Humminbird 787c or 597ci?

[Pat Curtis]

Hey all. Looking for a new fish finder/GPS for my boat. I currently have a 383c on the dash, but was looking to either sell that one, or move it up front and put a new one on the dash.


So I've been looking around....and saw an older 787c on clearence for $550. But the newer 597ci is coming out soon for $569. I could also get a 757c for $450. I'll be putting the new Hotmaps Premium '09 in the new setup too.


Just interested in others' opinions.


Also, what does the C, ci, and/or 2 stand for after the model number? I'm guessing "Combo" and "Internal GPS" for C and ci.

 

[FishnMike]

Re: Humminbird 787c or 597ci?

I've got the 787ci on one of my boats. Not a bad unit, I still like my Lowerance unit on my other boat better. I havn't loaded any of the maps into the 787 yet as not enough of the lakes in my area are mapped to warrent the purchase. But the fish finder part works pretty well and the GPS speed is identical to my hand held GPS even at slow speeds.

FishnMike

 

[John_S]

Re: Humminbird 787c or 597ci?

The 787c was replaced by the 787c2, which is being replaced by 788c.

c generally stands for color screen. i stands for internal GPS vs external.
Going from c to a c2 is just a screen update (brighter), within the same model number. The new 788 has higher horizontal resolution and a square screen, dual SD slots, and a few other new features common with the new upgraded 700 series.

 

[Pat Curtis]

Re: Humminbird 787c or 597ci?

After some research, I'm going with the 597ci. The 787c was a display model for the past 2 years, and the 757c doesn't have all the features the 597ci has.

Now the only trouble is waiting on the local stores to get them in. But we still have 12" of ice on most lakes...so I'm in no hurry.

 

[John_S]

Re: Humminbird 787c or 597ci?

If you keep your 383c for the bow, check with HB tech service, the new 597 might be able to plug-in, using 383 mount and xducer. Its a nice option for extended periods running from the bow.

 

[Pat Curtis]

Re: Humminbird 787c or 597ci?

If you keep your 383c for the bow, check with HB tech service, the new 597 might be able to plug-in, using 383 mount and xducer. Its a nice option for extended periods running from the bow.

Alright, you confused me a little (I'm relatively new to fish-finders..especially more than 1 on a single boat).


Could you explain a little further? Are you talking about setting the 597 in the 383's dash mount...and use the old 383's wires for the 597? If not...clear me up a little.

Thanks.

 

[John_S]

Re: Humminbird 787c or 597ci?

"I currently have a 383c on the dash, but was looking to either sell that one, or move it up front and put a new one on the dash."

The mount and the transducer may be compatable with your 383c. If so, you could plug the new 597ci in without changing wires. You could put the 597ci mount and transducer in the bow. I assume you are using a bow trolling motor. You can swap heads around, to your pleasure. I get a little worried that I drop the head unit into the drink, though.

 

[Pat Curtis]

Re: Humminbird 787c or 597ci?

"I currently have a 383c on the dash, but was looking to either sell that one, or move it up front and put a new one on the dash."

The mount and the transducer may be compatable with your 383c. If so, you could plug the new 597ci in without changing wires. You could put the 597ci mount and transducer in the bow. I assume you are using a bow trolling motor. You can swap heads around, to your pleasure. I get a little worried that I drop the head unit into the drink, though.

Ok, gotcha. Yeah, that would be an ideal setup...until I buy another unit to replace the 383c. I remember coming across a Humminbird forum a while back where their Tech's would answer questions and add their 2?. It would definitely be worth the time to find out if I could indeed go that route.


Thanks!

 

[Pat Curtis]

Re: Humminbird 787c or 597ci?

Got this reply back from HB today:



"Pat,

Thank you for your inquiry. The 597c/587c would use the same mounting setup as the 383c.

Should you have any other questions, please let us know.

Kind Regards,
Deborah"



Thanks guys!