I have myself convinced that I want/need si on both the bow and console. The question is, how.
For those that have put one, big screen, on your boat. And move it from bow to console, would you do it again? Was it worth it?
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I have myself convinced that I want/need si on both the bow and console. The question is, how.
For those that have put one, big screen, on your boat. And move it from bow to console, would you do it again? Was it worth it?
With lowrance I do it with the wifi and a couple of IPads.
Some have used 1 Ram mount attached to the unit with a second Ram base to easily move the unit ...
Then you need a 2nd power cord ...
Then you need a 2nd xducer at the 2nd station - or leave enough slack in the existing xducer cable to reach ...
(HB Setup would also need a 2nd cable collector that fastens the cables to the head unit but I won't link that item until you list what unit is in question) ...
Rickie
Wouldn't it be better to have 360 degree imaging at the bow? Takes out the warp factor in the SI image when you turn?
360 at the transom would be better. The TM won't not to be deployed to use it. But a second transducer is less expensive than a 360. So is a second sonar unit for that matter, and it comes with another transducer.
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Rnvinc- the problem with listing a specific unit, im not dead set on a particular one, or brand, new -used. As for the ram mount, I just purchased a used 2.5" ball mount (short arm with an extra base) {which is supposed to be here tonight}and an additional long arm - also used. Already have it.
360 is out, to much $$$.
The boat is a 17' tin.
I move my small unit 788 from the front ram mount to the console I have 2 power cords and 2 transducers and 2 mounts .
Lets see moving a unit from console to front . If you hear a splash while doing it how much is that going to cost ? Remember whatever can go wrong will go wrong. Murphy's Law. Whatever can go wrong will go wrong at the worst possible moment. Finangles Law
If you think its almost impossible ask ice fishermen how many phones they lost. Great big lake with one 8 inch hole. Guess where the phone lands ???
Cheaper in the long run just to install 2nd unit up front.
OK! I have the perfect answer for you. Buy just 1SOLIX 15 CHIRP MEGA SI GPS. Put it up front and you can see that 15" screen from anywhere in your boat without having to move it.:twocents
https://www.humminbird.com/Products/...P-MEGA-SI-GPS/
https://jmsails.nl/wp-content/upload...GA-SI-Left.jpg
Scrat, while I'd LOVE IT, that things more than half the cost of my boat! And more than 3x the budget.
Hays47, good point. Theirs a Garmin etrex 10 in the bottom of a local lake. Of all the ways it could have bounced when I dropped it. Let's just say I did some cussing!
Gotta fish, how are you liking it? Would you recommend doing it?
I think if keep switching from console to bow would get old pretty fast. To me be lot of trouble.
LittleJohn
I use to do it,too much trouble in my opinionQuote:
Originally Posted by skunked again
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While I've never switched from console to bow, just turning the unit around and looking over my shoulder at it every now & then, I do want to give everyone a bit of warning about doing that very thing ... and what can happen if you're not careful.
The power cords are meant to snuggly fit into the receptacle at the back of the head unit, and sometimes they can be a bit reluctant to pull out easily. The WORST THING you can do is to "wiggle" the power cord plug back/forth to unplug the unit. JUST DON'T DO IT. Another 'worst thing' you can do is to get in a hurry and try to forcibly PUSH the plug into the socket. Take your time and make sure you've lined up the plug holes with the socket's wires. And here's WHY :
Forcing the plug can cause one or more of those wires to penetrate the rubber housing, rather than going into the holes of the plug. I know that because I've done it !! Wiggling the power cord to unplug the unit can cause one or more of those wires to be bent out of position. I know because I've done that, too. And while the wire or wires can be gently pushed back into alignment ... they are weakened, and may break if done too often. YEP :Doh:, you guessed it .... that's what happened to my Elite 5DSI unit, and why I've had to buy another unit to replace it. (& just FYI ... it was only the 2nd time I pushed a wire back into place)
That may have been just my "bad luck" ... but, plugging & unplugging the unit to move it back & forth many times a day, under the stress or excitement of a good/bad fishing day, and you're just pressing your luck, IMHO.
With Christmas just around the counter I am thinking that a lot of fishermen will be getting the new sonar units under the tree. That way they will be several older sonar units on the market for sale after Christmas. So you never know you may be able to get some real good deals and just get two big units for your boat for the price of one of the newer smaller sonars. I have bought several used units in the past and have had very good luck with them so far.:twocents
I think it's working great. I can use my 998 si full screen and use the 788 just for maps, when im.Catfishing when im crappie fishing put it back up front and im good to go. Cant wait to get a helix , the possibilities will be endlessQuote:
Originally Posted by skunked again
I'm trying to hold out with that in mind. Money starting to burn a hole in my pocket though, wife thinks I'm nuts! Which is nothing new!!Quote:
Originally Posted by scrat
Thanks all for the replies!
