Humminbird 797c2I SI Combo

[Supersportster]

Does anyone use this fishfinder? or have any opinions on it? is getting it for $800 bucks a good deal?

 

[Expidia]

Re: Humminbird 797c2I SI Combo

I have one. Paid $999 new from a boat dealer 2 yrs ago. They don't go for much cheaper over the net.

Some come with built in Navionics maps so that would command a little more but to me $800 used is not such a bargain.

I would offer $650 simply because it's a "used" unit! Electronics don't hold their value very well because the units get outdated so fast.

 

[Supersportster]

Re: Humminbird 797c2I SI Combo

Its $800.00 new.

Does it operate with out issues?

does the depth finder work good at higher speeds, 35-45 mph?

Any problems with the navigation part of it?

 

[Expidia]

Re: Humminbird 797c2I SI Combo

For new it's a great price.

My top speed is about 35 mph with no problems in reading.

Reads the bottom at full speed too.

If it does not have a card you will need one. The base maps in the unit are pretty sparse for detail.

I would buy the 2007 version of Navionics for your area. This model will not run the platinum 3d card but it will run the Hotmaps (freshwater) card or the Gold (Marine) card.

If you run coastal than get the Navionics Gold version.

I say buy off Ebay or search on google for a 2007 card or you will pay $149-199 for the 2009 card for basically the same cards I pay $49 for. These maps don't change that much.

 

[John_S]

Re: Humminbird 797c2I SI Combo

The 797 is being discounted, because they are coming out with a 798.

I saw this over on the Yahoo SI Group. Looks like some good improvements:

- Higher res (sguare?) screen (640x640 vs 640x480 pixels) Both rated at 5" diagonal
- 2nd SD slot allows for Lake Maps and screen saving
- 3 User defined buttons
- Better GPS
- Same pricing as current

I haven't seen any pics or screen shots yet.

If you were about to pull the trigger, and can hold off to next year, might be worth it. But, the 797 is already being discounted at retailers!

http://www.humminbird.com/700_Series_pressrelease.aspx


They also announced an improved GPS antenea: http://www.humminbird.com/High_accuracy_GPS_accessory_pressrelease.aspx

BTW, I am very happy with my 797 and Humminbird customer service.

Here is a screen shot (from Sunday) of a small log pile where we caught about a dozen bass on.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Humminbird 797c2I SI Combo

They also announced an improved GPS antenea: http://www.humminbird.com/High_accuracy_GPS_accessory_pressrelease.aspx

Bird is comparing their CEP numbers (50th percentile) to Garmin's 2dRMS figures (95th percentile) and claiming better accuracy.

When you convert Birds' CEP numbers to 2dRMS (0.9 x 2.5 = 2.25m 2dRMS) for an apples to apples comparison Garmins' 2dRMS value is 25% better than Bird's (1.8m) even with this new and improved acurracy.

What's really really interesting is that they don't give product specifications on anything other than the input voltage and the screen size. Who knows what else they're "marketing".

Expression of accuracy

How are the accuracy values represented statistically? The accuracy can be expressed in a manner that describes the 50th percentile (e.g. half the data is better than the stated value, half the data is worse than the stated value). Alternatively, the accuracy may be described at the 95th percentile (95 percent of the data is better than the specification).

CEP (Circular Error Probable) - Values stated as CEP apply to horizontal accuracy only. Half of the data points fall within a circle of this radius centered on truth, half lie outside this circle. (As a nifty approximation, you may multiply CEP by 2.5 to obtain 2dRMS.)

2dRMS - Approximately 95 percent of the data points occur with this distance of truth. It should be expressed clearly whether the accuracy value refers only to horizontal or to both horizontal and vertical.

 

[John_S]

Re: Humminbird 797c2I SI Combo

The 798:

The hardest part with these large transducers is getting a good transom mount location that will provide good side imaging and high-speed 2D. Sometimes you need to use a splitter cable and a seperate 2D transducer.

 

[Supersportster]

Re: Humminbird 797c2I SI Combo

thanks for the replies!

I am ready to pull the trigger, but dont need to til spring. I just thought I could score one at a discounted price I found...

I think I will wait and see what the price on the new will be...

 

[John_S]

Re: Humminbird 797c2I SI Combo

thanks for the replies!
I think I will wait and see what the price on the new will be...

Pricing will be the same as a non-discounted 797, so a 798ci will be $999.