These days I prefer the Humminbird over the Lowrance. Blueball told you right about customer service. I haven't had as good an experience with them the last couple of years as I have in the past. Be prepared to be put on hold for quite a while as well.

If at all possible, you might find it beneficial to upgrade to an 1197. Bigger screen and more features are one reason but an even bigger reason is I've been told the tranducer has a tendency to be easily broken. That's a few hundred bucks each time it happens. I've heard of some people who broke it 2 or 3 times that first summer. (especially around rock or wood) If this happens to you, you might consider reinforcing it with D Con's 2 Ton epoxy before it happens again. Check to make sure this doesn't void the warranty.

The 1197's transducer is better protected. Make sure you follow Humminbird's suggestions about where to mount it. There are a few places out there where you can buy an 1197 much cheaper than some of the big outdoor outlets. If you're like me, whatever you get is going to have to last for a good long while. My son and I both have one and we like them more and more every time we use them.