I'm new to this site, and I have a few questions. I'm looking at possibly getting a Side Image graph, probably the 898 Humminbird, and was wondering if anybody has used this unit and if you like it. Also, what would be a decent unit to mount on the bow, I don't guess it would need GPS, but something simple to see below. I appreciate any advice, oh and I really like this website.

I have an 898 w/GPS/side and down imaging. I really like it. I mounted it on my console, transom mounted transducer. My first unit was a 597ci.w/ gps@ navionics slot. I put the transducer on my trolling motor. The 597 unit is mounted on a improvised rod holder, I can remove the unit and stow it away. At the top of this forum click on search, type in Sonar screens, good pic and explanations. You Tube is helpful. Catfishsalsa has good screens also. Good Luck

Under 'Boats & Equipment' section go to 'General Equipment' and the second item is 'Hummingbird' and you'll find all the info you'er likley to need. And, welcome to TFF, hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Okie Bob

I have the 898 mounted on my console and a 788 Di on the bow and I love both of them. I also think the GPS on the bow is very nice

Brandon,
If you can afford it, don't go any smaller than the 900 series Hunninbird, as some of the things that you'd be looking for are tough enough to see with a 1100 series, much less an 800 series. Sonar units, whether side or down scan, two D or three D, are all about details.

Im my opinion, the best one for the money, the best deal, is the 898. if you cant see it on an 898, you probalby wont see it on anything else. If money is no object, get the 1100 series.

+1

Having owned a HB-1198 & HB-898, and Lowrance HDS-10 & HDS-7, the Lowrance have a much better Image. The GPS and Sonars are about the same, no noticable difference. But the SI and DI is where the difference is.

I went with the Humminbird at first, but just wasn't as happy with it. The owrance is about $300 more, but when you spend this kind of money, whats $300. Just an opinion of someone that has owned both units.

keith

What they said. Buy the biggest you can afford! But make sure it is a Humminbird no matter what. I have owned both Lowrance and Humminbird and no way would I ever buy anything but a Humminbird right now.

I really appreciate the replies and the information. This is good stuff. I've read so much online about all the different units, brands, sizes, features...it's a bit overwhelming. I'm saving my money and hopefully I'll have one of these quick, then the learning curve begins. any more input on what's really needed at the bow? do i need down image or gps up at the front of the boat?

Oh, and how does the outboard not affect the side image to one side? I know you can see turbulance or whatever it's called when you turn around, but are you supposed to trim up and go pretty slow when you are looking for things?

I wish I had gps on the bow because it tells you how fast you're moving when spider rigging or slow trolling. Down image might not be the best beam to have on your bow....if you are watching your jig as you lower it to a fish, a cone shaped beam is better. The down image beam is thin and harder to find your jig in even though it shows better detail. Because the beam is very thin on down image and side image, your boat motor probably wont interfere, depending on the location of the transducer.

If you don't have a set back plate (jack plate) on the transom, you might have some interference with the side image. If so, just trim the motor out slightly as soon as the boat settles off place and there is no problem.

The HB's are with out a doubt the most user friendly. I loved the way they operate, and the features on them. The HB is a little bit cheaper, and I really like that.

But when it came right down to it, I was looking for the clearest image. And there was a large difference in the final image. The Lowrance is less user friendly, but had more features that you have to work through.

Bottom line is that if you are looking for HB Units, and you are not in a rush, you can make some good deals on the CLASSIFIED PAGE on this site. When I made the decision to sell my HB's, there were a total of 3 HB-1198's with HB-898 and 998's as a bow unit for sale. Since then, I have saw 2 other HB-1198, and a few other smaller units for sale. So there are people changing horses. Just take your time.

Check out the CLASSIFIED PAGE.


keith

I use a Lowrance X27 at the bow. It's about a 5 yr old unit and is 2D down scan with GPS. I doubt that I could find a better unit for the bow. In fact when this one gives up the ghost, I will be in the market to find another one. And yes, GPS on the bow is important.

Again, thanks for the information. I have an idea of what to look for now, and I don't have any choice but to be patient because my slush fund isn't quite there yet. I guess i'll mount the bow transducer on my trolling motor, which I can't stand, but not sure of another option unless I got one of the newer Minn Kotas that has it built-in.

I have owned and used a 1197, 997, & 898's from Humminbird. We run all hummingbird si units on all our boats. That being said I am fairly happy with the Humminbird units but I have had problems. The biggest problem I've had is there units shutting off when in choppy water. I also have seen the Lowrance si units on the water and believe they there down image is better along with there 2d. After we had already bought several Humminbird units we decided to continue with there products on our new boats so that we can interchange them if needed. We also run regular color gps 2d Lowrance units on the bow for the same reason.

welcome to the forum! I see you are in the same boat as I am....best of luck to you! great info here!