Has anyone mounted Humminbird 987C sidefinder 'x-ducers'?

[HappyChamper]

I have been blessed with the opportunity to have spent the last 2 days on the lake with a pro that has a Humminbird 987C sidefinder unit. All I can say is it will take your breath away. We went past a sign that indicated an underwater cable crossing and you could see the cable run from under the boat right to the sign. UNBELIEVABLE!! And bottom images that leave nothing to open interpretation. I am considering a move from my Lowrance X-19C which is shoot thru to the Humminbird. I want to be sure to position the external sidefinders in a way that is clear of bottom turbulence. Has anyone mounted these on Champion 203 or like hulls? Any suggestions?

[ChampioNman]

Larry,
Did you go out with Capt Randy? He is one of the few guides I know down there with one. They are Pricey and from the write ups and reports they are well worth the $$$ but only work well at sub planing speeds. Otherwise you use it as a regular DF. The Hummibird is impressive to say the least. I know of only a handfull of people that have one and they are guides..I haven't actually seen one and wouldn't have a clue on install. I'd be calling HB 24x7. This is the first unit from them that I've been semi-excited about since the old color ID. . But at almost $2K I would really have to think long and hard about it. CM

[Champ203]

there have been some pretty good threads on the Electronics boards...and over on BFHP. I just bought a Lowrance LCX26C after researching the available units and I just couldn't spend the $$ for the Humminbird. BTW the transducer must be mounted on the outside of the hull and the side scan features only works at 6 mph or less. I'd love to come spend a day fishing out of your boat after you get it installed, I have seen pics of the images it produces and they are impressive.

Peace,
Don<><

[HappyChamper]

CM and Don,
No I was not on the water with Randy, I was on the water with a friend that fishes on the tour circuit. He is well versed on Murray and it was more of a few days on the water with a freind as he passes thru.

Guys, this HB is an unbelievable piece of technology. They can be had from Clint Parks at Three Rivers for $1,850 so it is a big step from the LCX-26 and 25. But I have a Lowrance color 19C now which is basically the same as the 26 and there is no comparison. The side find is limited by speed, but then again it is a refined search tool. I think HB is mis-marketing this product. They need to offer a CD/web download of a short video to see this baby in action. Still/static pictures do not do this unit justice. The stump fields we went over were so detailed that you could see the roots extending out from the base of the stump like stars. jaggeed rocks look like stalagmites rising from the bottom. I know I am a computer.gadget geek, but this was too cool.

Don...If I get it I will call ya. I am going to the BBC Florida IV rally in April on the Harris Chain and this unit would be awesome on that strange water.

[Champ203]

Clint and Cindy are great folks...that's where I got my new Lowrance...

Don

[mightyjosephpaul]

I just purchased a Humminbird 997 SI Combo. Now I have to figure out how and where to mount it on my Skeeter SL 190 with a walk through windshield. Anyone have any experience with this or any ideas?

[mikemac10]

I'd love to get a SI unit and I'd also like to know where the best place is to mount the ducer on a champ....

[R1Peacock]

Check out the Yahoo Group "Side Imaging". There you will find everything you need about the HB.

[Luke]

all the ones i have seen the ducer is mounted on the Jackplate so it has a clear view of both sides.....only bad thing about it is it wont give you any readings when your up on plane and the jackplate is out of the water and the SI only works up to about 6mph if i remember right.....with that said id love to have one jsut cant do the $2K for one

[TxChamp191]

I have the 997si and mounted it to the transom. It doesn't really work over 5-7 mp. You would be amazed what you can find just crusing around. I have found bridges, 2 sunk boats and countless foundations not marked on maps. The only problem is you will find yourself spending more time looking at the bottom instead of fishing.

[bass_champ]

Where at on the transom did you mount it? I just got the 797c2 and am struggling where to mount it. I'm not real excited about drilling holes in my new boat...

-- KD

[Luke]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by bass_champ &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Where at on the transom did you mount it? I just got the 797c2 and am struggling where to mount it. I'm not real excited about drilling holes in my new boat...

-- KD</TD></TR></TABLE>

mount it to the Jackplate

[TxChamp191]

Will try and post a pic tommorow for you.

[Captain Doug]

I put one on my 203 and love it.


Doug








Modified by Captain Doug at 8:27 PM 4/9/2008

[HappyChamper]

KD,
Mounting in the above pics is 100% the same as mine. Drill it and don't look back.

[csmetreyeon]

More like don't watch while you drill!

[bass_champ]

Heh, cry and drill...

Got any pic's of how you mounted the main unit via Ram mount or other swing arm type mount?

[Captain Doug]

Slather up the screws and the mounting plate with plenty of silicone and don't worry about it.



Modified by Captain Doug at 8:25 PM 4/9/2008

[Brett M]

Darn Larry-- first Muller,, now you. You guys are going to force me to spend $2,000.00 LOL

It is impressive, Think humminbird has videos on its website.

[HappyChamper]

Brett,
I have been a side imaging guy before it was cool. I was partnered with Humminbird when the original 987 first came out and got hooked. I got my 997 after filming the Side Imaging commercial on Murray http://www.sideimaging.com

The 997 is GREAT, but the 1197 BIG SCREEN is over the top. Just ask Alton ;-)

I just received your "GPS" e-mail and will be on travel tomorrow so I can read it at 30K feet.