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:confused:Thinking about giving myself an Xmas present. Either a 997 thats on sale for around 1500 from Cabellas and then do the free bottom scan software update or should I go for the Lowrance HDS8 with the new bottom scan for almost 2200 for the two. Price maybe the factor
if you are a member of Cabelas club you can get the 997 for 1399 plus they have free shipping for a limited time.
Thanks to a member on here, I've got to look at and push buttons on
a 997 and an HD8 lately, same boat - same trip.
The HD8 didn't have the side imaging yet, but did have the latest and
greatest software.
My take, for starters Lowrance GPS rocks - absolutely killed H'bird.
Now it may be a different story after they get the GPS udate fix, I'm
waiting to see.
Regular sonar. Both were great, but after hearing so much praise over the years for Lowrance's sonar, I was expecting something miraculous I guess.
I didn't prefer one over the other. Still think maybe my old Vexilar Edge 3
has them both beat on clean picture.
I was a little put off by the menus/pages part of the HD, but then I've only
got two days use on it, compared to several years with the later H'bird
menus. More things to change on the Lowrance, but Jeez - not sure
all thats necessary. Different items on sonar for example, some you have
to get to from one direction, others you gotta come in the side door.
Kept me confused. I'm waiting to see the structure scan in action myself :cool:
That would be a hard call the make. Looks like the big factor is the price. You can't beat that. I have an 8 w/structure scan and love it. This is the first imaging unit i ever had. I can't say anything about HB due to i never had a HB unit. If you can do like J White and get a hands on look in real action, that would be the best way to figure it out. But then the money situation almost makes it a done deal.
both units are fantastic. HB is cheaper and been out longer. Low has much better charts than navionics a bit more expensive. Either way u go you will be pleased
I see the HB on Cabelas website says it needs a 1 kv transducer to work at 8000 watts.
What is the 8000 for and do we need it
Hi,
LakeMaster (Lake Maps) have new chips that will run on Humminbird units coming out this month and into next year. I have the Minnesota chip (Minnesota and Lake of the Woods are now available). You will need level 4.7 software (and later) to run the chips on your unit. The capabilities (adjust base map water level, highlight shallow water level, and highlight depth range features), you will never see available on a Lowrance and only on a Humminbird. Note: LakeMaster only have chips that support the midwest states.
Never say never. Map folks gonna make money anyway they can.Quote:
Originally Posted by RogerR
LakeMaster Pro Maps
I am sure Lakemaster won't lock themselves up forever to just 1 source, unless they are bought out by Johnson Outdoors. Buy and destroy works.
I've never owned a Lowrance but what experience I've had with them and reading into what JWhite said, I don't think they are nearly as user friendly as a Humminbird...I've got a 957 and a 997 and they are the first "nice" graphs I've owned but I really do like them....if you can navigate around on a computer I think you can probably do just about everything Humminbird has to offer without having to take the book fishing with you...on a side note, I long line troll so that must make all the difference in the gps problem folks have because I dont have trouble using mine the way I fish....Just my $.02
I basically agree tiger. I am gonna gripe if stuff doesn't work per pubs. However, I am not too keen on praising things that are supposed to do what you pay good money for them to do in the first place.
To me, HB is more user friendly, but I prefer my Lowrance sonar views. I ain't buying nothin anytime soon.
I have had both over the years, so I ain't a dedicated ostrich.
I'm about ready to go back to the tried and true rock on a strang method. Not sure on the new HD version - big rock on a strang. Guess I need to study up some more on the new fangled version.
Wannabe...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wannabe...
Beware of folks carrying knotted ropes.
probably get the 997. I have a 797 that I hated,But I think alot had to do with the screen size and the pixel count.
If I get the 997 at least I already sort of know how to get around on a bird.
I swithced from HUMMINBIRE TO LOWRANCE and am pleased so far,
Well I went ahead and pulled the trigger on the 997 from Cabelas.
I think the price difference was the main factor. With the 997 on sale,I could not find another 1000.00 to justify the lowrance. Know I hope I can get the darn thing to do what it is suppose to do for me.
If the wife knew I just dropped around 1500 on a fish finder,,,,,I think the big D word and sleeping in the truck or the boat would be next!!!Her biggest thing is that she says she can always go to Publix or Kroger and always get fish. And 1500.00 sure would by a ton of fish for a long time!
If anyone is looking for a 797 let me know.
congratulation Laserdoc on your purchase - I went thru all the same questions and concerns the past month. Last Wed my new 997 from Cableas arrived. I just couldn't justify the additional $ for the 2010 model or the Low's. Now I'm into the next step of figuring out the best mount and how I'll run the wiring. Looks like RAM has too many mounts to chose from, but am hoping to get some advise from some of the experts.
