Topic: Hi, I'm new to the forum & could use a little help

[October1]

Hi everyone.

I found this forum researching Humminbird fish finders. I have been reading up on them and have some confusion on what would be best for me. I noticed there are some guys on here that really seem to know their stuff so I decided to sign up and ask you experts some questions in hope of getting the answers I need.

I decided on Humminbird because of Autochart, which I originally thought used the side imaging to map a lake, but now it appears only the 20* 200khz beam is used. If I have that right then it would take MUCH longer to map an area. Is this the case?

I started out casually looking at some inexpensive color sonar units (I didn't actually plan on buying anything. lol) but then it went from $100 to $200 and then the $500 Helix in the blink of an eye! My bank account was going fast and then I decided a 5” screen was just too small. Then I thought I had finally settled on the 899ci HD SI combo. However, after reading a review from a guy that was very unhappy with his 899 I wasn't so sure because he said it didn't come with an “HD” 800khz transducer. He said the detail was much better on his 898c HD SI GPS combo unit and he wished he had never bought the 899. I looked around and found some 898c HD SI GPS combo's much cheaper which would help the pocket book a lot, but I don't want a lower quality unit and I'm not sure about their differences. So.... what do you all think? Should I stick with the 899 and get the upgraded transducer, get it with the standard transducer or go with the 898?

I will be fishing everything from perch and panfish to salmon. I won't be going over 25 mph if that helps any and the maximum depth I will be in would be around 100', but most of the time I will be in 5'-30' of water.

Any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks guys.

[Bob B]

If you get the Autochart Pro, you will also be able to do SI mosaics and 3D renderings, as well as bottom hardness mapping.
I think pretty much any of the mapping software uses the 200khz for the contour lines.  The narrower beam on the 200khz will give the more accurate depth indication......especially on areas with a drop. 

I would go for the 899 and get the upgraded transducer.  The 899 has a faster processor and is the current product.  You would be able to get the Humminbird Select 2 year warranty with it.

[Bayou Basser]

I was a unhappy with the 899 when I first bought it, but since I sent it in for hardware and software updates I've been very pleased.  I agree with Bob about buying a current model and upgrading the xducer to 800KHz.  When I first purchased mine I put the xducer on the trolling motor, but I had trouble keeping the motor in a straight enough line to get good recordings and I did not like the weight of it and the shield to protect it hanging off of it.  So I moved it to the transom, put the unit on the console and my recordings are much better.  I have since then bought a Helix Si for the bow and I'm very happy with the setup.  For $1500.00 I have two good units and only about one or two years ago it would have cost that much or more for one good unit.

BB

[October1]

Thanks guys. I'm not sure what the mosaic does. On Huminbirds website it just shows a wavy looking blue valley. I don't see that helping me.

How would the faster processor help? Better for fast speeds?

I didn't even think to check if the 898 would qualify for the Select two year warranty. I just assumed it would. I found the 898c HD SI GPS combo for $599.00 but a better unit and longer warranty may be worth the $261 price difference.

I have found the 899ci HD SI combo for $858.95  Do you guys think I should look for a better price or is that about as good as it gets?

Bayou Basser, what did you have done to your 899?

[Bob B]

The faster processor will help with mapping response, it should help with image processing, it will help when doing multiple things such as recording and viewing map or data, it will help make the unit compatible with future accessories.

These guys would be a good source for the unit  http://universalmania.com/humminbird-899ci-hd-si-combo/

[October1]

Is Universal Mania a sponsor here? They look like a good place to deal with.

[Bob B]

I'm not sure ..... If you call them maybe suggest that they should be.

[Bayou Basser]

There was a hardware problem with 899's when they first hit the market and I don't know if or when they corrected this on later productions.  If you buy a new unit and it needs updating you can call HB and they will send you a prepaid shipping label so you can send in for repair.  They have to physically open it up to correct the problem but it doesn't cost you anything.  Maybe Greg or someone knows if the current production models have been corrected.

BB

[Humminbird_Greg]

Thanks guys. I'm not sure what the mosaic does. On Huminbirds website it just shows a wavy looking blue valley. I don't see that helping me.

How would the faster processor help? Better for fast speeds?

I didn't even think to check if the 898 would qualify for the Select two year warranty. I just assumed it would. I found the 898c HD SI GPS combo for $599.00 but a better unit and longer warranty may be worth the $261 price difference.

I have found the 899ci HD SI combo for $858.95  Do you guys think I should look for a better price or is that about as good as it gets?

Bayou Basser, what did you have done to your 899?

The mosaic is the wavy blue valley mapping that comes from both the 200kHz 2D sonar and the Si Sonar Recording data.

As long as you are the original purchaser of the 898 unit it should meet the requirements of the Humminbird Select program.  “Who's eligible? Customers who have purchased a Humminbird® ION™ Series, ONIX™ Series, 1100 Series™, 900 HD Series™, 900 Series™, 800 HD Series™ or 800 Series™ model.”

http://www.humminbirdselect.com/