I have seen some good responses.
I run two units, both SI. 899 at the council and 898 at the bow. I bought the 899 new and the 898 used last year. I never use SI at the bow. Are you sure you want SI at the bow?
I Ethernet connected my units so I can share waypoints.
I tried turning the 899 around so I could see it while fishing at the bow, however I seldom turned around to read it. Not that I could see much detail from 10' away. Hard enough to see fish 3' away, let alone clear across the boat.
I think the real question you need to ask is, how do you intend to use the sonar unit? What features do you want from each unit?
You already stated you want SI on each. Okay, that's a start.
Do you want one of them to communicate with the trolling motor?
Do you want to create maps?
How many card slots do you need? One is enough for a map chip. I prefer two so I can record to one, and use the other slot for a map chip or Autochart pro card.
Do you want the units to communicate with each other, if so. How much information do you want them to share?
Screen size? Every inch adds big bucks. You need to figure out where your price break is? We all have one. Can you afford the biggest screens? Or will you have to start cutting screen size to get within budget?
Is touch screen important to you?
Lots of options and they all add costs.
Getting SI is pretty easy these days, most units come with it.
I’d do it again BUT I found a big time bargain at cabelas discount cave and added a 20hr unregistered helix 7 si g2n with a bolt missing for less than half price. The extra base up front made it easier to decide where to put it. I do use the si. I spider rig and use it for poor man’s 360
- I'm currently bass fishing, bank beater. I do keep crappie rods in the boat. Want to learn offshore for both bass and crappie.
- communication between units, That would be ideal. At least to share waypoints.
- SI on bow, at this point, yes I'm sold on that. For the extra cost, since I'm already buying the package itself, I feel it's worth the extra cost.
- Communication with trolling motor- Not at this time. I have a cable steer, no plans to upgrade it. More importantly, no extra money!
- Mapping - good question. The quick draw, auto chart intrigues me. At this point, I mainly fish coffeen and Highland silver lake. With the occasional trip to Kincaid.
- Budget - $1100. The new units have really dropped in price. A helix 10 SI had been, what, $1300? Now theirs places selling them for $830. Same with echomap 93 sv. I'm watching this site and some others for used items. Getting a feel for the used pricing.
- Also contemplating holding out till January 5-7 weekend. Collinsville boat show.
Wondering what's going to come up for sale in January and February, after people hit their local shows.
I have bought some various used ram mount items, in anticipation. Those items come out of the budget also.
I truly appreciate the comments !
Used units can be a viable option in the decision making process ...
It is important to note that HB warranty only applies to the holder of the original sales receipt (and HB will most likely ask for it) ...
Rickie
I'm still hesitant on a used one, Everytime I look at the budget though, I start getting over it.
As for touch screen. I'm leaning towards no. I fish, regardless of the weather. Id rather not have to have gloves off when it's cold. Or cold and raining.
I thought I wanted touch until I used my ONIX in real world conditions ... My OCD cannot do fingerprints ...Quote:
Originally Posted by skunked again
I use the buttons ...
Rickie
I noticed no one said anything about waypoints. It could get pretty confusing using the same unit in both places and punching in waypoints from both places. Gonna take some time finding where you punched each one from where, when you're looking for them, I think. I may be wrong about that tho.
I'm not familiar with saving waypoints, why would it matter which spot it was saved from?
Quote:
Originally Posted by skunked again
The waypoints are GPS coordinates that are saved in your unit's memory ... and it matters WHERE the GPS signal is received vs where the transducer is located on the boat.
The closer the GPS antenna is to the transducer being used, the more accurate the coordinates ... whether you're using a external antenna or the internal one in the unit.
So, if you move the unit back and forth between the console & bow, each waypoint is going to be several feet "different" depending on where the head unit (with internal antenna) was when the waypoint was recorded. On top of that, the GPS coordinates for the public can be "off" by 10-20ft in the first place, anyway !! (only the govt & military GPS systems are more accurate)
Case in point : I just got a new Hook 7 & haven't mounted it on my boat, yet. I'm manually entering about 200 waypoints that I had written down off my F&W website, for lakes I fish that they've dropped cover in and listed the GPS coordinates. When familiarizing myself with the menu, I opened the "GPS" satellite screen. Even though the head unit was stationary (sitting on my computer desk), the distance accuracy wavered between 18 & 20ft ... depending on how many satellites were within the circle.
