Humminbird Side Scan

[muskybreath]

Howdy.
I am looking at the new Humminbird C Si series..Does anyone have ant input re: this fish finder? I have looked at a bunch of forums and it seems to get the thumbs up. I talked to a repair tech. who did mention that there is a problem viewing the screen in bright sunny conditions. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
I have always used Lowrance ,but the side imaging posts I've seen look like a definite advantage for finding suspended fish,along with the expanded field of view.
Thanks in advance , Doug

 

[JUSTINTIME]

Re: Humminbird Side Scan

most FF are hard to see in bright light
i have heard good things about it

 

[John_S]

Re: Humminbird Side Scan

I have the 797C2 SI and have had it out for three outings. Two of which, were on cloudless days. The normal 2D color and sitting at the console was no problem. Looking from back seat in glare, was harder. The SI is only slightly harder to see in bright sun light. The color/sun performance was slightly better than my Intellimap 502C screen.

BTW, I used the SI on some stump and tree beds, and it is pretty amazing.

 

[Expidia]

Re: Humminbird Side Scan

I as John does, have the same unit. For many it's probably overkill on the side scan technology, in my opinion after using it last season. But I also was not in hunt for bass hideouts like I have been in years past. I did more cruising than fishing.

When I bought mine it was the only one my dealer had in stock and it fit perfectly on the dash where I wanted it to go so I said to myself what's a few hundred bucks more . It is amazing technology really brings up the bottom structure looking just like a 3D picture.

Go to Humminbirds website if you have not already and down load their PDF file of the manual. The pics in there are actual ones.

But like I said, I paid $999 plus tax which for a combo GPS/Fishfinder spending $1000 plus is overkill for many when there are probably less expensive models available with the sidescan technology. But you need to ask yourself if you shell out the extra bucks for it, make sure you will get your money's worth and make use of sidescan technology.

But I really like the unit and everything about it. I also purchased the Navionics hotmaps card which makes the GPS into a true fishing system. Check cabelas.com for their clearance 2006 or 2007 versions or other sites for $49 instead of $149.

Lastly, my VHF radio is DSC capable, so that's why I didn't mind spending the extra money for sidescan because now I have a complete system.

I know for me personally, if I knew there was sidescan available and I didn't get it, I'd always want it

 

[ziemann]

Re: Humminbird Side Scan

I would dispute the fact that the Humminbird units are hard to see in the bright sun light...

I have an Eagle 320c on the bow and an Humminbird 981c SI (side imaging) at the console. You can change color backgrounds, contrast, brightness, intensity, etc.....I often move around the boat and have to say that I am extremely pleased. I use a white background and find it very easy to see. It is most definately easier to read than my inexpensive Eagle color....(granted the Eagle is significantly less expensive as a basic color FF)...

There are some great side imaging forums out there that can give you everything you ever wanted to know about the side imaging FF's.

There really isn't a downside to them (other than price) once you get the rigging figured out and the transducer positioned properly...

 

[Geo2008]

Re: Humminbird Side Scan

Lastly, my VHF radio is DSC capable, so that's why I didn't mind spending the extra money for sidescan because now I have a complete system.

What does the DSC capable mean? How does it make it a complete system?

Geo

 

[Expidia]

Re: Humminbird Side Scan

What does the DSC capable mean? How does it make it a complete system?

Geo

Newer electronics now come with Digital Selective Calling (DSC).

This allows access to the $550 million Rescue 21 network.

You hook two wires together DSC VHF unit and a DSC GPS unit.

If I have a medical emergency, run aground, take on water, man over board etc all one needs to do is press the red button and your exact position is broadcast to the coast guard or another vessel and they will come back on your speaker with "what's the nature of your emergency"?

Can't do that with a cell phone as how would you hail a nearby boat for help even if your cell phone worked in the area you were in?

Here is a good article: http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/boatus/200805/index.php?startid=20#/24

Click on zoom + to make it easier to read!

What I meant by "complete" system is a complete "boating" system.
GPS for navigation
GPS for fishing (with Sidescan for structure and Navionics chip for bottom contour and fishing)
GPS handheld for back up (and ditch bag)
WeatherSense weather alert unit (came free as a promo with the 797).
Vhf fixed 25 watt for communication (with 8 foot antenna for max range)
Vhf handheld for back up (and ditch bag)
AM/FM Stereo, CD, Ipod and Sirius

And I learned about ALL of the above accessories by perusing and asking questions on this forum (thx forum).

The only thing I'm missing is radar, but that's for my next boat a 22 footer that I'm trying to locate in a particular 2006-2007 model. Probable $6.00 gas prices at the marina pumps this season should pop up a few of the models at bargain prices that I'm in the market for.

It's not that expensive for all the above electronics since I keep moving all from boat to boat with each upgrade. That's why I buy the best I can afford each time.

When I sell each boat they are always pristine and exactly as it came from the factory. I save and re-install all original hardware and electronics.

