Humminbird 981c , 987c Fishfinder Opinions

[Cookiemonster]

Has anyone got either of these units? Im particularly interested in how good and useful the side imaging sonar is. <br /><br />And the reliability and reputation of Humminbird in general.. how good are they? I know they've had issues in the past but what are their new units like? They seem to be at the forefront of some amazing technology at the moment.

 

[JB]

Re: Humminbird 981c , 987c Fishfinder Opinions

I haven't used any recent model H'birds.<br /><br />The reason is the miserable performance of the two I had a few years back.

 

[DangerDan]

Re: Humminbird 981c , 987c Fishfinder Opinions

I purchased the 981C last winter. The side scan feature works great for scanning the river for those holes. I also use in on my lake boat and couldn't be happier with the standard features. For the money, if you don't absolutley need the sids scan I'd get a more reasonable unit.

 

[Cookiemonster]

Re: Humminbird 981c , 987c Fishfinder Opinions

Originally posted by DangerDan:<br />For the money, if you don't absolutley need the sids scan I'd get a more reasonable unit.

Are you saying you'd go for a different Humminbird unit or go with a different manufacturer altogether?

 

[DangerDan]

Re: Humminbird 981c , 987c Fishfinder Opinions

Unless you have a particular reason for the sidescan I would possibly opt the matrix series and save alot of $$$. I know Humminbird has had a bad rap. All the same I went out on a limb and so far have been really happy with my choice. I use this unit on both my 16' flatbottom jet boat for river fishing and my 23' lake boat in Lake Michigan for Salmon and Trout fishing. I would say the Raymarine E (HD digital) series has some pretty good units in the same price range. Also as long as you looking in this range Furuno is really good. I purposely was looking for a scanning unit and this one fit the bill for me.<br /><br />In short, to answer your question, I have only had my unit for about 4 months but so far have been very happy with it. The side imaging has been very useful for my purposes. ie, finding structure and cleaner graveled bottomed holes in the rivers

 

[Cookiemonster]

Re: Humminbird 981c , 987c Fishfinder Opinions

Thanks. I appreciate the advice. <br /><br />Yes those Raymarine E series did catch my eye.. and I've only heard good things about their gear. I may investigate a bit more.