Mark, I have the 997si at the console,the 797 in the dash and the 798 up front. All linked. I had Lowrance on my last couple boats and prefer their down-looking sonar over the birds. Other than that, the birds are great.

If you have any technical ability get the HB. If you don't, don't bother.

I say that because 90% of the complaints about the Humminbird are 2d. HB released updates that fixed that, but I'm guessing the majority haven't updated their unit so they base there opinion on that. HB releases software updates all the time. I run a 987c the predecessor to the 997. My unit did not come with Zoom or the ability to take 'snapshots'. I downloaded the new software version and now I can.

it's a tool just like anything else, and if you like being able to upgrade your tools go with HB.

I would seriously consider the 997 over the 797 though, the screen size will make a big difference. I think you'd regret not doing that later down the road.

I run the 987c on the console and the 747c up front and network them together with the Interlink.

Joefishin got it right, if you have complaints about your 2d sonar you are doing something wrong. I am running 1197 on the console, and 997 on the front, customer service is outstanding. HB has come a long long long way! You wont be dissapointed.

can't even begin to believe that all these people on here still bashing hb about the 2d sonar. the update that gives the option to turn the TVG (time variable gain)on and off has been out for almost 6 months now and this corrected all of these issues for me. i have used lowrance for almost all my graphs till i tried the hb, now i will never go back. Structure scan or not. i can see everything with the hb that i saw with all the lowrances, just have to get used to the unit. ultimatly personal preference will prevail though.

+1

i always check for updates, do everything right, etc. etc... you still can't tell me HB's sonar even compares to Lowrance.. ya i can still find fish and it's usable, but the detail isn't even close..

That's some of the craziest stuff I've ever read on this forum. I run both, LCX 27C on the front and console and a 997 on the console as well. I have never used the HB for 2d sonar. You are insane if you think that SI is showing you everything. I will be selling the Humminbird soon and getting the HDS with Structurescan. If you look at the two and compare, well, there really is no comparison. Lowrance one upped them with these new HDS units.

Send me a PM if you are really interested in selling it.

Hey guys,

Where go you get the download for the HB Models. I have a HB 997cSI on the console with a Lowrance 522 and I use the lowrance for mapping and 2d and never take the HB off of SI.

Can you down load the upgrade through HB website?

Good idea. That would be the only way I would have anther HB on my boat. I bought my Nitro one year ago with a 917 and a 997SI on it linked. I was so frustrated with my HB units that within 10 months both HB were gone and I am back to running 2 Lowrance units. I am MUCH happier now.

Crazy? I don't think so. If SI was so bad why are you getting Structure Scan? Good luck with Lowrance's promise date. They failed three times to deliver and I took the Humminbird.

Yes, you will need to register and it will probably ask for your serial number.

Just one word of caution about running your HB and Lowrance at the same time. You might be getting some interference with two transducers firing off 200 mhz signals.

Never even though about the interferance. I will definitely play with the setting maybe turning off the sonar on one and then the other to see if the screen cleans up. I use both becuse the screen on my 797 is to small to run in split screen mode.

Thanks for the info on the serial JB, I will update soon.

Well for each his own. I love the bird's. but some are die hard on other brands. But call customer service on both and see what you get. then send an email to both companies and see who responds.

I sold my 997 to a TFFer and I have upgrade to an 1197 should be here tomorrow or Friday, I can't wait.