best lake map software for flaming gorge

[outdoorsman1]

I have a Lowrance hds 7 with gps and I wanted to get a better mapping system (sd card download). Navionics + or hot maps from what I am reading are good ones. This will be used specifically for flaming gorge. What do you guys out there like and use for the gorge as far as the map systems?
[signature]

[dubob]

[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000]I have the same sonar and just bought the Navionics Platinum Plus on sale at Cabela's in May and used it for the first time at the Gorge. The contour detail was great. You can update the chart data as often as you want (daily if desired) for one full year. After that you'll have to pay an additional annual fee ($100) for that feature, but don't have to just to use the chip. Unfortunately, there isn't any chip that will cover all lakes but the Gorge is probably covered by every one of them. So far I really like the Platinum Plus chip (West coverage).[/#800000][/font]
[signature]

[trueblue2]

I also have the Lowrance HDS7 and have been using the Navionics Platinum maps fr several years. They are very accurate, not only for the Gorge, but others as well. Have had one problem ...
Two years ago my GPS maps wouldn't come up. I contacted Lowrance and rebooted the unit ... didn't work. They said the SD card was bad so I contacted Navionics. They said the GPS was bad. I believed Navionics and bought a bought a used HDS7. Put the SD card in it ... didn't work. Went back to Navionics and they said I had to buy an upgrade for the SD card for $100 so I bought the upgrade. It wouldn't load on the card stating memory limitation on the card. Navionics said I would have to buy a new Sd card, but gave me a slight discount since I already bought an upgrade. New card arrived and problem solved, but I now had an upgrade and used HDS7 I didn't need! The HDS7 made a great gift to my son's pontoon boat and now proudly adorns its helm and will be operable when he saves up enough for another Navionics Platinum card.

Bottom line is ... the maps are great, but I feel Navionic's customer service leaves a little to be desired
[signature]

[dubob]

[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000]Did you discuss with Navionics returning the card to them for diagnoses? Seems like that might have been an option before buying the upgrade. Also, did you think to switch back to the Lowrance chart data to see if the sonar was working properly with the original Lowrance chart data?[/#800000][/font]
[signature]

[trueblue2]

Yes, I did both suggestions. Navionics finally admitted the program got screwed up, but thought the upgrade would overwrite it with a new program. That didn't work because there wasn't sufficient free memory to accept the new upgrade.

On the Hds7, the imbedded maps did come up, but I believed the problem was just with the card reader. Live and learn ...
[signature]

[outdoorsman1]

Thanks guys....how much of a difference is it from the preloaded stuff that came with the lowrance?
[signature]

[dubob]

[quote outdoorsman1]Thanks guys....how much of a difference is it from the preloaded stuff that came with the lowrance?[/quote][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000]The Navionics is far superior with much greater detail and data for way more lakes.[/#800000][/font]
[signature]

[outdoorsman1]

Nice! I think im going to pick that up. Thank you for the information. I appreciate it...
[signature]