I don't have a picture of the screen, but it would look something like this one ... plus it would tell you how accurate the coordinates were (within x number of feet).
https://lh3.ggpht.com/cXt-5fhiZPNA9M...FvTMD8K5f=h900
CrappiePappy explains the differences pretty well.
I never use waypoints as an exact spot, GPS error can be as much as 10' in any direction.
As for used units. It's like anything else, run it through its paces. Pretty sure there is an hour meter on the main display, it will tell you how many hours the unit has been on and in use.
If your sticking to 1100, and you want the waypoints sharing (which I recommend), verify the units your looking at can share waypoints.
I believe all the lakes you mentioned are mapped and readily available, might even be included in the Humminbird base maps they include on the sonar units. Verify that by looking at the list on HB website.
As for your budget. I would seriously consider buying a more expensive unit (Helix), and a really cheap unit (PMax). Plan to upgrade the cheap unit to a more expensive unit next year, or when the budget allows. Make sure the expensive unit meets your needs when you have both units. One of the best strategies I use is to put the word out with friends and family. Tell them you want to buy sonar units and too keep there ears peeled. I get great deals this way, however it takes time, 3-4months if you keep asking around.
I ran mine yesterday and found out is was pretty good except I didn't put my lakemaster card on the 788 wasn't sure if its compatible . the lake master is a lot more detailed than my navionics. Rickie can I run the lakemaster card in my 788 ci hd
The budget is not going to grow.
We have a senior and a freshman in highschool.
I'm just happy to spend that!
One thing about the finger prints.
If they bother you like Rickie’s OCD get you a stylus. Works better than your finger and no prints!
Also Chaunc has a very good point about the waypoints.
Depending on external or internal gps, and location of TD your waypoints are going to vary. Nothing you can’t deal with, but you need to think it thru!
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Yup ...(if you're using the micro insert card and still have the full size adapter that may have came with your card - 788 takes full size cards) ...Quote:
Originally Posted by gotta_fish
Rickie
The touch screen sure is nice if you use your unit like I do mine.I change the symbols on my way points alot.Star symbol if I have caught a fish off the waypoint,dinner bell if structure looks good,and fixing to use a symbol for structure I have caught fish on but needs speaking or brush added.Quote:
Originally Posted by rnvinc
Sent from my SM-S907VL using Tapatalk
I bet you know I do the same, except I used red, green and yellow dots and flags. haQuote:
Originally Posted by blueball
For $1,100 and both Side Imaging. You are limited to two Helix 5 CHIRP SI GPS G2 units, each is $500. Might use the extra $100 to upgrade the transducer on at the council unit. Must be done before using the transducer that comes in the box.Quote:
Originally Posted by skunked again
If you go with Down Imaging on the bow you can upgrade to larger sized units.
Helix 7 CHIRP SI GPS G2- includes AutoChart, one micro SD card slot for a map chip, and Smart Strike, $700
Helix 7 CHIRP DI G2, $400.
I don't believe you can network these units. In other words, you wont be able to share waypoints.
Yes, which is why I'm also considering used. Or Garmin echomap 73 sv's, for $450 each. One thing that lures me to Garmin is, only buying an SD card to do Auto chart. As opposed to HB, where I have to buy a $100 zero lines card.
If you buy a Lowrance, you can get on C maps Genesis and get a free one foot contour map of Coffeen. Glen Shoals, Lou Yaeger, and make your own Highland Silver Lake
And just looked to see someone has already done more than a third of Highland Silver Lake.
One graph moved back and forth was the question asked. Sure it works as I have my Hummingbird Mega 9 set up to move from front to back. I fish out of a g3 1648 jon and want to play with the Mega when walleye fishing out of the back even tho I have other smaller fish finders in the back. Scott at otherproducts has extra bases for 16 bucks and I use one stand with sliding it out of front base and sliding into back base and the Mega stays bolted to his aluminum stand with extra wire black taped to the extra transducer wire. I don’t move it that much, but can when I want. Then later on, when you can afford another depth finder, install a second good one. Get the biggest screen depth finder you can afford is my vote. Another rid bit of info, I remove my Mega and transport in the vehicle then install at the launch and when done fishing, on the takeout, I remove the Mega and put back in my vehicle so as to not beat it up driving to and from the lake. I just want to protect my expensive investment in depth finders.
I did the move back N forth thing for a very short time way back in the day. :bash
It got old really fast - but if you're OK with it --- it sure does work with a second station....
Again, thank you too all for the comments!