Hummingbird @ high speed

[BRUCE CARLSON]

I am debating between purchasing the Lowrance HDS-8 or the Hummingbird 898csi. Anyone compared these units side by side?
Also wondering if you get a reading on the Hummingbird @ 40 mph. My Lowrance X-104 performed perfectly @ high speed.

[Jason Halfen]

Here's a Humminbird screen shot, with Side Imaging, Down Imaging, and 2D sonar at 40+ mph. Note the excellent Down Imaging clarity even at this speed.

This was collected with the single transom-mount HDSI transducer. Even better 2D sonar performance can be achieved with a through-hull puck and y-cable, particularly if you're running a glass boat.

On the transom, it's all about transducer placement. Good placement = good performance.

[BRUCE CARLSON]

Here's a Humminbird screen shot, with Side Imaging, Down Imaging, and 2D sonar at 40+ mph. Note the excellent Down Imaging clarity even at this speed.

This was collected with the single transom-mount HDSI transducer. Even better 2D sonar performance can be achieved with a through-hull puck and y-cable, particularly if you're running a glass boat.

On the transom, it's all about transducer placement. Good placement = good performance.
That is really impressive! I was leaning towards the Lowrance but those readouts look great! I'm putting the new unit on an 1850 Lund Tyee (aluminum)

[Jason Halfen]

Two pieces of advice about the transducer/installation procedure:

1. If you want to take the guesswork out of the process, have the unit professionally rigged. I have a local contact that specializes in rigging Humminbird Side Imaging units, on all makes and models of boats, and their shop fee is preposterously low. If you want your equipment to run right, the first time on the water, consider a professional installation.

(Side note: mine was rigged professionally, and I couldn't be happier with the results)

2. If you're a DIY kind of person, then consider mounting the transducer on a mounting board. That way, you can make small adjustments to transducer position (up/down/tilt) without punching extra holes in your transom.

[BRUCE CARLSON]

Hey Jason: I'm in luck...the boat already has a mounting board, and I was going to have Hannay's f&i the unit along with a Yamaha t9.9 w remote steering. Thanks for the good advice!

[K Gonefishin]

Will it mark fish at 40mph?

[ziemann]

Jason makes a great point. Installation is everything on these units. They perform extremely well if installed correctly. Little things such as height, boat floating level, outboard blocking the view for side imaging, clean water flow, etc. make all of the difference. An experienced installer will make a world of difference. I was extremely lucky when I installed my Humminbird SI. It has performed perfectly and I have ended up helping several other folks with theirs. There is a very well known rigger/ installer in the Brainerd Lakes/ Nisswa area if you find yourself in need....

The units perform perfectly if rigged right even at high speed.

[SingleShot]

Have a look at this site, you will need to join but they have pics of installs from the members. Most boats are covered. But yes, xducer installs for side imaging have to be done right to get the performance paid for.

I'm still fixxing factory installs made to my boat. Working in the electronic / controls industry for 20+ year my standards may be a little high. L.O.L.

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

JK