Lowrance HOOK2-12 TripleShot Navionics+

The Lowrance HOOK2-12 TripleShot is available in various bundles. We’ve already covered the bundle which includes the classic unit with the basemaps and the TripleShot transducer. In this post, we’re going to address the HOOK2-12 TripleShot part number 000-14306-001 which includes the Navionics+ charts.

Key Features and Specifications

• Display: 12″ diagonal, 1280H x 800V pixel matrix, WVGA color TFT, with LED backlight
• Sonar: Wide-angle High CHIRP (2D), DownScan, SideScan
• Transducer: TripleShot
• Frequency and Coverage:
  2D CHIRP: 40° @ 200 kHz
  DownScan: 55°/2.5° @ 455 kHz & 35°/1.5° @ 800 kHz
  SideScan: 55°/0.8°/600′ @ 455 kHz & 35°/0.5°/300′ @ 800 kHz
• Max. Depth Capability:
  2D CHIRP: 500′ (153 m) for the CHIRP sonar
  DownScan: 300′ (91 m)
  SideScan: 300′ (91 m)
• Power Output:
  Broadband Sonar (2D): 200 Watts (RMS)
  DownScan/SideScan: Max. 500 Watts (RMS)
• Power Input: 12 VDC (10.4-17 VDC min-max)
• GPS: Internal, WAAS/EGNOS/MSAS
• Maps: US Inland & Navionics+
• Routes, Waypoints, Tracks: 100; 3,000, 100 (10,000) points per trail)

Sonar and transducer

Since it’s a TripleShot unit, the HOOK2-12 has three types of sonar built-in. These are 2D CHIRP, DownScan, and SideScan. The TripleShot transducer is included with the unit. This transducer supports all the sonar types provided by the unit. It also has an internal temperature sensor, comes with a transom mount and 20′ (6m) of cable.

It’s important to mention here that the HOOK2-12 unit is also compatible with the SplitShot 2-in-1 transducer and the Bullet transducer.

For SideScan and DownScan, the transducer also uses oval-shaped beams. For SideScan the beam coverage is 55°/0.8° @ 455 kHz and 35°/0.5° @ 800 kHz. Also, their side-to-side coverage is 600′ (183 m) @ 455 kHz mode, and 300′ (91 m) @ 800 kHz. For DownScan, the beam coverage is 55°/2.5° @ 455 kHz and 35°/1.5° @ 800 kHz. Also, the maximum depth capability of the DownScan sonar with the included transducer is 300′ (91 m), when using the 455 kHz mode. At 800 kHz, the maximum depth capability is only 150′ (46 m). The recommended boat speed for the best DownScan and SideScan imaging is 10 MPH (or even lower).

For 2D CHIRP, the transducer uses only one conical beam at 200 kHz (so, it’s basically High CHIRP). Its coverage is approx. 40° while its maximum depth capability is 500′ (153 m).

The unit offers a wide array of standard sonar features. The list includes Fish ID, Bottom Lock, Amplitude Scope, Sonar Autotuning, Split-Zoom, Noise Rejection, Sonar Recording, Sonar Rewind, and more. It does not have the FishReveal feature, though, as the Elite Ti2 units. However, it does have Overlay DownScan which allows you to use basic DownScan features within the 2D sonar window.

Navigation features

First of all, the Lowrance HOOK2-12 000-14306-001 includes a Navionics+ maps microSD card. The Navionics+ charts cover the U.S. and Canadian waters providing superior detail and information for each point of interest, depth contours, dynamic tides, and current information, shallow water shading, and more. They also open access to the Navionics SonarChart mapping application and the Lowrance unit supports it.

Of course, the unit also has the US Inland basemaps built-in. These maps cover more than 4,000 U.S. lakes with 1-foot contours. They don’t offer super detail, but still, provide considerably more awareness than a basic GPS plotter. Also, along with Navionics+, the unit support Navionics Platinum+, C-MAP MAX-N, C-MAP MAX-N+, or Insight Pro and Insight HD.

The HOOK2 units don’t have the new Genesis Live feature which is present in all Elite Ti2 units and the HDS Live units. However, the HOOK2-12 does have StructureMap. This application allows you to overlay recorded images from the SideScan sonar on your maps for better awareness.

Of course, since it’s a chart plotter, the HOOK2-12 TripleShot has internal GPS and a GPS speed function. It can store up to 3,000 waypoints in its memory and can also save up to 100 tracks (10,000 points per track) and 100 routes in its memory.

Control unit features

The Lowrance HOOK2-12 TripleShot Navionics+ is equipped with a 12-inch SolarMax LCD display for superior readability even in direct sunlight and when wearing polarized sunglasses. It is a full-color unit with a pixel resolution of 1280H x 800V. It is also IPX7 waterproof which essentially means it can withstand rain or incidental splashes.

The unit has a keypad operated interface; it does not have touchscreen technology like the HDS units. However, it does have a very intuitive and user-friendly interface. Its homepage can easily be customized with the most used applications. It also offers split-screen options with up to four applications per view.

The included mount with the HOOK2-12 is the U-type bracket. The transducer comes with a transom mount. The in-dash mounting kit and the unit cover are not included.

Although it’s a 12-inch unit, the HOOK2-12 000-14306-001 does not have networking features. It does not feature an Ethernet port or an NMEA port. It only has two connectors on the back, one is the 8-pin connector for the transducer, the other is the power connector. Also, as opposed to the Elite Ti2 and HDS units, it does not have wireless connectivity. It does have a microSD card slot, though, which you can load with the provided Navionics+ charts or other charts from C-MAP.

The Pros

• 2D High-Wide CHIRP Sonar;
• DownScan Sonar;
• SideScan Sonar;
• TripleShot 3-in-1 transducer included;
• Sonar recording;
• Overlay DownScan, A-Scope, Fish ID, Bottom Lock, and multiple other standard sonar features included;
• Fast and accurate GPS;
• Trail recording function;
• Route creation function;
• Can save up to 3,000 waypoints;
• Navionics+ maps (on microSD card);
• U.S. Inland maps included covering over 4,000 US lakes with 1′ contours;
• Compatible with premium charts, such as C-MAP®, C-MAP Genesis, Navionics® and more;
• SolarMAX color display;
• Adjustable backlight for superior readability;
• Split-screen view up to 4 panels per view;
• MicroSD card reader (1 slot);
• Fairly easy to install;
• One year warranty.

The Cons

• No networking features;
• Unit cover and flush mounting kit are not included;
• Trolling mount for the transducer is not included.

Summary

The Lowrance HOOK2-12 000-14306-001 is a fish finder and chartplotter offering 2D High CHIRP sonar, DownScan, SideScan, GPS, and Navionics+. It includes the TripleShot transducer with a transom mount. It offers a wide range of standard sonar and navigation features but it’s not networkable, so it does not support Radar, AIS, or other navigation instruments. It’s a great unit especially for lake fishing and navigation, but can also be used off-shore.