Lowrance HOOK2-5 SplitShot Navionics+

We’ve already covered the HOOK2-5 SplitShot model with the U.S. Inland charts, so in this post, we’ll address the unit that includes the Navionics+ charts for Canada and the United States. For reference, this is the Lowrance fish finder part number 000-14282-001. Also, Lowrance has already released a new similar model, this being the Hook Reveal 5 SplitShot.

Key Features and Specifications

• Screen: 5″ diagonal, 800H x 480V pixel matrix, color TFT, with LED backlight
• Sonar: High Wide-Angle CHIRP & DownScan
• Transducer: SplitShot (000-14028-001)
• Max. Depth Capability:
  500 ft. (153 m) for the CHIRP sonar
  300 ft. (91 m) for DownScan
• Frequency and Coverage:
  2D Sonar: 200 kHz / 40°
  DownScan: 455/800 kHz
• Power Output:
  2D CHIRP Sonar: 200 Watts (RMS)
  DownScan: Max. 500 Watts (RMS)
• Power Supply: 12 VDC (10.4-17 VDC min-max)
• GPS: Internal, WAAS/EGNOS/MSAS
• Maps: Navionics+ (US & Canada)
• Routes, Waypoints, Tracks: 100; 3,000, 100 (10,000) points per trail)

Sonar and transducer

The Lowrance HOOK2-5 SplitShot offers two types of sonar, these being 2D CHIRP and DownScan sonar. The unit does not have SideScan sonar, so in case you’re wondering, it won’t work with a TripleShot transducer. It does support the older HDI skimmer, though (with a cable adapter).

The unit comes with the SplitShot transducer (part number 000-14028-001). It’s a plastic transducer, but with a different design than the old HDI model. It includes a transom mount, but can also be attached to a trolling motor. The SplitShot transducer has 20 ft. (6 m) of cable with an 8-pin connector. It also integrates a temperature sensor.

The SplitShot transducer supports both sonar technologies built-in the unit. It uses a Wide-Angle High CHIRP conical beam for the 2D sonar with a coverage of 40° @ 200 kHz. The exact CHIRP interval is not specified. The depth capability for this beam is 500 ft. (153 m).

For DownScan, the transducer can operate at either 455 kHz or 800 kHz using thin, oval beams; their exact coverage is not specified but it should be wider than for 2D. The maximum depth capability for the DownScan (455 kHz) beam is 300 ft. (91 m).

The unit offers a wide array of standard sonar features. To begin with, the Overlay DownScan is available. As its name suggests, this allows you to overlay the DownScan images on the 2D sonar image in order to use DownScan options with the 2D sonar. Fish ID is another useful function. It assigns fish icons to targets that are interpreted as fish (suspended targets, basically), and shows the approx. depth of each fish target. The list of sonar applications also includes A-Scope, Bottom Lock, TrackBack, Split Sonar View, Sonar Zoom, various alarms, and more.

GPS and charts

The Lowrance HOOK2-5 SplitShot unit has the U.S. Inland basemap built-in, which offers basic chart detail. However, this is the 000-14282-001 model which comes with a Navionics+ card for the U.S. and Canada waters. These charts not only that offer more detail with regards to points of interest and contours, but they also offer dynamic tide and current information, shallow water highlighting, and more. Plus, you get access to the SonarChart feature which gives you the possibility to reveal the depth contours of the lake where you are fishing and create your own custom map.

The unit has internal GPS which can use WAAS, MSAS, and EGNOS satellites if available, for position augmentation. It also has a GPS speed function. You can save up to 3,000 waypoints in its memory, 100 routes, and 100 tracks (with up to 10,000 points for each track). Tracks can be converted into routes to which you can add waypoints later on.

Since it’s one of the most basic chartplotters offered by Lowrance at the moment, the HOOK2-5 SplitShot does not offer extra connectivity for external GPS modules, VHF radio, or AIS units. It also does not support Radar.

Control unit features

The HOOK2-5 SplitShot unit features a SolarMax color display with LED backlight and a pixel matrix of 800 x 480, which offers excellent readability even in direct sunlight. The display angle visibility is 70°/50°/70°/70° top/bottom/left/right. Its interface is keypad-operated; it doesn’t have touchscreen technology such as the Elite-7 Ti2 model, for example. Its operation is done exclusively via the keypad on the right.

The unit is IPX7 waterproof, which means it can withstand incidental water exposure, rain, and snow with no problem. The transducer connector creates a very tight seal with the unit, without permitting water to damage the metallic parts.

The unit does not offer any networking possibilities. It doesn’t have an NMEA, Ethernet port, and does not have an internal WiFi or Bluetooth module. It only has one port for the transducer and one for the power cable. However, it does have a microSD card slot placed on the right side of the unit, which gives you the possibility to upgrade its internal software, transfer data, upgrade its charts database, etc. The included Navionics+ card is in microSD format.

Last but not least, the box includes the classic bracket mount. A unit cover is not included.

The Pros

• 2D Broadband Wide CHIRP Sonar;
• DownScan sonar;
• SplitShot 2-in-1 transducer included;
• Metallic transom mount for the transducer, and also the possibility to attach it to a trolling motor;
• Sonar recording;
• DownScan overlay;
• Various functions included, such as Fish ID, A-Scope, Bottom Lock, Flasher, Colorline etc;
• Fast and accurate GPS;
• Pre-loaded with the U.S. Inland basemaps;
• Includes a US/Canada Navionics+ microSD card;
• SonarChart capable;
• Compatible with superior charts, such as C-MAP®, C-MAP Genesis, Navionics® and more;
• Color display;
• Adjustable backlight for superior readability;
• Split-screen view up to two panels per view;
• MicroSD card reader (1 slot);
• Bracket mount and panel mount kit included;
• Fairly easy to install;
• One year warranty.

The Cons

• No networking features;
• Does not support AIS or external GPS;
• Unit cover and flush mounting kit are not included.

Summary

The Lowrance HOOK2-5 SplitShot is a fish finder and chartplotter unit offering Wide CHIRP sonar, DownScan, GPS, and Navionics+ charts. It includes the SplitShot transducer which works directly with both types of sonar provided by the unit. It doesn’t have superior networking features but does have a microSD card slot. It’s an excellent and affordable unit for small boats and inland fishing.