Anybody know someone with one of these, or perhaps had one of their own? Good, bad, worth it or not, someone has to have an opinion. Let me know, my brother is looking into getting one, and wants to know if they are worth the high price.

Don't know anyone but it looks sweet - in theory, if he does get it can you post up how well it works?

Thanks.

I have been running the 987c for the last two years. It is the most awesome piece of electronics I have ever used. In one pass I can find every bit of underwater cover and structure. Very simple to operate. It's similar technology that is commercially available for ten of thousands of dollar - the Titanic was found with this type tecnology. It's sonar so it works in any color of water. To learn more come join the Side Imaging Group - lots of great images.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sideimaging/

If you have any question please feel free to contact me. Also ask your local Skeeter Dealer if they went on the Side Imaging Demos at the Dealer Meeting - I took several Texas Skeeter Dealers out the last two years.

Here's a couple images I have captured:

[img]http://www.dougvahrenberg.com/images/00088_AC.BMP[/img]
Table Rock Lake - River Channel was 170' Deep


This is traditional 2D Sonar of the same Bridge.

Look at the detail you can see exactly what you are looking at under the water.

that is sweet!!!

Here's a couple more images the Grass Fishermen will like:

[img]http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6ce01b3127cce8db4ee1bbcc100000016101CbN27ZmyY8[/img]

Grass Edge with Bream Beds in Front

[img]http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6ce01b3127cce8db4ee063dec00000016101CbN27ZmyY8[/img]

Grass Edge with Isolated Clump

Thought the Texans would love to see what this unit can show you about Grass Fishing. Since Texans are some of the best Grass Fishermen!

Doug,

I like the unit concept very much. Downloaded and have been readind the manual. Would be great for locating crappie structure. That's what I mainly fish. I've currently got an Eagle Fishstrike 2000C.

Also have been reading the groups as well. Only have a couple of drawbacks.

1. Mounting the transducer is definitely key. Maybe there is someone in the DFW area with experience. Also curious if they have been mounted on Lunds.

Seems a bit of a pain as well with needing another xducer for high speed performance....and having to switch....or is it?

2. Seems like there have been a few general problems with the units. However, I've noticed that Humminbird has made an effort to solve them, i.e. Navionics chip.

3. Have heard about a couple of water ingression issues as well in the unit from searching.

4. Would be nice to have space for two chips .

1) Plano Marine has been installing the units. A second transducer is not required. Most are using the tandem transducer to protect the SI transducer. The SI transducer is like any skimmer transom mount transducer and can provide high speed readings.

2) The main Navionics problems I have seen are with map detail. Most issues have been resolved with free downloadable software upgrades from Humminbird.

3) I have not heard of a water ingression issue yet, but may be on another board. I'm sure the issue was resolved if Humminbird was contacted.

4) There are two card reader/writers in the 987c. Most use one for saving screen captures and the other for Navionics Chart.

I know that Humminbird has been 100% behind any concern that has arisen. It's not the same company since Johnson Outdoors (MinnKota Owner) purchased - they are dedicated to the all aspects of the market. Just look at the products they have released in two short years. They have become the innovator in the upper end market and I here more new products coming soon with an expanded offering for 2007 - not just a couple new additions but like 15 or 20 new products. They are now OEM available in Skeeters, Rangers, BassCat, and many other boat manufacturers.

Doug thanks very much for the response. I'm seriously considering one around Christmas time. I'll also have more time to learn the unit as well.

I think I'll probably go with the two transducers because I fish a lot of timber and would like to avoid damage to the SI.

That is probably awesome for locating brush piles and crappie condos. Was playing around with one at Cabelas today.

Somewhat surprised Lowrance has not responded with a comparable offering yet.

Glad to help. Seen you got some help on the Side Imaging Group with Lund answer from his expierences with Al Linder's Boat.

It would be great for finding brushpiles or crappie structure and it makes understanding the structure easier.

I'm sure there are some patents on the technology. Which makes it hard for others to copy Humminbirds design.