Hi Elliot,
I am not "technically aware" as you put it! Far from it, when I bought my boat it has an Lowrance HDS 7 and I was lead to believe I had structure scan with the unit,but having used it and tried to suss everything out, discovered I too needed another transducer "kit". I have found I can consistently not catch fish without it so have taken it no further. I am sure someone at the club will be able to help you properly but I also found it a little confusing/misleading.
Jerry