I have a HB 998 on the console, looking to upgrade my Lowrance X50 on the bow. Suggestions??????
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I have a HB 998 on the console, looking to upgrade my Lowrance X50 on the bow. Suggestions??????
It depends on what sonar options you want at the bow, how big of a display and how much you can spend on the unit.
Another Si unit would allow you to share all sonar between the bow and console along with waypoints, GPS and water temps via an Ethernet connection. Some want a larger display at the bow since the unit is farther away from their eyes while some go smaller.
I have a hard time seeing the 998 in the sun, it is not the HD unit. Do you think sidescan is beneficial at the bow? I am still learning the 998, would the commands, etc be similar with one of the 800 series HD sidescan units? What about clarity in the sun?
GW I have the same problem. I only have one and it is a 998 and is at the console. I turn it around when I am in the front but sometimes it is hard to see in the sun and cheap sunglasses do not help lol. Mine is not the LED back light model. I now wish I had waited and got one with the i-pilot link so I could get an i-pilot and set my trolling motor to go right to waypoints. I was fishing the other day in a light wind and was show some good stuff in side imaging but when I tried to relocate it with the down image I could never find it again. I so want that min kota with spot lock.
Your 998c SI is compatible with the iLink...
http://www.minnkotamotors.com/_docs/...ty-1-17-14.pdf
Rickie
SI is beneficial at the bow because of the increased coverage area of the SI beams...
You can find (and place waypoints on) structure 100+ feet out to the sides while at the bow...then you can re-position the boat to methodically fish that waypoint with the 2d or DI...
The menus of the 998 and the 899 will be the similar...(the 899 will have additional 360 menus that the 998 may not have depending on what level of software the 998 has)...
Rickie
In addition to what Rickie stated: the newer “HD” labeled 998 units have the brighter LED backlit display which are easier to see in the sun.
I have always had humminbird from the first one back around 1980. And have liked them, but after seeing both humminbird and Lowrance side by side. Thinking I may change over when I upgrade units this fall or next year. My 987 has had moisture issues the last few years. The Matrix 97 also has the same moisture issues. Was told by the company its just the way they are.
So thinking I will leave the product I have enjoyed using for years and give Garmin a try. Do I think there better then Humminbird? NO but I just feel being both of my units have been dropped from service. That they think 5 years for a $1800. unit is getting my $$ worth. Then I will be trying someone else.
Good luck and hope you find the right unit that allows us to use them in bright sun. And also have the GPS match the a cheap hand held unit on slow speeds for spider rigging and pulling jigs. If we get below .05 MPH were just out of luck or both of my units are and was told sorry.
Garmin may just be the sleeper unit on the market right now. Plus can use them wireless with a tablet. So I can use a Tablet for something while the depthfinder is being used for something else.
Pete
I added a 898HD on the bow to go with a 998c on the console. The 898HD is quite a bit brighter and easier to see in the sun vs. the 998c. I use the trolling motor a lot going from waypoint to waypoint, having the option of side scanning is nice. I also like having the units connected together for sharing waypoints.
I have a 998 at the console but put a Lowrance Elite 7x up front.It has perfect screen size and preforms well for the money.I like the split screen with 2d sonar/DI but mainly use it in 2D mode.