Humminbird 728 Fishfinder

[WIMUSKY]

Anyone have or used one of these units? I'm looking to replace my Lowrance X51. I've been doing some research and it looks like you get a fair amount of bang for the buck. I've been searching the internet and have found the cheapest price at about $250. Any information you may have would be greatly appreciated....

Here's what I know:
Pixels 640
RMS 500w
Resolution 640x320
16 level grayscale
Dual Frequency 200khz@20deg
83khz@60deg
3 programmable pre-set keys
4000w PTP Standard
Either 1000 or 1500'(read it somewhere but don't remember)
16 channel GPS/Trackplotting(optional)

 

[John_S]

Re: Humminbird 728 Fishfinder

I have a 798 which is the same physical size and the the user programable buttons.

= I like this physical screen size vs the taller and narrower 500 series. I use to have a 797 that had that size. It could be that is what I got use to back years ago with Wide Portrait, but it provides plenty of sonar history along with digital readouts. If you use some of the splt screen, zoom and gps features, the wider screen seems to make a big difference.

= The 3 user buttons are easy to set-up, and make it a quick, one key press to get the screen I want. The old way was pressing the View button repeatedly to cycle all the way through the options to get the one you want. While the 728 has less views than mine, I think you will still like the convienence.

I don't think there is much else in common between mine and 728, so no need to discuss. If you have any older HB equipment, I could let you know what might be able to be reused with the 728.

PS: $50 off the MSRP sounds about right for decent price and a relatively reliable etailer. Make sure the seller can provide a store receipt for warrantee puposes. Technically, an unopened new box sold by an individual, would not be covered. At least, thats the info on HB website.

 

[joe_nj]

Re: Humminbird 728 Fishfinder

I'm looking at the 768. The 728 and 768 are both black and white. the 798 is color. I thought I'd save some money by getting black and white instead of color. Do you see a significant advantage in the color 798?

 

[joe_nj]

Re: Humminbird 728 Fishfinder

I'm looking at the 768. The 728 and 768 are both black and white. the 798 is color. I thought I'd save some money by getting black and white instead of color. Do you see a significant advantage in the color 798?

 

[John_S]

Re: Humminbird 728 Fishfinder

I'm looking at the 768. The 728 and 768 are both black and white. the 798 is color. I thought I'd save some money by getting black and white instead of color. Do you see a significant advantage in the color 798?

To me, the color screens are easier to read, especially from a distance. It is easier to see than shades of gray. Now, I wouldn't say they improve anything such that you will catch more fish. I'd say that the learning curve for color is slightly less than B&W, when it comes to understanding bottom characteristics. I used B&W FF for many years, and still do. One advantage is much less power draw. If running on a small portable battery, the B&W will go allot longer.

Currently, I have been watching pricing on the 788ci CHO (no transducer). If it goes below $500 from an etailer I feel comfortable with, I'll get it. This will be for my bow FF, which is currently a 400TX (B&W). The 400TX will still be used on kayak and other small boats.

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: Humminbird 728 Fishfinder

Currently, I have been watching pricing on the 788ci CHO (no transducer). If it goes below $500 from an etailer I feel comfortable with, I'll get it. This will be for my bow FF, which is currently a 400TX (B&W). The 400TX will still be used on kayak and other small boats.

First, thanx for the info you gave me on the 728.

Here's a 788ci. One is just under $500. Looks like they have 3 different styles. This is the place where I found the 728 for $244.

http://just4electronics.com/index.p..._result&search_in_description=1&keyword=788ci

Here's what they say about "Buy with Confidence". I'm really interested to hear your, and anyone elses, thoughts about this site. They're supposed to be a "factory authorized dealer". They sell all kinds of electronics.

http://just4electronics.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=29

 

[John_S]

Re: Humminbird 728 Fishfinder

Thanks for the links. I have not heard of this etailer, and would have to research. I have seen a couple others fall to this price, but, not ones I have done business with. I am also looking for shipping included in the price. Seasons about over, so prices may drop some more, before March.

I purchased my 798CI from an etailer, but make sure they will provide a store receipt. They provided a scanned version that was emailed to me. HB said that was good enough.

PS: They do seem to carry allot of the HB accessories. Most low-cost etailers wouldn't bother with the small stuff.

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: Humminbird 728 Fishfinder

The e-tailer seems to be on the up and up. But you know how that goes, sometimes things are not like they appear. I'm not in a big hurry either. If I bought something now I may not get a chance to test it out. 40's and rain since last week is not my idea of having a good time on the water. More the same for this week from what I hear..........

 

[joe_nj]

Re: Humminbird 728 Fishfinder

Thanks for the info on color vs. B&W. I'm going to wait until March too to see what new units appear (unless my kids put one under the Christmas tree.)

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: Humminbird 728 Fishfinder

What about in the sunlight? Is one easier to read than the other? I know in the stores, the color ones sure are bright...

 

[John_S]

Re: Humminbird 728 Fishfinder

What about in the sunlight? Is one easier to read than the other? I know in the stores, the color ones sure are bright...

My color is easier to read in sunlight than B&W. To be fair though, my B&W screens are low resolution and old compared to the latest. If you are a night time fisherman, color may be too bright. Even on the lowest setting, they can cause some night blindness. I have heard of some people using red cellophane over the display at night.

 

[joe_nj]

Re: Humminbird 728 Fishfinder

I've discovered that Walmart consistently has the best prices when the have them in stock. Their price on the 788ci with transducer has been 528 with a 2 year warranty instead of the usual 1 year warranty. They're currently out of stock though - they had them on 11/14. If you don't find it in their internal search, click on their search classifieds for ... button at the bottom of the screen and they find a cheap price.

 

[Thereelthing]

Re: Humminbird 728 Fishfinder

The e-tailer seems to be on the up and up. But you know how that goes, sometimes things are not like they appear. I'm not in a big hurry either. If I bought something now I may not get a chance to test it out. 40's and rain since last week is not my idea of having a good time on the water. More the same for this week from what I hear..........

Hello, I usually don't like to recommend or endorse anyone but I was referered to this etailer by a friend and coul not not be happier. I have purchased several times from them over the last 4 years and the are by far one of the best etailers I have come across in customer service.

Hope this helps, email them and see how fast they reply to your questions.

Have a great day,

Thereelthing

 

[dingbat]

Re: Humminbird 728 Fishfinder

If you are a night time fisherman, color may be too bright. Even on the lowest setting, they can cause some night blindness..

A dark blue or black screen background works very well in low light conditions.