798ci HD SI Combo or 597CI HD DI COMBO

Went to BP today and looked at all the HBs and LOWs. Talked to the BP guy and all.
I liked the HB and he said its the best way to go. I wont have to add anything.
I want to use the 597 DI or 798 DI SI up front where I fish as most do. From what ive gathered both come with a Transom mount which normally put the ducer at the back which doesn't help me ESP at night when I want to watch. I liked the HB 727 wide side 150* Trolling moter mount cause it was handy and placed the HB and ducer up front where I was. When I had a eagle years ago I built a swivel mount like a fishing buddy after I broke the ducer on a log. Wll that worked akay I could turn it side to side- left and right. That's why I got the 727 and 150* ducer. I'm thinking I'm gona have to do something simular with the 597 or 798. Which ever I get. The new mount would be up front on ite own shaft and protected from logs rocks and whatever might damage it. It would tilt port and starbord and turm plus turn up foreward. able to look all directions and down. On this build it will be a 3 axis if I get the 597 but the 798 has a 180* ducer theraby elimanating the need for port and starboard swivel. I would only need horizonal turning like a trolling motor plus foreward swivel to be able to see foreward where the chum jigs abd fish are.
So I'm gona get the 798ci HD SI Combo to save on the si complications.
I'm also considering building a mount station for both so the outfit will be easy to remove in a minute.
That way I can put it on any of my boats, kayaks, or dock.
I'll post pics when I get it done. Should be interesting.
Thanks for the help guys.

I'd love to see lots of pics of this...even some during the installation showing your mount. I'm considering something similar, but haven't put anything on paper yet as to a design.

The 597DI can use the SI transducer but won't show sideimaging and the 798 can use the DI transducer but won't show side imaging because the SI element isn't there.

Fin I have a 798 and I have it set up somewhat like you're talking about. I had an older bow mount Motor Guide troll motor that I stripped off the troll motor and the head but kept the shaft. On the top of the shaft I put a knob of sorts to turn the shaft and transducer in any direction I want. I can look 360 degrees around the boat. If I get to finish it the way I want, it will have a small motor drive that will swing it left to right or all the way around just like the 2000 dollar add on you can buy from HB. I mounted the base for the 798 on the bow about a foot above the deck on a pedestal. At the helm I had a HB 383 with a transducer on the transom. When traveling the bow mount transducer is up and safe from being damaged and I move the head unit to the helm on the 383 mount which works great as long a I switch the setting to the 2D transducer. I've been too busy even to fish with the set up but twice but I like what I have and can't wait to finish it.

"gene"