997 SI Base Map VS. NVB??

[Senderofan]

Good Afternoon:

I was wondering if those of you who have a 997 SI have any recommendations as to whether a guy should go with the base map model or spring for the NVB version? I've heard complaints that the NVB model fails to show any sort of map if the water is not included in the bundle...where as the base map always shows some sort of map. Also, can a guy add maps to the base map model...or are you stuck with the base map?

Thanks in advance for any information / experience that can be shared. I've got a LMS 332c that seems to be on its way out...trying to figure out what my next unit should be....the 997 is at the top of the list currently.

Wayne

[Shellback]

You can add a card to any of the base map models. I understand the NVB models mapping is at least 2 years old. If you fish mostly one region, I'd go with the base map and buy a card for the region I wanted. Navonics lists 7 different mapping choices for a 997. In fact, some of the Navonics mapping for your 332 is compatable with the 997 I believe.

[Senderofan]

Thanks...I fish in Minnesota, Ontario Canada, South Dakota and Montana. Trying to figure out which way to go being I fish in different areas and I'm not sure the NVB will provide the coverage I need...Just caught a video deal from the "icast" show..I believe. Anyway, the Humminbird rep. said the 2010 base map will be enhanced or upgraded.

Thanks again for the info. Guess I'll have to keep diggin' for answers.

Wayne

[bvs]

The base maps are next to worthless other than showing a rough blue blob outline of the lake. The NVB option upgrades you to 2006 Hotmaps Premium that will give rough depth contours and label different parts of the lake and give you fairly meaningless tips on where to fish. If you get this option, you can still insert newer cards and override the NVB. The HD maps are much better and show a lot more detail.

Considering you fish accross a lot of regions, I would get the NVB and then buy newer cards for the region(s) you fish most if you aren't happy and know you will benefit from the newer card.

I spent a couple hours checking into the NVB before I bought my 798cSI this spring. Call Navionics and ask about the lakes you fish. They'll tell you if they've been updated. For me there were only 3 updated lakes out of the 30 or so I regularly fish.

A word of warning on even the 2009 HD maps. They are based on the lake/reservoir level when the lake was surveyed. This has been a wet year in Utah and I regularly troll across areas that show up as land on the maps. Its too bad the map can't take the GPS elevation data into consideration when displaying the maps.

[Senderofan]

The base maps are next to worthless other than showing a rough blue blob outline of the lake. The NVB option upgrades you to 2006 Hotmaps Premium that will give rough depth contours and label different parts of the lake and give you fairly meaningless tips on where to fish. If you get this option, you can still insert newer cards and override the NVB. The HD maps are much better and show a lot more detail.

Considering you fish accross a lot of regions, I would get the NVB and then buy newer cards for the region(s) you fish most if you aren't happy and know you will benefit from the newer card.

I spent a couple hours checking into the NVB before I bought my 798cSI this spring. Call Navionics and ask about the lakes you fish. They'll tell you if they've been updated. For me there were only 3 updated lakes out of the 30 or so I regularly fish.

A word of warning on even the 2009 HD maps. They are based on the lake/reservoir level when the lake was surveyed. This has been a wet year in Utah and I regularly troll across areas that show up as land on the maps. Its too bad the map can't take the GPS elevation data into consideration when displaying the maps.


bvs:

Thanks a ton for that information! That's exactly what I was looking for. I wasn't sure if the NVB would accept new / upgraded cards. Guess that's the direction I'll go.

I hear you about the HD maps and the potential for depth variations due to water levels being off....These past several years have been really bad for levels. I've been waiting for several years to get back out to Fort Peck, MT....my buddy keeps me posted but its been no good. We're going to try Canyon Ferry, MT next July....I think their levels have been more stable. Hope they've left some walleyes for us.

Thanks Again....That was a homerun of information for me.

Wayne

[acar555]

This fall Humminbird will add compatitbilty for Lakemaster maps as well. With the Lakemaster chips you will be able to adjust the contours of the lake based on lake level. So if the lake is down 10 ft you will be able to adjust them all 10ft lower.

[Senderofan]

This fall Humminbird will add compatitbilty for Lakemaster maps as well. With the Lakemaster chips you will be able to adjust the contours of the lake based on lake level. So if the lake is down 10 ft you will be able to adjust them all 10ft lower.


Thanks for the heads up...will definately wait for the new models.

Wayne

[acar555]

The current 700, 900 and 1100 series models are supposed to have the same capabilty with a software update. So don't worry about have to get a new model. There will be a new map option standard on 2010 models as well. Here is the press release,

"Also new for 2010, Humminbird’s standard pre-loaded cartography package for the 700, 900 and
1100 Series Combo models will be the new ContourXD™ by Navionics®, an enhanced version of
UniMap™. The ContourXD basemap will contain coverage for over 3,000 U.S. lakes. The maps
will include depth contour lines, US lights/markers, and major roads/interstates"

[bvs]

I wouldn't count on anything until it is released. Humminbird_greg on the side-imaging forum specifically says there has been no anouncement and he's making no promises. They may or may not make the new software compatible with the existing units, although I hope they do.

New models last year were announced in Oct. and became available in Jan.

[Senderofan]

Guess I'll sit tight and watch....to see how things shake out.

Thanks to all for the information...It's been very helpful.

Wayne

[acar555]

I was just relaying info from a press release after ICast.

"For consumers who already own a 700, 900, or 1100 Series Combo, a free software download
will be available at humminbird.com that will make their unit LakeMaster compatible. The
LakeMaster-Humminbird Digital SD Cards will be pre-loaded with the selected ProMap Hi-Def
cartography and retail for $107.95 each."

[Senderofan]

I was just relaying info from a press release after ICast.

"For consumers who already own a 700, 900, or 1100 Series Combo, a free software download

will be available at
humminbird.com that will make their unit LakeMaster compatible. The
LakeMaster-Humminbird Digital SD Cards will be pre-loaded with the selected ProMap Hi-Def
cartography and retail for $107.95 each."


I thank you for sharing the information...It's all good!! Really appreciate any / all info. on the 997....that I can get.

Thanks Again,

Wayne