Lowrance Service Problems - Beware

[Lowerider]

OK I know Lowrance has been the leader in electroncis for a number of years (although Hummingbird is gaining more market share with their side imaging units) but I just got some DISTURBING news from their service department.

They will no longer service the LCX units and if one goes down the best they'll do is send you a $250 rebate to buy their top of the line unit.

I have a 2004 LCX 19 C which was their top of the line unit 4 years ago and it cost around $1700. Now I know with all electroncis things go obsolete fast but given you can buy two top of the line Dell computers today for $1700 it seems rediculous that today's sonars cost what they do. The manufacturers come out with all new units it seems like every 6 months and anything older than 2 years is rendered obsolete. Where's the value of the dollar anymore? What about customer loyalty?

My unit slid from the back floor of my truck and hit the ground this weekend - about a 2.5 ft fall and now I'm out $1700 (really more than that to get a comparable unit). I know it's my fault I dropped the unit and expected to pay the repair bill. I still consider this unit to be "new" and Lowrance doesn't even make parts for it anymore - in fact they won't even accept an LCX unit at all. That's just major BS to me - I mean really - a $250 rebate??!

I'm sure if I break down and drop 3K for the new Hummingbird unit I'll find out side-imaging was in it's infancy and they won't make repair parts for it two years from now too.

[markmac60]

That is disturbing. I guess they're getting so big that customer service has taken a back seat. That's all it would take for me to become a Hummingbird customer. Sorry to hear your loss.

[sean]

Hey Lowrider,
Have you tried to contact Linda Colt ?? I had a 334c that i had a few problems with and was on my third unit. She was great, i called her and i got a new 522c at no cost to me. My situation is different than yours but maybe she would be able to help you in some way ??? I don't have her number but can get it for you if you would like.

[Lowerider]

Yeah

I've been in contact with Linda - she gets high praise on a lot of forums. At the end of the day the best they can do is knock off $200 on a LCX 27 C. This is a newer model than my 19 C and a lot cheaper today then when it first came out (sonars are like flat screens - 30% the cost today then 4 years ago). I'm going to bite the bullet.

Thanks

Scott

ps - Linda said I received bad information about Lowrance no longer servicing ALL LCX models. They no longer service SOME LCX models like my 19C.