Lowrance HOOK2-9 SplitShot Navionics+

Most Lowrance fish finders in the HOOK2 series come in different bundles with various transducers and charts. In this post, we’re going to address the HOOK2-9 SplitShot which includes the Navionics+ charts for the US and Canada waters. For reference, this is the Lowrance part number 000-14298-001.

Key Features and Specifications

• Screen: 9″ diagonal, 800H x 480V pixel matrix, color TFT, with LED backlight
• Sonar: High Wide-Angle CHIRP & DownScan
• 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
• Transducer: SplitShot (000-14028-001)
• Power Supply: 12 VDC (10.4-17 VDC min-max)
• GPS: Internal, WAAS/EGNOS/MSAS
• Maps: US Inland (built-in), Navionics+ (US/Canada) card
• Routes, Waypoints, Tracks: 100; 3,000, 100 (10,000) points per trail)

Sonar and transducer

For the fish finding part, this Lowrance unit offers the same features and transducer as the HOOK2-9 000-14297-001 that we’ve already covered here.

As its name suggests, it includes the SplitShot 2-in-1 transducer which is basically an improved version of the older HDI skimmer. It’s designed with a flattened top and several cutouts under the top section which allows its attachment to a trolling motor. It comes with a metallic transom mount as well, has 20 ft. (6 m) of cable, and has an 8-pin connector. It also has an internal temperature sensor.

The SplitShot 2-in-1 supports two types of sonar, these being High-Wide CHIRP and DownScan. It does not supports SideScan, and the unit itself does not support SideScan.

For DownScan, the SplitShot 2-in-1 transducer basically uses the same type of fan-shaped beams as the older HDI skimmer, which operates at 455 kHz, and respectively 800 kHz. The DownScan beamwidths are not specified. The maximum depth capability for the DownScan sonar with this transducer is 300 ft (91 m).

For the High-Wide CHIRP sonar, the SplitShot transducer uses a conical beam with a coverage of 40°. Its maximum depth capability is 500 ft (153 m). It’s also important to mention that this fish finder system should be able to maintain an optimal bottom and target reading at a sailing speed of 20-30 MPH, but the recommended speed for the best imaging is up to 10 MPH.

The unit itself makes available quite a few useful standard sonar features. The first to mention is Sonar Autotuning. This feature allows the unit to autotune itself giving you the possibility to spend less time adjusting its settings and spend more time fishing. In all, it’s a plug-and-fish system, which actively adjusts the sonar settings as the fishing conditions change.

The Fish ID features is also available. This feature replaces the fish arches with fish icons for a better view, and also displays the depth of each fish target next to it. It’s important to mention, though, that this HOOK2 unit does not have the FishReveal feature as the Elite-9 model.

Among other features, we can mention Bottom Lock, Depth Alarm, Fish Alarm, A-Scope, Flasher Mode, Sonar Recording, and more.

Navigation features

The HOOK2-9 SplitShot is preloaded with the U.S. Inland basemap platform. These are maps based on C-MAP charts and they don’t offer super detail, but do cover more than 4,000 U.S. lakes with up to 1-foot depth contours. However, since this is the 000-14298-001, it also includes a Navionics+ card for the U.S. and Canadian waters.

The Navionics+ charts not only that offer more detail with regards to points of interest and contours, 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. Unfortunately, this model does not have the Genesis Live feature like the newer Hook Reveal 9.

Needless to say, the unit has internal GPS. The GPS system can use WAAS, EGNOS, and MSAS for position augmentation. It shows the coordinates of any waypoints and your current coordinates, and there’s also a GPS speed function. Plus, the unit can save up to 3,000 waypoints, 100 routes, and can record up to 100 tracks. Each recorded track can have up to 10,000 plot points.

Since it’s a HOOK2 unit, the 000-14298-001 does not support Radar or AIS, and does not have autopilot or other superior navigation features. But on the other hand, it is considerably cheaper than the Elite-9 or the HDS-9 Live.

Control unit features

The HOOK2-9 fish finder and chartplotter combo features a 9-inch, color SolarMax display with LED backlight in order to provide superior readability even in direct sunlight. It has a pixel resolution of 800H x 480V and a keypad-operated interface. Its homepage can be customized with the most used applications for quick access. Also, the unit can provide split-screen views with two, three, or four panels.

The unit has IPX7 waterproofing. This essentially means it can survive incidental water exposure or rain.

The HOOK2-9 doesn’t offer any networking options; it does not have NMEA or Ethernet connectors as the HDS or Elite Ti2 units. It only has a microSD card reader. This feature gives you the possibility to upgrade the unit’s charts, backup data, or get software updates.

Finally, the unit includes the classic tilt mount. An in-dash mounting kit is also available but not included. A unit cover is also not included.

The Pros

• SplitShot sonar (High-Wide CHIRP and DownScan);
• 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 and rewind;
• DownScan overlay;
• Sonar autotuning;
• Various functions included, such as Fish ID, A-Scope, Bottom Lock, Flasher, Colorline etc;
• Fast and accurate GPS;
• GPS speed reading;
• US Inland basemaps included;
• Navionics+ charts card for U.S. and Canada included;
• Compatible with superior charts, such as C-MAP®, C-MAP Genesis, Navionics® and more;
• SolarMAX display with adjustable backlight for excellent readability in direct sunlight;
• IPX7 waterproof;
• Four-panel split-screen view possibilities;
• Intuitive interface;
• MicroSD card reader (1 slot);
• Bracket mount included;
• Fairly easy to install;
• One year warranty.

The Cons

• No networking features;
• Unit cover is not included;
• Does not support AIS or external GPS.

Summary

The Lowrance HOOK2-9 SplitShot 000-14298-001 is a fish finder and chartplotter system which offers 2D CHIRP sonar, DownScan sonar, GPS, US inland basemaps, and Navionics+ maps. It includes the SplitShot 2-in-1 transducer. It doesn’t have the full range of navigation features and capabilities as the Elite or HDS units, but it’s also considerably cheaper. In conclusion, it’s one of the most affordable 9-inch fish finder and GPS combos available at the moment.