View Full Version : Chartplotting, SI, and Navionics Platinum Maps
Trying to decide on a new Sonar unit. I'm going the bird route this time and I'm trying to decide on a couple of features. I'm hoping some of you that have experienced these features could provide some input.
Chartplotting - What exactly does is it used for and what does it do for a fisherman? How useful have you found it?
Side Imaging (SI) - How useful is this technology? Once you have used it do you find it to be a must have feature? Is it worth the cost increase?
Navionics Platinum Maps - Has anyone used this technology yet and can comment? Is it worth the cost increase?
Any and all comments from people who have used these features would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
acar555
08-21-2009, 04:57 PM
Any gps/sonar combo is a chartplotter, which tracks your position on the unit and plots a trail that can be "retraced" to return to where you started or follow a productive trolling run. It also allows you to say waypoints of things you want to return to in the future. I have used SI for over 2 years and would not want to be with out it. It shows you so much more information and with better detail than conventional sonar. I don't feel the Navionics platinum maps are really worth the extra expense. They don't have any more information than the premium chips other than the 3d views and photos that aren't that helpfull. The regions for the Platinum chips are smaller than the premium as well.
KHedquist
08-21-2009, 05:06 PM
Check out some of the pictures and info at this link
http://www.jasonhalfenoutdoors.com/HumminbirdIndex.html
whofan
08-23-2009, 09:10 AM
Heres some utube videos explaining Humminbirds;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOy5ml2GhiQ
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_type=search_playlists&search_query=humminbird&uni=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOjwOx1j2NA
I figured that's what chartplotting was. :blush:
Thanks for the input. I'm trying to decide between a 798 SI and a 997 SI. So if I'm reading all the options correctly the only thing I would gain would be additional screen space and the Platinum maps. Anything else I'm missing?
perchjerker
08-24-2009, 04:13 PM
I figured that's what chartplotting was. :blush:
Thanks for the input. I'm trying to decide between a 798 SI and a 997 SI. So if I'm reading all the options correctly the only thing I would gain would be additional screen space and the Platinum maps. Anything else I'm missing?
the addtional screen space can make a world of difference
before you buy, look at them in a store and put them into split screen mode, where one side is the chart the other is the sonar
if you can live with the smaller screen, thats fine, but at least try it so you wont be disappointed if its too small for you
KHedquist
08-24-2009, 04:46 PM
That is true, I have an 1157 on the bow and it really blows up the info compared to the smaller screen, and the target seperation is awsome
Hmmmmmm now I have to figure out how to hide spending a lot of money from the wife, or else :frypan:.
Or maybe I just need to spend the same amount on her too. :shocked:
So what hummingbird goes good together with a 997 SI for the bow? I'd network them together. I'd like to go less expensive up front.
hondo
08-26-2009, 09:19 AM
How big of a screen do you want up front, and do you want Side Imaging up front?
If you want Side Imaging and less expensive then the 997 then you're looking at the 798c SI.
If you don't want Side Imaging and are okay with a 5 inch screen, then the 788c is a good option.
How big of a screen do you want up front, and do you want Side Imaging up front?
If you want Side Imaging and less expensive then the 997 then you're looking at the 798c SI.
If you don't want Side Imaging and are okay with a 5 inch screen, then the 788c is a good option.
I would love to put 2 SI's in but I can't justify that at the moment. So I guess I will be doing 788c to go with. Now I just have to decide if I should put that 997 up front or back by the tiller.
Jason Halfen
08-27-2009, 10:21 AM
I run a 788 on the bow, and have a 997 and an 1197 that I interchange at the console of my wheel boat, depending on my needs. The 1197's screen (and numerical data) is sufficiently large that I can read it easily from the transom when trolling with my tiller kicker. The 997 works in this capacity, although operating in a split screen mode (GPS/SI or GPS/2D) does lead to a bit of squinting with the 997's smaller screen.
Don't forget that Humminbird will offer an 800-series SI unit in 2010...bigger than a 997, smaller than an 1197, with a price point in between the two.
Feel free to drop me a line with any other Humminbird questions as you set up your system.
jason@jasonhalfenoutdoors.com
I run a 788 on the bow, and have a 997 and an 1197 that I interchange at the console of my wheel boat, depending on my needs. The 1197's screen (and numerical data) is sufficiently large that I can read it easily from the transom when trolling with my tiller kicker. The 997 works in this capacity, although operating in a split screen mode (GPS/SI or GPS/2D) does lead to a bit of squinting with the 997's smaller screen.
Don't forget that Humminbird will offer an 800-series SI unit in 2010...bigger than a 997, smaller than an 1197, with a price point in between the two.
Feel free to drop me a line with any other Humminbird questions as you set up your system.
jason@jasonhalfenoutdoors.com
Thanks Jason!
When do you choose to run the 997 over the 1197?
I may have to wait for that 800 series.
Jason Halfen
08-27-2009, 01:01 PM
I started my collection with a 997, but decided (after borrowing an 1197 several times) that the large screen unit best fit my needs as an avid troller. So, I run the 1197 at the console > 90% of the time.
I have occasionally moved the 997 to the bow, but am now building a system into my boat where my passenger/client can have the 997 on their side while I have the 1197 on my side. That way, I can point things out to them, and they can see them on their own screen rather than look over my shoulder at the 1197.
I have occasionally moved the 997 to the bow, but am now building a system into my boat where my passenger/client can have the 997 on their side while I have the 1197 on my side. That way, I can point things out to them, and they can see them on their own screen rather than look over my shoulder at the 1197.
Sounds like a great setup for your clients! One of these fishing trips I'll have to come to the Lake Wissota area to check out your setup.
acar555
08-28-2009, 05:14 PM
I run a 788 on the bow, and have a 997 and an 1197 that I interchange at the console of my wheel boat, depending on my needs. The 1197's screen (and numerical data) is sufficiently large that I can read it easily from the transom when trolling with my tiller kicker. The 997 works in this capacity, although operating in a split screen mode (GPS/SI or GPS/2D) does lead to a bit of squinting with the 997's smaller screen.
Don't forget that Humminbird will offer an 800-series SI unit in 2010...bigger than a 997, smaller than an 1197, with a price point in between the two.
Feel free to drop me a line with any other Humminbird questions as you set up your system.
jason@jasonhalfenoutdoors.com
The 800 series units will be SMALLER than the 997 and LARGER that the 798. It should be the same size as the 917's 7" screen, but I haven't see the specs on it yet. Should be in the $1400 range.
reddog
08-29-2009, 02:17 PM
I have a 788 up front and a 997 on the dash.
It works very well for me. If you chose to go with Si, I personally wouldnt go any smaller than a 997.
Buy as much screen as you can afford, but make it hurt a bit to do it, otherwise, you will be wishing you had bought larger initially.
http://imageevent.com/okoboji_images/hummingbirdsideimaging
Nice pictures Reddog!
I've decided on the 997 and the 788c after looking at them in Gander Mtn the other day. I'll have to save for a while and will probably buy in spring. Hopefully I can check out the 800 series by then also.
Thanks for all the input guys.