I know the screen is bigger on the 1197C but will it show me more detail if I go to the 1197c. I presently have a 997c but I dont see the fish like some say you can and didnt know about screen size. Maybe someone could tell me something different about the setup to improve my images. I get great detail on structure.

Going to the 1197 isn't necessarily going to show you more fish.
As far as setup goes; make sure you have the very latest software loaded from our website. Then restore the factory defaults. For settings:
If you are in an area that you know fish exist (I like bridge pilings. They seem to always hold some kind of fish), get close to the target i.e. 50 of so feet off to one side. Now, set your range for about 40-50 feet. You might consider filling the screen up with one side (left or right)to get even more detail on the screen. Take your chart speed down to about 3 and bump the sensitivity up a little (not to the point it turns white). This should give you a good setting. The invidual fish will appear as white lines. If they are close to the bottom you will also see their shadows. You might want to try the different color selections as well. Green and Brown can show fish very well along with the Blue. Try this with the 455kHz setting and if you are looking at hard targets (i.e. the bridge pilings, road beds etc.) try the 800kHz setting as well.

Eddie where is the proper place to mount the transducer? My buddy has the 997 and he seems to be having the same problems as above. His screen is also very hard to read with polorized sungalsses on, is this normal? HE RUNS A SKEETER ZX200.

The ideal place for a Skeeter is on the jack plate.
If he has a jack plate there is a hole already there for a bolt to run thru the ducer. Some guys have fabricated some mounts to get even more clearance. The Skeeter has a pretty wild transom design.
Shoot me an email to ekendric@johnsonoutdoors.com and I will send you some Skeeter install photos and a picture of the custom bracket.
As far as the sunlight issue,the 997 is far better in direct sunlight than the 987 was but can sometimes be a little hard to see in direct sunlight with Polarized sunglasses. We're always looking to improve our products so I will pass on your concerns.

His is mounted on the jackplate but on the outside. I heard that it should be mounted on the inside for protection and less interference. Is that the case?

IT IS CALLED A LEARNING CURVE FOR US ALL GUYS . I HAVE BOTH ON MY BOAT (LUND). 997 ON THE TROLLING MOTER AND A 1197 ON MY DASH . THE 1197 BECAUSE OF THE BIG SCREEN LETS YOU SEE MORE DETAIL OF FISH AND OTHER GOODIES . I HAVE NOTICED THAT UP IN CLEAR WATER SUCH AS THE WILSON OR WHEELER LAKES THE SIDE FINDER REALLY PICKS UP FISH AND STRUCURE ALMOST TO BE ABLE TO TELL WHAT KIND OF FISH ...(ALMOST). THEN YOU FALL DOWN TO TEXOMA AND THERE IS ALOT OF DIFF. LOVE READING THESE SITES (BASS OR CATFISH) .

1197 for me.