Topic: Hello and a few questions about 998c si

[Fishbucket]

Is this unit recommended for use in saltwater?
I have a twin diesel inboard 32' boat and I'm concerned about interference of the skimmer transducer with the props/ rudders etc.
has anyone used this unit in the salt? And reviews of its performance there?

Also with the video out,  is the quality of the picture as good as the main display?
The video out is the feature that most turned me on to hummingbird. I like the fact I can simply plug a video display screen into the unit and have a repeater screen without having to spend a fortune on a network or thousands on a multi function display
 Thanks

[Rüdiger]

Hi Fish

Welcome to the forum

Obviously your unit is suitable for salt water.
The transducher must be mounted so that it unobstructed "view" is on both sides. Also, he should not be mounted directly in the current screws.
I use Video out also, as a second display, I use a tablet PC, but any other device with video in is possible. With use in the open, the device should be readable in sunlight and moisture resistant.

mvh
Rüdiger

[Fishbucket]

I see most guys who have these are either flats boats( inshore) or freshwater bass/ walleye boats.
Most of my use from this unit would be in water under 125' I would use it to locate pogies In The harbor<20' which I Would then net as bait. Inshore around ledges that average 25-70' and just offshore for wreck fishing in 100'- 150'. Anything deeper than that I have my 1000w furuno 28mhz machine that I am quite happy with.
Would the props& rudders forward of the transducer affect it?or does it only need to see strait down and out to the sides?
I understand its a slow speed operation and would not expect results at higher speeds. My boats not a speed boat anyways. The slowest my boat will move is 5 kts ~ 5.7 mph. Most of the images I see here are 1-4 mph
Some doubts I have about hummingbirds si are that the side imaging will not work unless it flat calm, and anything deeper than say 50-60' it doesn't work at all.
I also hear that there is an optional 50/200 MHz transducer for deep water use, would this be the recommended setup?
I really like the idea of being able to look to the sides of the boat. But what really is drawing me in is the video out, where I can plug an inexpensive external display and mount it anywhere.
The time I would like to use the external display Would be fishing on anchor in 200-400'. Or drift fishing.
Then I would be very happy if the unit to functions as well as any other standard fishfinder. I would not be looking for structure or fish at that point, merely watching to see fish passing bye under the boat.
Am I asking too much or is this machine more suited for the back bay flats boat and freshwater boats?
Thanks
__________________

[ITGEEK]

Fishbucket:
In my opinion, you are asking too much from your unit.
Yes, it will work in salt water, but it's not designed for deep water use.
Humminbird units are used primarily for shallow freshwater fishing.
I haven't tried myself, but I heard that 100 feet is pushing the
extreme depths of the units.
I've read where side-imaging is good to 150 feet, but it depends on
how good your installation is, and environmental conditions on the
water.  The side-imaging transducer needs a clear line of sight to both
sides, and underneath.

Read the below post:
http://forums.sideimagingsoft.com/index.php?topic=4787.msg32412#msg32412

[Humminbird_Greg]

Props and rudders directly forwards of the Si transducer could cause sonar reading issues as these objects can produce  aerated water which will not allow the sonar to pass through.

I have seen Si sonar readings down to 182 feet deep but most will not get this sort of Si depth performance, especially in saltwater.

At water depths of 150 feet the standard HDSi transducer should work well enough.