Topic: Small boat and 1197 series - is it OK?

[CHOOhonets]

What would you prefer for a small boat and portable use - 797 (with internal GPS) in such a case
http://s010.radikal.ru/i312/1010/a2/a874bc2823c3.jpg

or 1197 in a case similar to this one
http://s007.radikal.ru/i300/1010/e3/2bd6ef6f9a91.jpg

i realize that it is much more convinient in terms of power consumption (one 7 amp. battery is needed for a day of fishing with 798 and two is needed for 1197, respectively) and transportation to use 700 series + it has internal GPS, but in terms of vizualizing the screen and details (especially in a split mode) there is no comparison in favour of 1197.

So, guys, i need an advice. Money is not the main thing here + 1197 are available for 2000$ already.

PS Do not suggest 800\900 series

[Wayne P.]

If money is no object, bigger is better. There would be no need to mount the 1197 GPS antenna as it will work inside the carrying case. Just the cable for it is somewhat of a stowing issue.
I have the 798ci SI and have ordered the 1198c SI HD.

[Jolly Roger]

I agree with Wayne,
the bigger the screen the better.

Regards / Harry

[Humminbird_Greg]

I’ll agree with these two characters: the bigger screen the better!

Although you would void the warranty on the GPS Receiver you could shorten the cable by cutting out the length you do not need and splicing the wires back together.  However I would see about making some type of removable mount for it so that you get it above the level of the unit and batteries so that they will not block any of the signals from the satellites.

[George]

CHOOhonets

I have a 16 ft aluminum boat and have installed an 1197 unit on it.  I would definitely do it again.  I can position the screen to view it from any place on my boat.  Who knows maybe someday HB will put out a larger screen and I will get it.  The larger the screen the more you will see.

George

[FuzzyGrub]

Well, as a 798ci owner, I am not going to argue smaller is better!   

A couple things to consider with case option #2:

- Most do not have detachable lids like the old HB portable hard cases.  That requires the lid holder.  You might want to see if Johney Ray has a mount that will handle the large 1197.  That can be mount to the exterior, and unit stored inside for protection. 

- If you stay with the lid holder, best to have the ext gps not bolted down until you have tested enough that the lid does not cause any reduced reception.

- SLA batteries have not held up well for me.  I have used a pair of 6V lantern style.  I get about 4 hours on my 798.   I have some larger surplus UPS ones to try yet, which looks like what you have in the case. 

[Wayne P.]

In a case like shown in the second picture, if you mount the 1197 on a piece of plywood like it looks in the picture, you can store the GPS antenna cable under the plywood and have the antenna glued/screwed to the top of the plywood and not loose any sensitivity. You can get a suitable sealed lead/acid battery from Radio Shack or Batteries Plus for power and attach it to the plywood as shown. The gimbel mount of the 1197 gives you more mounting positions than is allowed with the snap-on mount of the 700 series.
With a slightly larger case size, you can store the transducer holder and cable inside the case for easy transport.

[CHOOhonets]

Thank you so much, gentlemen! I think i'll go with 1197!

[CHOOhonets]

Here is a nice portable set-up idea:
http://www.diverescueintl.com/Humminbird-1197-C-SI-To-Go-Kit-P572C25.aspx#