Another Humminbird SI question

I know there have been a lot of questions about the Humminbird SI already, but I have one I haven't seen yet. If I buy the new Humminbird SI 798, will it come with what I need to get on the water and use it as it is meant to be used, or do I need to buy any extras? I know there are map cards, memory cards and all that which I will need eventually. I will be using it on a lake I know extremely well for the most part and I would like to get one for as little $$$ as possible. Tax time is coming around and I think I can squeeze enough out of the warden to be able to get one, but I am trying to get a good estimate for what it will actually set me back to get it on the boat and in use. Any help will be appreciated and put to good use.
Thanks, Speckwick

it probably comes with the basics, you can get bigger transducer,map card, navionics, gps ant, new series is out, bar. presssure add on, if you want, just what ever you want, I would keep asking and researching, I have the 797 and really like it, good luck

J&HMarine products normaly has a good deal. You can purchase the unit with or without, antenna and transducers. Withe nav cards and without. You might want to upgrade the GPS antenna. But you can purchase it anyway you want it.

foul hook,
What do you mean by upgrading the GPS antenna? I can't find anything anywhere on J&H's website or Humminbird's about an upgraded antenna. Also, I am assuming the external antenna is better than the internal? And is it worth the extra $100 or whatever to get the Navionics bundle? Sorry for all the questions. just looking to get what I need. J&H's price is great though! About $1100 with the Navionics/Hot Maps bundle, extended warranty, to my front door. Can't beat that. Thanks for letting me know about them. Maybe now I'll be able to keep up with your boy Yates, LOL.

You might want to check Ebay periodically.
I got a great deal on a 997c SI compo with the NVB package, including
transducer. New in box factory sealed with warranty for 1400.00

Daniel

I mostly use my SI on the troller. You might have the same issue as I did in the unit picking up electrical static which made the picture on the screen awful. After calling HB they sent me a kit for free and now the SI picture is great but the GPS still s!!ks. I still carry my Garmin and use it for speeding to my spots.
I had rather have my money back than the HB just to be honest. If you like looking for stuff down under, then you can spend countless hours doing just that with the SI. I'd rather fish.
LOL

If you buy a new one, buy the 798csi from JandH, it comes with the AR GS50 gps reciever, which is the 50 channel. Don't know if the 50 channel will make a difference, but the unit also has better resolution, and 2 card readers.

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Originally Posted by SpeckWick

And is it worth the extra $100 or whatever to get the Navionics bundle?

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If you get the bundle, make sure you know which version of Navionics they're loading now. When I got mine, Humminbird was a year behind in what they were loading, and didn't have the latest and greatest.

In 2008 models they were still loading the original 2006 issue, wouldn't surprise me as its still the same 2006 copy of NVB. Forget it & buy your own map cards that will have more lakes, details, & be newer.;)

2008 models have dual card slots, so why would you buy the NVB anyway? Just buy the card you want, and then trade the card in when you update it.\

Those maps are another "fart burner". Every time I have to buy a map, I feel like I just lit one and it produced an out of control flame. Kinda burns the poop chute.:mad:

I don't care what map you buy, seems like something you want is intentionally left out.

And from what I was told lot of those lake maps only get revised every 5 to 10 years, unless its a big popular lake. Takes time to survey a lake for changes.

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Originally Posted by jaxsprat

And from what I was told lot of those lake maps only get revised every 5 to 10 years, unless its a big popular lake. Takes time to survey a lake for changes.

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Navionics were up here a couple years ago zipping around an upsetting the fishing gurus (really ticked some off). They never showed up in my area. The map is wrong and it looks like they used MS Paint to doctor the colors..

If Navionics wanna show up, I will be glad to show them some of their screw ups. In the mean time, I'll just keep spitting on the ground....:rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by mduncan62

2008 models have dual card slots, so why would you buy the NVB anyway? Just buy the card you want, and then trade the card in when you update it.\

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No doubt!!!!!!!! I would buy the 798c unit, high accuracy receiver, the large 997 hd transducer, (region 10) Navionics HMPLATINUMSD card and a nice ram mount for starters... Before you buy the Platinum card I would make sure that it is compatible with the 798c.. You may want to check out my 1197 before you buy..;)

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Originally Posted by JusFshn

No doubt!!!!!!!! I would buy the 798c unit, high accuracy receiver, the large 997 hd transducer, (region 10) Navionics HMPLATINUMSD card and a nice ram mount for starters... Before you buy the Platinum card I would make sure that it is compatible with the 798c.. You may want to check out my 1197 before you buy..;)

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I just recieved a 788c 2009 model and itt's comopatible with the HD maps, so I would think all the 2009 models would be good to go. I've been wrong a couple times in my life though. Got a second Ram for it, and the interlink. came wiht the 50 channel gps, so in two weeks when the ice has melted, I'll see if it works better.

I was wondering if "all" HB units have the GPS problem or if it's just the SI models. Anyone?

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Originally Posted by Cane Pole

Navionics were up here a couple years ago zipping around an upsetting the fishing gurus (really ticked some off). They never showed up in my area. The map is wrong and it looks like they used MS Paint to doctor the colors..

If Navionics wanna show up, I will be glad to show them some of their screw ups. In the mean time, I'll just keep spitting on the ground....:rolleyes:

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The card I have missed a good section of Truman Lake, kind of irritates me, but I'll try to make my own maps for that area.

If I recall correctly, my buddy talked to them while they were on Truman, and they keep something like 3 new lower units on the boat at all times, since they hit things pretty regular. :D

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Originally Posted by mduncan62

The card I have missed a good section of Truman Lake, kind of irritates me, but I'll try to make my own maps for that area.

If I recall correctly, my buddy talked to them while they were on Truman, and they keep something like 3 new lower units on the boat at all times, since they hit things pretty regular. :D

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Wonder if they using their own maps? Good maps show stuff..:rolleyes:

I was wondering if "all" HB units have the GPS problem or if it's just the SI models. Anyone?