Humminbird 997c vs 998c

Looking at buying a humminbird 998c, but have found some deals on holdover 997c. Wondering if anyone knows the differences between the two. If I understand correctly, the 997 can be updated with the down imaging function for free. Also wondering how good the navionics bundle is? Any info would be great.

[rmfboat]

i bought one in the spring love it. map are fine. side and down are real fine. it.s got my lcx38hd beat.

[MAJ1966]

I have the 997si, bought it 2 years ago and down loaded the software the 998 has, I know have down imagaing as well. I also just down loaded the latest software upgrade from Humminbird last weekend. I just don't know what has changed, have not been on the water yet.
I have been thinking about either lakemaster or the new 2010 navionics, lakemaster has a couple of strikes against it, 2 lakes I fish, are not even listed as availble maps, so sorta leaning towards the 2010 navionics, so it will be interesting to see what folks recommend??

[fishbones]

Here are some links on this site.
http://www.walleyecentral.com/forums...d.php?t=162232
http://www.walleyecentral.com/forums...d.php?t=161518

I love the navionics gold hotmaps for the great lakes, lake master falls short in this category. I have both a 997 and a 798, my 798 came with the NVB bundle and I highly suggest the mapping bundle! Also, you can still get a chip later for lakemaster.

[Jason Halfen]

Originally Posted by yarcraftjack

Looking at buying a humminbird 998c, but have found some deals on holdover 997c. Wondering if anyone knows the differences between the two. If I understand correctly, the 997 can be updated with the down imaging function for free. Also wondering how good the navionics bundle is? Any info would be great.

The differences between the 997 and the 998 are:

998 has a new printed circuit board/processor
998 has ethernet port for future networking/connectivity
998 has a video out port, in case you want to attach a second monitor for viewing output

The 997 can gain Lakemaster compatibility and Down Imaging via a free software update from the Humminbird website. Any holdover units still available will require that update.

The NVB maps provide coverage for many lakes across the country. They are based on 2006 data and cannot be updated based on current data. You can still use a map chip with NVB units for additional/newer mapping data, but you cannot update the NVB maps that are stored in the 997 NVB's on-board memory.

[Wade B AKA: Ruger2506]

Originally Posted by yarcraftjack

Looking at buying a humminbird 998c, but have found some deals on holdover 997c. Wondering if anyone knows the differences between the two. If I understand correctly, the 997 can be updated with the down imaging function for free. Also wondering how good the navionics bundle is? Any info would be great.

I have a 997 and use a Navonics chip. Here is my advice. Buy the 997, upgrade the software, and then buy the latest Lake Master chip. Navonics is OK, but Lake Master is kicking their butt as far as cool features on the Humminbirds.

[fishbones]

Originally Posted by Ruger2506

I have a 997 and use a Navonics chip. Here is my advice. Buy the 997, upgrade the software, and then buy the latest Lake Master chip. Navonics is OK, but Lake Master is kicking their butt as far as cool features on the Humminbirds.

I agree with respects to inland lakes, unfortunately the great lakes maps are far superior. Also, it's nice to have the Hot Spot's which shows you some of the common fish locations not found on lake master, IMO.

[Wade B AKA: Ruger2506]

Originally Posted by fishbones

I agree with respects to inland lakes, unfortunately the great lakes maps are far superior. Also, it's nice to have the Hot Spot's which shows you some of the common fish locations not found on lake master, IMO.

I can't argue that at all. Thankfully great lakes fishing doesn't require a mapping program. Find a depth and a thermocline and work it out. You hardly (at least I do) work contours on Michigan and Superior like I do an inland lake.

Thanks for the info, as always very helpful.

[huskermaniac2001]

Hi

New to the board. Hope I am doing this right? Is this a good buy on the 997?

Can I buy a transducer that fits on the bow mount trolling motor and simply unplug the transducer cable from the transom and plug in the transducer on the bow mount and still use the unit? Trying to save a little money.