HB 798 CI SI combo VS Lowrance HDS7

[RandyB]

I have noticed that Cabelas has both these units on sale right now. The Hb is $759.99 and the HDS 7 is $650 after rebate. I know that these are both good units, but I am not sure which to get. Are both these units on the sale complete setups or am I going to have to purchase additional equipment for either. Which would you prefer and why?

[kschupp]

The HB should be the complete setup (hence the SI in the name) and you shouldn't have to buy anything else. The HDS7 is side imaging(SI) compatable, but you need to buy all the extra parts (Structure Scan). The HDS7 w/ Structure Scan will set you back about $1600 where as the HB is $760. You decide which is better.

[mduncan62]

The HDS-5 with the LSS-1 would be the comparable unit to the 798SI. I would wait until the gen2 HDS units come out. The prices are less then the current 1st gen units. You might see some drops in the current HDS also.

You can have 3 HDS units connected to the LSS-1 and view the SI/DI on any of them, as well as any of the 2d transducers. There is a wide array of other network devices that can be added to the HDS systems also. If you are a gadget guy, and want to be able to add to you system, there is only one choice. 5 year advantage service doesn't hurt either.

[Humminbird_Greg]

Is that a 798ci Si or 798ci HD Si model for $759.99?
I ask because if it is the one with “HD” in the model name than it is Ethernet compatible which means that you can add additional Ethernet connected accessories to it.

With the standard Compact Side Imaging (CSi) that comes with both models the unit will have 2D (conventional) sonar, Side Imaging (Si) sonar and a Down Imaging (Di) sonar that is derived from the Si sonar beams.

Depending on your boat and where you want to install it, you may also want to consider buying/exchanging parts:
- If you want to install the transducer on the bow than I recommend that you use the transducer exchange policy and swap the stock transom mount transducer for the trolling motor version (XTM-9-Si-180-T).
- If you want or need to install a 2D transducer inside-the-hull for the best high-speed 2D sonar readings (or so you can install the CSi transducer up higher on your transom so that it is protected from floating debris, rocks, stumps and logs) than you would need to also purchase the XP-9-20 transducer and an AS-Si-DB-Y cable.


Greg Walters at Humminbird

[RandyB]

Greg, I believe it says Ci Si there is no HD in the model. I will want to mount the transducer on the trolling motor. Do I need to ask Cabelas about exchanging the mount or is that something that I would need to get from HB? I also want to mount the unit itself on a platform, maybe a stand or even my spider rig rod holders in ordeer to get the unit closer to my eyes and hands. I hate having the unit mounted on the deck it is very hard for me to reach and makes adjustments hard. Is there a quick connect cord that I could buy? I want to leave the unite hard wired to the deck, but be able to plug in to my stand.

[rnvinc]

Brian is a member sponsor here and he has that same 798ci SI for $769

http://www.crappie.com/crappie/spons...n-imaging.html

Rickie

[Humminbird_Greg]

I figured it was a non-HD model RandyB. This is a last year’s model unit and many are lowering the price to move them out of their inventory. You can ask Cabela’s if they will exchange the transducer but I bet that they cannot and you will have to work through the Humminbird Customer resource folks to get this done.

We do not have any cords that would allow you to plug and unplug your stand.

[rnvinc]

Greg, I believe it says Ci Si there is no HD in the model. I will want to mount the transducer on the trolling motor. Do I need to ask Cabelas about exchanging the mount or is that something that I would need to get from HB? I also want to mount the unit itself on a platform, maybe a stand or even my spider rig rod holders in ordeer to get the unit closer to my eyes and hands. I hate having the unit mounted on the deck it is very hard for me to reach and makes adjustments hard. Is there a quick connect cord that I could buy? I want to leave the unite hard wired to the deck, but be able to plug in to my stand.

This is how I mounted my 1197 to get it closer to my "old eyes"...

Rickie

[RandyB]

Thanks Greg
It doesn't matter to me if it is last year unit or not. It still looks good to me. Do you know if I can use the Lake Insight with this unit, or is that only on the HDS? Rick, that is exacly what I had in mind also. Is that a plug on the rights side? Do you have to leave the seat pedestal in the boat all time? That is almost the exact set up i have in my boat.

[rnvinc]

Thanks Greg
It doesn't matter to me if it is last year unit or not. It still looks good to me. Do you know if I can use the Lake Insight with this unit, or is that only on the HDS? Rick, that is exacly what I had in mind also. Is that a plug on the rights side? Do you have to leave the seat pedestal in the boat all time? That is almost the exact set up i have in my boat.

The plug on the right you see is for the TM...

The square bases stay in the boat...(they're mounted in the floor flush)
The pedestal poles can be removed...(1 DF pedestal pole, 2 rod holder pedestal poles)
These are regular seat pedestal poles that I adapted for the DF and the rod holders (3/4" threaded pin type)
The HB 1197 has a cable collector quick detach on the back of the unit...(Not sure about the 798)

So everything except the wires can be removed...(my boat is in the garage so I actually don't have to remove)
(TM and da 'ducer apparatus™ are bolted to boat so they can't be removed)

HB uses Navionics and Lakemaster map chips...

Rickie