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All right guys here is my question(s). Down Imaging or side scan? I am needing to replace the depth finder at my console, and wondering which to go with. Advantages/Disadvantages? I know there is quite a bit of difference in $$, but is the side scan worth it? I am also wondering if these are hard to install? i currently do not have a built in GPS unit on my boat so I will have to istall antanae and all. All advice and suggestions are really appreciated.
If I had the money I would want side scan but of course I can't afford it. What I did was got a disk of the main parts of KY Lake that I fish and it is side scan imaging with GPS cordinates on on it. Of course I only know of being able to get them for Ky Lake but I could be wrong. I can't remember what the name of the disc is but I think you find it under Hydrographs or something like that. Someone on here will know. Mine is actually in my desk at work right now. I view the disc on my computer and find key structure I want to hit and get the cordinants for my GPS. It has helped a lot.
You are correct. I love mine and it cost around $30 or so.
Im kinda like you, I'm also putting new elect. on my boat and been doing alot of research.... well this is what I come up with.... Lowrance elite 5 dsi and the humminbird 597ci hd dsi comes with everything you need in the box internal gps build in antenna so there's no need for mounting one 649.00 each. But hear is the deal with the more expensive lowrance,if you choose to go with the higher end units you have to pay an extra 500 600 bucks for the down scan transducer.Humminbird 798ci hd si combo $1000 with down scan too. You will need to add an antenna.
or go with the 788 si $700. now giving you all these option im still stuck. For the money i think the bird 798 is worth every penny everyone i talk to say you can't beat it Unless you speed more money for bigger screen. However I can see it. But side image is worth it Im just having a hard time forking out the money and don't want to regret going cheap. Whatever you do your take your time.
Put your money in the electronics. Get a cheap boat if you have to sacrafice. You got to find the fish before you can catch them. I am running HDS-10 & HDS-8 with the 1 LSS-1.Fixin to put another LSS-1 on the trolling motor. I already have over 5,000 waypoints before I got my units and I still ride around like Huck Finn looking for more. Someday I will start fishing again!Just Sayin!
I agree with you on that one. Sound like you doing alot of playing and not fishing...:D
I've got sidescan and down scan on the dash, Im going with downscan on the front.
If you buy a down scan,you only get down scan, you could have regrets. But if you get a side scan, you get the down scan you and won't have regrets with it.
Before I bought my HDS-8 I asked a lot of questions. Lots of guys (ifish being one of them) all gave the same advice. Get the biggest screen you can afford.
I think you already know the answer... get the big dog.
Buy the biggest you can afford...and then borrow enough $$ to get the next bigger size....
There is no substitution for screeen real estate....
I promise you will never say...the extra $$ wasn't worth it..
SI will open a whole new world of fishing for you....
Rickie
I have the 798 and I love it. I have used it about a year and a half and now wish that I would have gotten at least the 998 (it was not quite available when I bought mine). I would sell and upgrade, but I don't really know what my unit is worth.
RCO
I'd go with the SI on the console & DI on the bow. Don't worry bout the instalation. Bring it to the campground when I get off & I'll help ya put in on. I have installed tons of them. Ain't much I can't tell ya about the HB's. I don't know as much about the Lowrance units.Quote:
Originally Posted by acgriggs
Get on line & go to Cabelas & get a 4" X 12" transducer mounting plate. This will allow you to move the transducer around without drill'n a bunch of holes in your transum. You may have to experiment with the transducer placement on the SI unit.
Since the new 798 hd's have come out the used older 798's have been go'n for between $700 & $800 depending on the condition of the unit.Quote:
Originally Posted by rushcreekoutdoor
I have a 798 on the bow & it's been a good unit.
thanks wiskers