New Bass Boat Owner, Looking For Advice

[Mikey1331]

Hi -

I'm new here to the boards, and have already gotten some great information! I'm a fairly new bass boat owner, and I'm looking to upgrade the electronics on the boat. I bought it with an older Eagle model. I want to get a nice unit, but don't need to go super high-end. Right now, I'm looking at either a Humminbird 597ci HD DI combo, or 788ci HD DI combo. Two questions - first, are these the units I should be looking at? and second - any advice on one vs. the other? Thanks!

[uabasspro]

I was looking at the same two units a few weeks ago. I wound up going with the 597ci hd di. From everything that I researched the main differences were

788ci has:

-Networking -Can link with other units

-Preset buttons - 3 favorite presets

-better GPS system - comes with better GPS system

-2 SD card slots -597 has just 1

the 597 doesn't have those.

Those are the 4 main differences I found. I'm happy with my purchase and let me know if you decide to go with it I can give you a link to where I got the 597ci hd di for about $100 off the sticker.

[Mikey1331]

I've also been reading about the 798ci HD SI. Is the side imagine feature worth the extra money?

[Mikey1331]

Side imaging, not imagine...sorry.

[uabasspro]

Side imaging, not imagine...sorry.

I've heard good things about SI, but I don't have it so I can't really comment on it. I think it would be pretty sweet to be able to see all angles around your boat.

[sodaksker]

If you fish a lot and are frequently trying to locate new spots, side imaging is a very useful tool. I think they are a great learning tool.

Now if you are fishing the same small pond or narrow river, they may not have as much value to you.

[Mikey1331]

This is the first electronics unit that I have purchased. Are they easy to install by yourself, or should I have it installed?