I just got my new 898 on Friday. Got it installed yesterday and didn't waste any time getting on the water, although I had a hard time finding a boat ramp at Grapevine that wasn't closed.

The unit is very impressive. I didn't have a lot of time on the water due to the late start and didn't find any submerged boats or bridges to get some of the impressive scans we see in the ads but I did get a few good images of some underwater features. Saw a lot of bait balls but not any big fish. I hope that is because I just wasn't in the right place. I was mostly playing with the new toy rather than really looking for fish.

I will probably have to spend a little more time really getting familiar with it but I think it will be a pretty good tool.


Stan

Congratulations Fishin Aggie81. I just received my 798CI SI and have not installed it yet, I will on Wednesday. I figure to spend a lot of time getting familiar with it also.

I was going to get the 798 until I got a letter from Chesapeake saying they were going to sign a gas lease with us so I figured I should jump up to the next level. I sure like it, but any of the SI units should be a great addition to the boat.

Stan

I'm glad you could get the 898. I thought hard about it and decided on this one. Enjoy your 898, I bet it works great for you.

What is the main difference between the 1100, 900 and 800 series units other than screen size and price? Are they all operating on the same electronic performance specification platform?

As I understand it, the 898 & 998 are identical except for 1" of screen size. The chassis is even the same except the bevel around the screen is different to accomodate diffent glass size. They both have the same transducer, processor, power output and other functions. The 798 has half the power output of the 898 & 998. I can't remember what diffences the 1198 has other than screen size. You should be able to tell from looking at the specs on Humminbirds web site. For me the 1" of glass was not worth $500, but the extra power of the 898 over the 798 and the bigger screen was worth $500.

I can say this, after getting the 898 installed in my boat, I don't know if I could find a place to fit an 1100 size unit. The 898 takes up a lot of space but I think it will work out real well.

Stan

Getting my 898 tomorow!

I bought the 898 last Wednesday night, installed it on Friday, and had it on the water on Saturday - HD is good! I had purchased to 798ci a couple of weeks ago and have since moved that to the bow. With both units installed - I now need to get the interlink module. My question to you folks w/ the 898 or 998 is this: when you mounted the transducer to the metal bracket is it snug/tight or does it have some play. Mine has some play on it not alot but it does wiggle some. Do you all have the same experience?

Reggie.

I assume you are talking about the transom mount bracket and yes it does wiggle a little. I think that is by design, looks like it is supposed to break free and pop up if it hits something instead of breaking the transducer. Seems like a good idea to me. I suspect that when you are moving it stays pretty fixed as long as it has pressure on it.


Stan

I have a question, I have just bought a used boat. my first well its been 20 years anyway its ready except a fish finder. prior owner keep the high dollar unit , said it was a gift. i need to find a reasonable unit can someone give me an idea of what to look for?

Fishin Aggie81 - thanks for setting my mind at ease... its kind of what I thought - but just needed some validation on the point. Good Luck on the water...


Thanks,

Reggie

RO and Fish Aggie,

My 898 was installed 2 weeks ago and had it on the water last Saturday for the first time. My tranducer also as some wiggle in it. After being on the water and reading the manual I'm very confident in this unit. Not hard to learn at all.

Don't know what your favorite color is for the display in SI and DI, but I kinda like the Green.

You're right, it hasn't been hard to figure out the unit's attributes. I was worried after 10 years of Lowrance. As far as colors, I'm partial to brown in the sun... and blue when its been cloudy. I'll have to give green a try!

reggie

Yall try amber 2. I like it the best in the sun.

That is the one I like. And the transducer does have play in it.