 

[imported_esoxhunter]

Re: Humminbird Side Scan

Hi there,

I installed a Humminbird 797 this past weekend and was very impressed. Lots to dial in, tweak and figure out but my first impression is that it will exceed my expectations.

Cheers,

E

 

[Zero Balance]

Re: Humminbird Side Scan

I picked up a 981C when they came out and became available. I've been very pleased with the unit. I use it on both my river boat and lake boat with ducers mounted on each. The SI is great for looking for structure and can even disclose bait pods whith the proper gain settings.

 

[muskybreath]

Re: Humminbird Side Scan

Thanks for all input.. Doug..

 

[Geo2008]

Re: Humminbird Side Scan

Newer electronics now come with Digital Selective Calling (DSC).

This allows access to the $550 million Rescue 21 network.

You hook two wires together DSC VHF unit and a DSC GPS unit.

If I have a medical emergency, run aground, take on water, man over board etc all one needs to do is press the red button and your exact position is broadcast to the coast guard or another vessel and they will come back on your speaker with "what's the nature of your emergency"?

Can't do that with a cell phone as how would you hail a nearby boat for help even if your cell phone worked in the area you were in?

Here is a good article: http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/boatus/200805/index.php?startid=20#/24

Click on zoom + to make it easier to read!

What I meant by "complete" system is a complete "boating" system.
GPS for navigation
GPS for fishing (with Sidescan for structure and Navionics chip for bottom contour and fishing)
GPS handheld for back up (and ditch bag)
WeatherSense weather alert unit (came free as a promo with the 797).
Vhf fixed 25 watt for communication (with 8 foot antenna for max range)
Vhf handheld for back up (and ditch bag)
AM/FM Stereo, CD, Ipod and Sirius

And I learned about ALL of the above accessories by perusing and asking questions on this forum (thx forum).

The only thing I'm missing is radar, but that's for my next boat a 22 footer that I'm trying to locate in a particular 2006-2007 model. Probable $6.00 gas prices at the marina pumps this season should pop up a few of the models at bargain prices that I'm in the market for.

It's not that expensive for all the above electronics since I keep moving all from boat to boat with each upgrade. That's why I buy the best I can afford each time.

When I sell each boat they are always pristine and exactly as it came from the factory. I save and re-install all original hardware and electronics.

WOW!

That was a great explaination, I am so glad I read this post. It seems like a very good idea to me, although I am wondering if there is any type of charge to logon to the network.

Thanks for the info for sure!

Geo

 

[Expidia]

Re: Humminbird Side Scan

No charge for the rescue 21 network. You buy a DSC ready VHF radio and go to BoatU.S.com and register for free and they assign you an MMSI # which you then put into your new VHF radio. This way when you ever need to send a help signal through your VHF it then tranmits your boats position to other commercial vessels, the Coast Guard and other DSC ready units everyone knows "exactly" where you are once you hook up the two little wires to a DSC ready GPS unit.

The MMSI # gives the Coast Guard your personal info such as boats name, home port, your cellphone #, on shore person for contact etc.

It's an amazing system. Don't leave home without it

 

[waterinthefuel]

Re: Humminbird Side Scan

When I bought my little VHF, DSC was new and only on the highest end units. I looked in the latest Overtons and found the cheap 139.95 unit has it. Mine was not quite that expensive but close, and it doesn't have it. It's ok, I don't have a GPS in the boat to hook it to anyway!

 

[ACAMACIAN]

Re: Humminbird Side Scan

I searched these forums for this type input on these Humminbird Side view Sonars. Is there anyone else with opinions on these units. I may but one but they are a lot of money and would really like to hear from fellow fisherman if they are worth it. Especially if they would help out in bass fishing tournamnets. Do the images really look like that and can you really tell if there are fish there. Would they be any good in shallow water, say under ten feet deep.

" THE ACAMACIAN "

 

[waterinthefuel]

Re: Humminbird Side Scan

Maybe reading the first replies in this thread? LOL

 

[John_S]

Re: Humminbird Side Scan

ACAMACIAN,

This is an old thread, but will try to point you in the right direction.

The best forums for info:

Yahoo group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sideimaging/

SI forum: http://www.xumba.scholleco.com/

Both will have allot of actual screen captures. I posted this one from a recent outing: http://joefish.homestead.com/DinkWars.html

IMHO: It works great in 40 and less ft of water. Deep water can be very uninteresting. I would say most of its value is in learning a new lake/river, and finding key structure and cover. It is great for finding brush piles, tree, and stumps. As for finding fish, SI isn't easy to spot fish.

 

[ACAMACIAN]

Re: Humminbird Side Scan

THANKS for the helpful response, I checked out those sites, pretty amazing images. Whether it's beneficial to the weekend bass fisherman, I am not sure yet.

Thanks again


" ACAMACIAN "

 

[John_S]

Re: Humminbird Side Scan

Some SI from over the weekend: http://joefish.homestead.com/SIsusky.html