Topic: 999ci hd si map options

[Reelmasta]

I'm about to pull the trigger on a 999ci hd si.  Do I go with the kvd package or purchase the maps after?  Either way there is a $200 bebate on right now.  I'm an avid fisherman but only recreational.  I live in Utah and fish shallow waters for Wiper and walleye that are not mapped anyway (Willard bay utah), but fish deeper waters for kokanee like in flaming Gorge and Strawberry reservoirs that are already on the list.

[Humminbird_Greg]

Welcome to the Humminbird Side imaging Forums Reelmasta.

I’m not understanding your question.  Where I have looked the 999ci HD Si and 99ci HD Si KVD versions are the same price.  You can always add the map card later if you need to or buy AutoChart and make your own HD maps.

[Reelmasta]

I'm just trying to figure out if the KVD map package is worth the money or better yet what map package should I get.  At the moment I have no extras to hook up.  My troller is an older 2 stroke and I have the basic Cannon electric downriggers that do not interface with the finder.
What mapping software fits my need.  I sure like the idea of knowing the depth is about to change before I see it on screen.  Too many times I've hooked the ball on the bottom.

[Humminbird_Greg]

Reelmasta, there is no KVD map package that I know of... maybe I just did not hear about it.  The KVD version units come with different colored buttons and possibly his signature on the unit (I don't think the HELIX 5 has that).  There is also a KVD lure kit and/or booklet included with these units.

Looking at the coverage lists for LakeMaster and Navionics Premium mapping cards it looks like the Navionics is the better option as it has Flaming Gorge and Strawberry in HD.

[Reelmasta]

Thanks Greg, I thought the KVD included maps, so will not be purchasing that option.  I looked up the navionics maps and agree it best fits my needs.
Any wisdom on the bad reviews the 999 has?
Software and hardware issues a bound in some of the forums.
Has HB got a handle on this unit?  After all, price tag of over a grand makes me hesitant. 
My must haves are the internal gps, side imaging, and the bigger screen.  I like the idea of the better ducer as well.
Just hesitate the purchase due to some of the bad press.

Scott

[Reelmasta]

Also how well does the 999 show the down rigger and stacker depths?  Fishing for Kokes and lakers at Flaming Gorge we commonly run below 80 ft and need this unit to show them clearly.

[Humminbird_Greg]

I don’t know about the down rigger balls and stacker depths as we don’t use anything like that here, so someone else who has used these will have to respond to that.  I’m sure that if they are within the sonar beam that they will be displayed as I helped someone track a deep diving (30+ feet) crank bait years ago with another Humminbird unit.

What specific software and hardware issues are you talking about?

[bobcoy]

If you have a transom mount ducer with 83Khz selected you should see weights and stackers unless you are going over 2.5 mph. Over that speed you would probably need 10 or 12 # balls to keep them in the cone. Bob

[Reelmasta]

Thanks guys appreciate the feedback.   I do run 10# balls so looks like that won't be an issue.   As far as problems with the 999 I've seen posts on other forums that people are saying they have to send the units back to HB for issues to be fixed.  Something about white lines and software updates causing frustration not mention being without the finder for up to 10 days and paying for shipping.

[Humminbird_Greg]

There was a problem with the 800kHz Si sonar on some of the XXX9 model Si units but that has been fixed.
On the Si model units there was an issue with the 2D sonar updating as fast as it had in previous software versions but that has been corrected with a software update.

[Reelmasta]

Thanks guys, I'm ordering a 999ci hd si unit from universal mania tomorrow for $1,278 - $200 rebate = great deal for me.  I can't wait!!  Ice is off in utah and time to fire up the trophy with my new best friend...
Thank you to all for the great advice and answers to many questions.

Scott
And Polly on the bow of my Trophy ... Lol

[Reelmasta]

Now the extras.... SD cards... Map program... Missing anything else to get me started?

[Humminbird_Greg]

What speeds do you troll at?
If you are fishing, does that mean Polly drives the boat?

[rnvinc]

The AS GPS HS antenna is a great additional addon ... Very well worth the money ...
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I wanna like button for Polly ... She deserves a like button ...

Rickie

[Reelmasta]

Trolling for walleye around 1 mph, Kokes 1.2 to 1.8, trout up to 2.5 and wipers up to 3.5.

[Humminbird_Greg]

For anything less than about 2.0 mph, i would look at getting the AS-GPS-HS GPS Receiver with Heading Sensor that Rickie mentioned.  It can show you your boat's heading at very slow speeds or when stopped.  This is the same GPS Receiver that comes with the 360 Imaging accessories.

[Reelmasta]

Thanks for the input.