Humminbird 788ci

[DCstudent]

Has anyone had any experience with the Humminbird 788ci sonar/gps combo unit? I am looking to buy a new unit and I have it narrowed down between the humminbird and the Garmin 530 sonar/gps combo.

Any input is appreciated!

[Oldschool]

I just purchased one this year, and I have only used it twice. Without much experience, I can't really provide much insight into the finer workings of the unit. But I can tell you that I love it. With very little prep time, I turned it on and starting using the GPS and sounding screens immediately. The menu options seem pretty intuitive, so I can get basic usage stuff very quickly. I love the resolution, the 5 inch screen had me scared, but no longer. It seems big enough for a weekend angler, and is clear in all conditions that I have had so far.

I have no experience with the Garmin that you mentioned, but I do have a couple of other Garmins for hand and car use. I am happy with them as well. The 788CI is my baby and I could not be happier.

Roy

[Shellback]

I've got a Garmin 498C sounder/plotter. Great unit, but if you are an inland lake, freshwater person, the mapping software for Humminbird, Eagle, Lowrance etc is much better than Garmin.

[hondo]

I've got a Garmin 498C sounder/plotter. Great unit, but if you are an inland lake, freshwater person, the mapping software for Humminbird, Eagle, Lowrance etc is much better than Garmin.

That depends on where you are, and the unit that you have. Garmin units use Garmin LakeMaster cards, so if you're in MN, WI, MI, Dakotas etc. you can use a Garmin LakeMaster card and have excellent maps. We have some customers here in MN using Garmin 530s with the LakeMaster card and they're really happy with them.

If you're not in an area that LakeMaster covers then you are correct, you'll have better inland mapping options with HB than with Garmin.

[DCstudent]

Thanks for the info!