Pinpoint 7520 or the 7500

[Stormsearch]

Getting a new boat in a couple of weeks and need help in choosing the right Pinpoint sonar for the bow. BassPro has the 3700 series of motors with the excellent motorguide gator mounts for a decent price. At least I don't have to buy a separate gator mount. So that is the trolling motor that I am getting. Anyway, Cabela's has the Pinpoint 7500 on sale for $399. I would eventually like to have GPS capabilities up front. I understand that Pinpoint will eventually come out with GPS capabilities.

My questions are:
Is it correct that only the xx20 series of graph's will have the GPS capabilities?

Will the xx20 series of graphs make use of the built-in sonar of the 3700 motor? I think so but want to make sure.

Anyway, I can pay another $200 to go from the 7500 to the 7520. Does anybody know the approximate cost of upgrading the 7520 with the GPS capabilities?

I can get the Lowrance GlobalNav 310 w/ antenna for $250. It might be cheaper in the long run and have (2) separate units. What does everybody suggest what I do? I don't spend a lot of my time up front, but now is my chance to get everything that I want.

Last question, should I get a ram mount for the bow use? If so, does the 1 1/2" universal ball mount (RAM-III) adapt?

Thanks for everybody's help in advance. Didn't realize there is almost as much work in picking the accessories as the boat itself.

[Gumbo]

All XX20 grahs are console graphs--connect to a transducer. Model XX00 graphs can only be connected to a Pinpoint trolling motor. So the two models you mention are not interchangeable. I've got both--a 7520 on the console and a 7500 on the bow.

I'll answer your GPS question with info gleaned from previous posts regarding this issue here on WC. Hopefully we can get some updated info from those guys who were beta testing it for Pinpoint. First, since the 7520 is a console graph, that's why the GPS connects to it and not the 7500 on the bow. With the console-mounted 7520, you can still view any of the transducers in the motor head. In fact, with a networked Pinpoint you can view any transducer from any graph. I haven't read a post here yet by anyone regarding the cost of the GPS upgrade.

As for mounts, I have a Johnny Ray mount for my 7520 on the console and a RAM mount on the bow. Works out great that way, and I love the RAM.

[BlackSilver]

Spend the extra couple bucks and get the 7520.

Yes, it will use the 5 transducers in the 3700, plus it's own transducer on the stern.

Yes, it will accept the GPS when it comes out, while the xx00 models do not.

Yes, it's awesome!

SET the hook!!!

Hans

[Dale in MT]

I believe that Pinpoint has stopped making the 7500 model. The 7520 is interchangeable, ie. can be used on the console or bow where the 7500 could only be used on the bowmount. The 7520 has two connections, I for a rear mounted transducer and one for the power cable, but you can plug it into the bowmount with only the one plug and it works. That's why I think Pinpoint decided to make life a little simpler.

I actually use a 7420 on my bow, but the wider screen of the 7520 is nice, especially when you want to split the screen and look at two transducers. I can do the same with my 7420 but it has less area to show what you have gone over.

I like them both and probably will stay with the 7420 on the bow.

[Stormsearch]

Thanks for everybody's replies, looks the 7520 it is...