Thread: Should I mount SI/DI/GPS unit at console or TM

It sounds like you have a good plan there. "Go for it" you will love that setup and next year you can update the front b/w unit maybe.

I spend 98% of my fishing day at the bow ...

I couldn't make myself put a $3000 investment at a place I only spend 2% of my time ...

But then ... OCD gets the better of me a lot ...
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A 2nd station to move the head unit is a viable option until one can afford more than 1 unit with the new technologies ...

Rickie

I'm there with the justification and I mounted the 1198 xducer on bow and left enough excess wire to move it to the console but I have to run with Tm down when scanning and move it back to the bow when fishing. This method has worked well for four years with out any problems.

Mike

My set up is old but works. I have one 798 HDSI with a TD on the transom that runs up to docking station at console and another on the TM with another docking station. Snap in and out. Also allows for quick storage in a locked compartment every night as well. Rarely use the SI on the TM becuase for me is gets scrambled real fast with each TM adjustment. I hear of guys using the TM to swing the TD and create a poor mans 360. Never been too successful doing that myself. Plus the 798 is too small for SI IMO anyway. Maybe with a big screen this plan would make more sense.

Kinda depends on your budget. I never see anyone mention this, but we all want to have the latest,greatest gadget's. Here is my suggestion for what it's worth to you. I would figure the most I could spend on one unit, then I would go to BassBoatcentral and watch their electronics for sale thread. Some real bargains to be had on complete 2 unit setup's at times. You might find some barley used acceptable units for your budget. Those guys change out units like we change socks. Main thing is take your time, do your research and get the most bang for your buck.

For side imaging I'd mount the unit at the console. It's much easier to search for structure or schools of fish while running your big motor. There's actually two ways you can go to still be able to make use of your unit at the bow. Mount it on a ram mount, that way you can spin it around when you go to the bow. You'll just have to be mindful that what you're looking at on the screen is still coming from the transom as far as what your looking at.
The other is to buy a trolling motor transducer and use both. When you go to the bow unplug the the transom transducer and plug in the trolling motor transducer. You'll have the best of both worlds that way. I would also suggest that if you go the trolling motor transducer route that you also buy a transducer shield. Good luck and good fishing!

A thought to reinforce what Stratosfs5 says above. If you have sufficient room somewhere around the console, install it on a ram mount. When you move to the bow to fish, rotate the fishfinder so you can periodically turn to take a peek. I have this setup for my triton and war eagle with a ram mount and stern-mounted transducer on each. Depending on which boat I use, I hotswap the 998c head. Not the most ideal, but cost- effective and works. Besides, when I am at the bow, I am mostly fishing...not watching the screen.

I also have a 798c hdsi, I intended to mount up front. Just found the current configuration meets my needs.

Thanks for all the input guys! I'm anxious to start entering waypoints into the gps on my helix 7 unit before I install it on my boat. I assume that is easily done, but haven't figured it out yet. Let me know if you all have advice on that.