bottom are great!! Really make using the menu system quick & easy. As to the space the soft key information takes up on the screen,
just hold down the EXIT key and the data will disappear. Touch any of the soft keys or the exit key again and its back.

[mrobertson]

i used my new HDS7 yesterday for the first time since installing it. It's a huge upgrade from a 5" unit. I really wanted the HDS8, but i feel like they have it priced wrong or something. It's $1500 for the 8, and you can get the 10 for $1900.

BOE has the base HDS7 for $820 shipped. Great unit in any case.

[rla69]

Are you guys installing these units yourself?I got an installation quote the other day. Eight to ten hours of labor to install hds and a seperate garmin gps.I may try it myself.These are simple brackets on top of console not flush mounts.

[1987-cobb]

Are you guys installing these units yourself?I got an installation quote the other day. Eight to ten hours of labor to install hds and a seperate garmin gps.I may try it myself.These are simple brackets on top of console not flush mounts.

Unless I just wanted to give away money, I would never pay anyone to install this stuff. At $100 per hour that can get a little expensive.
Just follow the directions, it's all made for the self installer.

[rla69]

My main concern is running the wireing,i'll figure it out as i'm not into paying 800 dollars for a pro to do it.The hds 7 is only a few hundred more than the installation cost,kinda crazy in my mind.

[TerpHeels]

I think the 8 has a higher resolution as well? I agree though that the price point on the 8 is off compared to the 7. I have the 7 and was limited on space but I'm perfectly happy with it but I only use it 4 the structure scan and backup GPS duty.

[Widgeon]

I am going to buy a HDS 7 or 8 in the coming months. If I flush mount the unit on my console how rugged are they exposed to the elements. I had a garmin go out that is flush mounted from getting salt spray on it. I really dont want to mount it inside a cubby, just look down and have it there. I take good care of my stuff but I dont want to baby it. Any one had any issues with the HDS units being weather proof

[1987-cobb]

We just average care it should last for years. It's as waterproof as any.
Some of the early HDS7 models had a water leaking problem, but these
were the first ones made (2008). Problem solved and not issues I have
heard of sense. I have a 7, 8, & 10. Great stuff!!!