Should I mount SI/DI/GPS unit at console or TM

I can only justify buying 1 si unit and was planning on mounting at console. I have an old B/W HB unit at both console and TM now and neither have GPS. I was planning to keep the one at the TM and the associated transducer mounted and replace the console with the Si/Di/GPS unit. What do you all think? Is the console the better spot for the si?

I realize I'll lose the benefit of the new unit once I go to the TM to fish and keeping myself on a spot while I'm at the TM may be an issue. Figured the 7" screen would be easier to read on the console while searching for structure and fish and I'd just throw a marker and be good enough.....

It sounds like you have a good plan there. "Go for it" you will love that setup and next year you can update the front b/w unit maybe.:twocents

I spend 98% of my fishing day at the bow ...

I couldn't make myself put a $3000 investment at a place I only spend 2% of my time ...

But then ... OCD gets the better of me a lot ...
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A 2nd station to move the head unit is a viable option until one can afford more than 1 unit with the new technologies ...

Rickie

I'm there with the justification and I mounted the 1198 xducer on bow and left enough excess wire to move it to the console but I have to run with Tm down when scanning and move it back to the bow when fishing. This method has worked well for four years with out any problems.

Mike

My set up is old but works. I have one 798 HDSI with a TD on the transom that runs up to docking station at console and another on the TM with another docking station. Snap in and out. Also allows for quick storage in a locked compartment every night as well. Rarely use the SI on the TM becuase for me is gets scrambled real fast with each TM adjustment. I hear of guys using the TM to swing the TD and create a poor mans 360. Never been too successful doing that myself. Plus the 798 is too small for SI IMO anyway. Maybe with a big screen this plan would make more sense.

Kinda depends on your budget. I never see anyone mention this, but we all want to have the latest,greatest gadget's. Here is my suggestion for what it's worth to you. I would figure the most I could spend on one unit, then I would go to BassBoatcentral and watch their electronics for sale thread. Some real bargains to be had on complete 2 unit setup's at times. You might find some barley used acceptable units for your budget. Those guys change out units like we change socks. Main thing is take your time, do your research and get the most bang for your buck.

For side imaging I'd mount the unit at the console. It's much easier to search for structure or schools of fish while running your big motor. There's actually two ways you can go to still be able to make use of your unit at the bow. Mount it on a ram mount, that way you can spin it around when you go to the bow. You'll just have to be mindful that what you're looking at on the screen is still coming from the transom as far as what your looking at.
The other is to buy a trolling motor transducer and use both. When you go to the bow unplug the the transom transducer and plug in the trolling motor transducer. You'll have the best of both worlds that way. I would also suggest that if you go the trolling motor transducer route that you also buy a transducer shield. Good luck and good fishing!

A thought to reinforce what Stratosfs5 says above. If you have sufficient room somewhere around the console, install it on a ram mount. When you move to the bow to fish, rotate the fishfinder so you can periodically turn to take a peek. I have this setup for my triton and war eagle with a ram mount and stern-mounted transducer on each. Depending on which boat I use, I hotswap the 998c head. Not the most ideal, but cost- effective and works. Besides, when I am at the bow, I am mostly fishing...not watching the screen.

I also have a 798c hdsi, I intended to mount up front. Just found the current configuration meets my needs.

Thanks for all the input guys! I'm anxious to start entering waypoints into the gps on my helix 7 unit before I install it on my boat. I assume that is easily done, but haven't figured it out yet. Let me know if you all have advice on that.

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Originally Posted by fishin_addict

Thanks for all the input guys! I'm anxious to start entering waypoints into the gps on my helix 7 unit before I install it on my boat. I assume that is easily done, but haven't figured it out yet. Let me know if you all have advice on that.

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Scenario 1 ...:
*Power on unit in Simulator (or Normal with GPS reception) ...
*Open a Chart view ...
*Activate cursor on the Chart by Pressing the 4way cursor ...
*Move the cursor to the desired POI (Point Of Interest) on the Chart ...
*Press the "Mark" button to create a Waypoint at the cursor position ...

Scenario 2 ...:
*Power on unit in Simulator (or Normal with GPS reception) ...
*Press "Menu" twice to get into the Main Menu System ...
*Cursor over to the Nav tab ...
*Cursor down to Waypoints Routes Tracks ...
*Cursor right to open Waypoint Management ...
*Cursor to highlight "Options" ...
*Cursor right to open Options menu ...
*Cursor to "Edit" ...
*Cursor right to open edit menu selections ...
*Cursor to "New" ...
*Cursor right to open New Waypoint edit window ...
*Use cursor right and left to highlight character to edit ...
*Use cursor up and down to make character selection ...
*Cursor down to "Save" when done ...
*Cursor right to activate "Save" ...

Scenario 3 ...:
*Download Humminbird PC from your HB account ...
*HBPC user manual is under "Help" at top left ...
*Create Waypoints in HBPC ...
*Upload created Waypoints to a blank formatted SD Card (micro SD Card for HELIX 5 and 7) ...
*Power on unit in Simulator (or Normal with GPS reception) ...
*Insert SD Card ...
*Select "Yes" in green popup asking if you want to upload Nav data ...
*Wait for white popup "Nav data successfully uploaded" ...
*Remove SD Card ...

Rickie

I'd put it at the console. I use console unit for hunting spots, and then use TM unit to keep me on what I found with console unit. Until I upgrade the front unit to GPS, I use a very old handheld GPS on the console, marked with spots I find while motoring and looking at console unit. Good luck!

Thanks Rickie! Excellent info.