Humminbird 97c GPS/ Fishfinder Combo

[Solittle]

Looking for input on these units. It has 200 & 83khz or 500 watts rms whatever that means (I know squat about electronics). It is priced at $729.95 and I'm sure that some sort of map chip would be needed on top of that.

 

[gss036]

Re: Humminbird 97c GPS/ Fishfinder Combo

I would not go w/combo unit again. I have an older Impulse Loran/depth finder which still works, but with the new units I would go with a Garmin GPS and then look for a depth sounder. I have been using a Garmin 176C for last couple years w/bluewater chip. I really like it but a dos have a rather small screen, but I wanted something portable. I just recently installed an Eagle Seafinder 480 DF(200&50khz) depth sounder. The Jury is still out on that for salt water usage. Right now I would give it a low rating but I am still learning to play with it. Just my opinion. If you are cramped for space you may have to go with a combo unit. To be honest, I really have not read/heard anything real positive on Hummingbird products for saltwater usage, seems they are geared to lake fishing.

 

[Seasport]

Re: Humminbird 97c GPS/ Fishfinder Combo

I have a 97 and use it all the time in saltwater. It's fine. Display is bright and clear. A little more screen resolution/bigger screen would be nice but you'll pay more for this. You need a plug in MMC card to get more chart detail but it has basic charts built in.<br /><br />I tend to lose the bottom sometimes at high speed, but that's a common problem caused by disturbance around the transducer. Dual frequency gives you both a narrow beam (200KHz)& wide beam (83KhZ). I think these units offer particularly good value for money for a colour GPS/Sounder.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Humminbird 97c GPS/ Fishfinder Combo

For that amount of money you can pick up a Garmin 188C and have money left over for a chip.<br /><br />As far as transducers, the low freguency units will give you a wider veiwing area but they also have almost 4 times less resoluion than the 200 kHz transducer. Things that you see quite well at 200 kHz transdcuer might not even get picked up at 83 kHz. Unless you fish deep water a dual freq unit is a waste of money.