Let me know which mount you go with. Maybe even a pic of the setup. What mount that works for one may not be the right mount for another. I know I'm going to have to mount mine near the steering wheel. I just hope I do not have to pull the windsheild off to make it work right.Quote:
Originally Posted by rwindis
Maybe if some guys posted some pics of the way they have theirs mounted whould be helpful. Not everyone can use the Ram mounts
Whatever mount you decide on, if it's RAM - get the "big honkin" variety for a 997 - the one with the 2.5" ball. Think it's RAM-D-111-U - might be wrong on the model. There's another one that has a long arm kind of like a TV wall mount that looks good too. If you're cramped for space, you can rotate it outside the boat while under way and back in when you stop to fish.
Laser, I'm pretty sure you can mount a RAM on any dang thing. But their website stinks. Just need to find a good example and match the model #.
Wannabe...
I agree. I just called and asked the what I wanted. Really didn't need it.
It's one of them wants you really need.:)
laserdoc - I'm with you on the picures. My little SeaARK Forecast 170 sure doesn't have the space anywhere near the windshield. Since I got my unit I've searching around for different mounting options. I'lll sure share my photos once I'm done but am not planning on rushing thru the install. I'm planning on doing it once for good on all the hidden wiring and adding a switch in the dash for the power supply control. Good luck with yours.
Dadgummit you two, post pics of your consoles and I'll tell ya what you need and smack ya both if you don't get it. :)
Wannabe...
Sheesh, I gotta do everything around here.
I would if I could,except my boat is over at Lake Weiss at the moment. Will be going over there over the Xmas and towing back. Besides in putting the new bird on ,I also need to do a few things to it before spring trolling starts. Which is right around the corner!!
Wannabe - I'll have to take you up on your offer to help out. I need all I can get. Might be after the christmas before I can get the pictures posted but I'll send you a pm.
thanks
Dadbernit now what am I supposed to do while I'm waiting on pics from ya'll? :)
Just keep in mind, I've got opinions and I'm not affraid to use 'em. And the fact that I'm always 100% right is pure coincidence not just because they come from me. LOL.
Wannabe...
Don't forget that the new 898s will come with a larger screen than the 798 (7" diagonal) and the Hi-def side imaging transducer (the same one used in the 1197 and 997/8) is standard. The price point for that unit ($1499) is right around where people are finding the closeout 997s. When the supply of those 997s is exhausted, you'll still be able to find a large-screen side imaging unit at the same price point.
http://[IMG]http://i910.photobucket....rwindis/HB.jpg[/IMG]
http://[IMG]http://i910.photobucket..../HBCloseup.jpg[/IMG]
http://[IMG]http://i910.photobucket....ookingback.jpg[/IMG]
Well with the cold waether I finally have my new 997 installed. As promised I've attached a couple of photos. The location of the gps antenna is a semi permanent location to test. The 2 toggle switches and fuse holders on the dash were added but not necessary.
I'm not sure if I posted these pictures right so I put them in a picture galley here on crappies site.
Good job rwindis. That's exactly the swing arm mount I was thinking of. Mind posting the model number for me and for anyone else that passes through this thread?
The one problem I have with my boat - G3 1756 SC is the slap and movement in the console is significant...very significant. If I were to #1 Be rich, #2 buy a 10" class FF, #3, mount that dood where you did, that joker would be rocking and rolling. Most likely, I'd go with the long arm HD mount and attach to the gunwall on the starboard inside gunwall. It'd be a tough spot mount job though and possibly would have to be through bolted to the outside of the boat. :eek:
Good thing I'm only exceptionally good looking and not rich so I don't have to deal with it.
Wannabe...
Where did you put those pictures?Quote:
Originally Posted by rwindis
majflyboy - At the top of the main page is a button labeled VBPicgallery - Look for recent post by rwindis
Wannbe - I'll check on that model number of the ram mount and get it posted. I chose the location left side of the console for two reasons. The first being the postioned worked better for me to swing it around for when I'm in the front of the boat pushing and then swing to the back when pulling. The second is I don't think I could ever relax pulling the boat down the road with that big expensive unit hanging out.
Here is the model Ram Mount i used
Vertical Swing Arm Mount model RAM-109V:
Center of knob to center of ball socket: 6''
Overall length of swing arm assembly: 11.4375''
Overall height: 8.45''
Rectangular base plate measures 6.25'' x 2''
Thanks, found them. Very nice rig you have there.Quote:
Originally Posted by rwindis
how clear is the structure scan pic on the 8 is it worth the extra $. thinking about adding it to mine.Quote:
Originally Posted by fishin couillon
Quote:
Originally Posted by rwindis
Our 2007 Bass Tracker 175TXW had little space too by the windshield on the console... BUT... we used one of the RAM mounts for the Humminbird 1197c and it works great, is rock solid and looks fabulous too. Research your mounting options before making your decision and you may find you can have whatever you wish with the right mounting bracket.