Humminbird 997 combo question

[Garrett Charter]

I was lucky enough to get one of the humminbird 997c with the real image for christmas. I was wondering if any one that has one would recommend putting it on the bow or the console. Also a good place to have it installed. Thanks Garrett

[Gator]

If it was me, I would put it on the Bow - you spend more time there when you would actually be using the features..........

[tunaman]

Console, hands down IMHO. I have an 1197 at the console, and it is incredible for finding the structure and cover. Once found, you can position the boat as appropriate (with or without marker bouys depending on the circumstances) and work it with the bow meter.

There are issues with using the side imaging on the trolling motor, most notably the skew just based on trolling motor movement, and in my opinion the best functionality is lost when using it in that fashion.

Depending on what meter you're using in the bow, two Humminbird units can be networked together and share waypoints as I recall? I've got a Lowrance unit on my bow, so have a 332 in dash so I can do so when I want to mark something good.

Good luck, and enjoy!
Roger

[Jeff C.]

I second Tunaman's vote for the console. To get the best side images you need to be moving about 3-5 mph, which is faster than what you'll usually be doing at the trolling motor. Also, if the side-imaging ducer is attached to the trolling motor the image will smear whenever you steer. The next time you're at the bow, notice how the trolling motor is continually turning as you move down the bank.

I move mine between the console and bow using extension cables to pull the transducer signal from the transom. With this setup I've found that the side-imaging feature is not that useful at the bow.

Jeff

[adman]

At the helm. The SI capability allows you to cover large areas quickly which you can't do w/ the TM. If you don't want to put a Humminbird on the bow which can be linked to the 997 for waypoints, you can use a RAM mount that allows you to turn the 997 to the bow and you can hold your position or track.

Puttin a 997 on the bow would be a real waste of a great tool. You won't believe what that thing can do until you use it, congratulations.

[Alan]

I put mine on the bow, for gators reasoning. But as others mentioned, the side imaging does not work well at all off of the trolling motor. Mainly due to the 3 - 5 mph speed you need to be moving.I'm switching mine to the console and getting a 788 for the bow.

[biteme]

I have a 997 on the console and a 987 on the front. The SI doesnt work well up front. If you keep the TM straight it works fine. If you turn left to right it resets the SI.

[Garrett Charter]

Thanks Guys

[adman]

Alan does the 788 link with the 997 so you can stay on a waypoint held in the 997? I want to switch out the x125 on the bow so I can stay on a spot without having to refer back to the 997.

[wkwong11]

I had my 997 in the front for a little while, too. It takes way to long to cover water on the TM. Since the SI doesn't work well under 2mph, you'll need to have your TM on high and keep a straight path for a view of the bottom.

However, keep in mind that when mounting your transducer on the transom that the beams can be blocked by your motor and may force your to trim up for a full view.

Humminbird came out with a thru-hull transducer for the 997 but I haven't heard of anyone using it yet so I don't know how well it works. Anyone use one of these yet or know of someone that did?

[Garrett Charter]

I was going to have it installed at sunnys in sac but they are closed through the 5th. Does anyone recommend somewhere else to have it put in.

[biteme]

Its really not tough to do. Just mount it yourself or maybe the guys at galaxy marine can help ya. They were doing a set up a while back. I dont have any problems with my motor being in the way. My two units are linked and both share way points. This is nice when your up front and want to make something. Just hit the button and its saves to both units.

[adman]

It isn't that tough to install, even though I had someone else do it because drilling holes in my boat makes me puke...the one thing I would recommend, not knowing your boat make/model, is have someone drive the boat (at 3-5mph) and looking over the transom and watching the turbulence at the hull. The SI is very sensitive to turbulence and you want to mount it int the LEAST turbulent area.

Also if you call humminbird they will email you pictures of successful installations on a variety of hulls. It was a help to me and the goofy back-end of a skeeter.

[Alan]

I'm assuming they will. I havn't Installed the 788 yet.

[Gator]

Garrett - call Mike at Capitol City marine - he can get you in and out quickly and they do a top notch install!!!