Topic: 798si or 898 for two boats.

[beertech]

Looking at getting a si sonar that i want to use on my big boat and also a 14 tin at cottage. do these units use one or two transducers.  I understand i have to atleast buy one to use on second boat but wondering if i have to buy two.  Im leaning towards the 798 as it has a built in gps.  I believe the 898 only comes with external gps correct me if im wrong.  Im also thinking about using my other 7 inch sonar as fishfinder gps on big boat and using new unit as side imaging only. anyways any imput on what im doing aswell as comparisons between gps would be appreciated

[George]

beertech

As far as 1 or 2 transducers it depends on what you want to do.  I have a transducer on the transom and trolling motor and use a switch to go between the two, you only need one for each boat.

I think that you are right that 898 has an external GPS, I would not let that stop me.  The difference between a 7" and a 5" screen is significant.  The large the screen the better for viewing. 

You can get another receiver for around $100, yes it all adds up, you will need a power cord, transducer and do not forget to install the fuses.  It is easier to make a full set up on both boats then just transfer the head.  You can always wait to get a GPS receiver for the other boat or temporarily take the GPS between both boats.

George

[Humminbird_Greg]

To add to what George stated:
If you go with the 798 unit then you will also need the unit mount MS-M or MS-700E (depending on whether your 798 unit is the “HD” model or not).

If you go with the 898 you will need a second Connector Collector (540165-2) and possibly a second unit mounting bracket (GM-2).  You can get around the second unit mounting bracket if you use something like the RAM type unit mount and install a base plate on each boat.