|
|
Posts: 2753
Location: Mauston, Wisconsin | Hi guy's- I've been comtemplating getting one of these. Looked at them in Cabela's (Praire du Chien, WI) last week. The 997 is sweet but a little to pricey for my blood (~$1900). The 797 was ~ $1000 w/WI chip.
Anyone have any experience with these. I spoke with one of the Marine General electronic's wiz's at the Madison Fishing expo. He spoke very favorably about what Humminbird is doing with their new products- quality, and features that others don't have. The guy's at Cabela's were also pretty positive about Humminbird and the side scan feature. Although one Cabela guy who had been on the Mississippi for a demo ride said he thought it was pretty good for +10' of water, but not that great for shallows (less than 10').
Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Al
Edited by ESOX Maniac 4/27/2007 8:44 AM
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 364
Location: Kentucky | Good timing, Al!
I ordered mine earlier tonight after many weeks of research, for exactly the reasons you talked about. The side imaging looks pretty great. Steve Heiting can answer some questions over on MH, he's used the 987c. There's also a Yahoo group called Side Imaging where lots of guys help out along with HB reps.
J & H Products is reputable and among best prices I found:
http://www.jandhproducts.com/_e/Humminbird_Fishfinders/product/Humm...
I ordered the one with Navionics maps since this is my first gps/mapping unit. They are the 2006 Gold/Hotspots built into a chip on the unit. One open slot for a MMC/SD card if you have chips already.
Gonna install the $200 side imaging transducer up a bit high, below the motor bracket or so and use a console switch to toggle to a 2D "flush to hull" transducer in bilge. Humminbird recommends this setup if you want to protect the SI transducer but still have no problems getting depth at high speed (using the 2D tranny). They sell the console switch and 2D trans in a kit on their website for $109 if you wanna go that route. As an alternative you can mount the SI trans as a skimmer like usual but since it's bigger there are sometime problems with spray depending on your hull, or timber busting it off (some users report that).
Best of luck! |
|
| |
|
Posts: 364
Location: Kentucky | Al,
Take a look at some of the photos in these albums. There are some good shallow water side images.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sideimaging/
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 2753
Location: Mauston, Wisconsin | Sputterbug- Thanks a bunch for the links- just what I was looking for, i.e., excellent stuff. I've decided to go with the 997c SI Combo. I went back to Cabela's & checked both 797 & 997 out again- the larger screen is definitely worth it.
Their sales staff were less than impressive when I asked about transducer options, accessories, etc.
I'm going to use all three transducers- Dual Beam Side Imaging (transom mount)- Quadra Beam Plus (trolling motor mount) - Std. puck transducer in the bilge. Should be feasible with 2 switches. With a ram mount for the unit, I should be able to see it from anywhere in the boat.
Have fun!
Al
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 2753
Location: Mauston, Wisconsin | I just ordered the 997 yesterday. However, there is no bilge 2D transducer listed in the Humminbird catalog. I'd really like to switch between the SI transducer & a 2D for higher speed operation.
Anyone have a clue as a Humminbird PN for a bilge mount 2D for the 997SI Combo?
Thanks
\Al
Edited by ESOX Maniac 4/27/2007 8:45 AM
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 364
Location: Kentucky | Al,
Congratulations  I hope it works great for you.
The parts are sometimes hard to find on the Humminbird web site. I'm told the best way is to call and order to get it quicker, 800-633-1468. The part #'s you need are:
Si-HSK kit is the TS2-W switch and XP-9-20-T transducer together with slow cure epoxy. Buying these in a kit will save you about $20 off the listed price for the switch and transducer separately. Or, just get the puck if that's all you need. It's the standard 2D sonar and has a temp sensor attached (don't use it or put it in your livewell if it will reach).
I got my stuff installed (797c2) and am heading to the lake this weekend. I'll test the bilge puck location then epoxy it in overnite. I dunno if you've done one before (I haven't) but here's the routine if you need it:
Find location in bilge as far aft and center as reasonable.
Put the puck there and place a sandbag or some weight over it to hold in place.
Fill the bilge with water so it will seal the puck for operation.
Run at various speeds/depths to make sure it's working.
Move location if necessary.
When you find the sweet spot, mark it, sand off the paint a bit.
Build a dam to hold epoxy (with some tape?).
Mix the epoxy well (gotta use slow cure kind) and apply.
Twist the puck into place to help get out air bubbles.
Let it dry overnight.
enjoy! |
|
| |
|
| I have one and it does everything. It works in shallow water and it is like you drained the lake and you can see everything; structure, alligators, fish, boats, etc. I left Humminbird many years ago because of problematic units, this is not one |
|
| |
|
Posts: 127
Location: Brookfield | My buddy just got one, these are the coolest thing ever. I thought it worked well in shallow or deep water. We went past some piers and were able to see the pier legs on the screen. I would like to take it near a beach and see what the girls look like. I will have one when they come down in price. At that price it better come with divorce papers.
John |
|
| |
