Topic: Question for RGecy

[bob]

Robert - I recently found a car in a local lake that the fire department recovered. They are very impressed and would like to purchase a side image unit of their own. Their main problem is to secure the funding - the people that control the money usually don't seem to understand the technical side of the request. I have seen SAR advertisements, but is there a preferred approach for an official agency to make such a purchase, or do they just shop and buy like the rest of us? I just want to make sure that I steer them in the right direction. Any and all opinions are welcome.

bob baldwin
bryan, texas

[RGecy]

I would start by getting them a SAR Video from Humminbird.  Then talk with them on the bennefits of the unit.  Mainly Cost and Ease of Use.  Not to mention all finds that have been made and in the press. 

Do an On-Water demonstartion on some known targets. Show them how a target can be marked right on the screen and easily navigate back to it.  Not to mention Recording and playback capabilitites and snapshot of potential targets.

Most searches occur in less than 40' of water which is perfect for a "hull mounted unit".  Deploying a towfish based system takes multiple people per boat and you have to worry about snagging the fish or running over your cable.  And of course, most SSS systems are $10k+.

If they find that more of their searches occur in deeper water, they may need to look at a towfish based system.  But, I think the stats will show otherwise.

Humminbird came out with a special SAR unit that actually says "Search and Rescue" on the SD card slot door.  They found that most agencies had a hard time paying several thousand for a unit that says "Fishing System"!

I am sure the guys at Humminbird can also give you a lot of references for agencies who are currently using the unit as well.   

Hope that helps.

Robert

[bob]

Thanks Robert. I have sent them PDFs for the 997, 1197 and the SAR, but haven't been able to find the SAR video. I just sent Mark an e-mail requesting video info as well as any other recommendations he might suggest. I am going to play back the recordings I made on the 997 for one official so that he can see first hand how well side image technology works. I would like to purchase at least one video (maybe more) if anyone knows where to get them.
Thanks!

bob baldwin
bryan, texas
997c SI
1197c SI
AS GRHA

[Humminbird_Greg]

Bob,
You can try calling the Customer Resource folks and ask about getting the video but it is really more on how to use the unit than showing its potential benefits.

Mark Gibson is the guy to contact about this.  I’m sure he will get you any information that you need.

[bob]

Thanks Greg! I found out somewhere on the internet that he was the one to contact. I sent him an e-mail, and the DVD was delivered by FedEx yesterday. I will be doing a demo for the local fire dept and search and rescue folks about the benefits of side imaging. The video will be the icing on the cake. Thanks again, Greg.

bob baldwin
bryan, texas
997c SI
1197c SI
AS GRHA

[RGecy]

Bob,

Glad you got it.  I have meant to make a low-res copy to put on the web.  It has some good info for everyone, not just for SAR.

Please let us know how your demo goes.

Robert