Madd Lunacy

So if I can get it shipped to my door for less than 300, it is a great deal? It depends on how much less than 300 you will be getting it for. If it's only 5 or 10 bucks then I would hold out for the 50mg which I got brand new off of ebay for 305. If you are getting the 100 for 275 or 280, then I would certainly go for the 100. I have the 100 mgfv and love it.

The transducer has nothing to do with speed measurement. Unless you're using a speed wheel, speed will be measured using the GPS. Ah, I think if I would of thought about that a little harder I would of figured that out. :-[

I have the 130 and I like it a lot. It's not extremely detailed like the high dollar sonars are, but it gives you the basics (Depth, Temp, Structure). The good things I have noticed is the 6 AA batteries will last a long time before you have to change them. It's easy to read and see even on the brightest days. My 130 has a backlight so I can use it at night (not sure if the 120 does). One of the big things I don't like is the display/tranducer pole will pop up out of the bracket if you are going to fast in the boat. All in all I thought it was a good basic unit to have. Also, "Side Looking" is not the same as "Side Imaging". The Side Looking on the fishin buddy only shows possible fish on the side of the boat the tranducer is pointed towards. It dosen't show any kind of Side Imaging structure. I have read reviews about people thinking HB was being misleading about the Side Looking vs Side Imaging.

I need some help from someone that has a broader knowledge about these tranducers than I do. I bought the 798 SI for my 10' plastic boat and on the advice from Wayne P. I will be exchanging the transom mounted tranducer for the trolling motor tranducer. I called HB's customer service (Top Notch by the way) and they gave me the part number for the trolling tranducer, so after I hung up with them I went on HB's website and noticed there was a difference in the two tranducers. Here's the description for both of them. XNT 9 SI 180 TTransducers.Transom Mount Transducer Compact Dual/Side Imaging. 20/60/86 (2) degree, 200/83/455 kHz with built-in temperature. 20' Cable. More secure, especially at high force of waves. Improved running angle and an optional lock down screw to override the kick up. XTM 9 SI 180 TTransducers.Trolling Motor Mount Transducer Dual/Side Imaging, 20/74/84 degree, 200/83/455 kHz with built in temperature. 15' cable. Includes a hose clamp for attaching to trolling motor. (not shown) What is the difference between the "86 (2) degree" on the transom mount and the "84 degree" on the trolling mount"? Will I be losing any signifcant SI coverage with the trolling mount? Thanks for help with this in advance.

I think I should have too...unfortunately my bank account didn't think so.

Thanks for the advice, I really appreciate it. I just wish it would warm up and thaw out here so I can get on the water. This is one of the coldest winters that I can remember.

I appreciate the warning and the heads up on some of the issues I might run in to. This will be my first plastic boat so any info like this is very helpful. I'm gonna try to be really careful with it, but I know stuff happens.

Thanks!

I am getting last years model for $2000 brand new. Couldn't get it if it was the $3400 like on the website.

Yeah I know. It's like it's on steroids. It's got handles on it too. I am gonna be interested to see how hard it will be for me and my buddy to carry cause I have a little pond that I really like to fish and I won't be able to get the trailer down to it. We will be carrying it without the 5 horse of course.

The specs say it is rated to have a 5hp motor. I think it is a lot tougher than it looks. The capacity for this boat is supposed to be 610lbs which I think is a lot for other plastic boats like this. Here's the link with the info.

I don't think so. I don't just fish ponds either. I'm weighing the pros and cons of adding either SI or an Aquaview to my rig. I have far more in tackle, electronics, and other gear than my boat is worth. I'll cast another vote for the trolling motor mount for the OP. You'll be able to go from boat to boat with this unit, relatively trouble free. The only thing I'll add, are you sure about the bass buster? I looked at similar boats, jons, and canoes. I settled with a fishing kayak. I'm much less limited in choice of water than if I went with another craft. I wish I had big bass boat money, but I just don't and like I said before my little truck wouldn't pull a full sized bass boat anyway. The thing that sold me on this one was the trailer. Nice rig!

Here's a picture of the boat I will be getting. It has a trailer so I will be able to tow it any where. I doubt very much I will be able to use it effectively on the big lakes, but I'm gonna put a 5hp motor on it and that should get me around on the small and medium lakes in my are with no problems. I know it's crazy to put a unit like that on a little boat, but it will get used plenty. And my 798 should be in the mail tomorrow and I pick up the boat on Saturday, so it is a good week for me. I can finally get off the shore!!!!

This boat comes with a 36lb thrust transom mounted MinKota. In your opinion is this plenty of power for a 10' plastic boat? If not what would you recommend?

Is it that simple? Is there any extra charge? I was on the Humminbird website the other day and the trolling motor mounted tranducer was $239. Thanks for the info, I never would of thought of that.

I think that's what I will have to do. After looking around a little more I saw you could do that instead of mounting it on the back. Thanks for responding.

Well I will be getting a little 10' Buster boat this weekend and I was looking at maybe getting a Humminbird SI system (Maybe a 798), but I'm starting to wonder if this is even possible to do on a plastic boat when it comes to mounting the transducer. Has anyone ever tried/done this before? I know it's probably crazy to even think about spending that much money and put it on a plastic boat, but I just don't have big bass boat money and my truck wouldn't pull one anyway. Thanks for any feedback!

Like RW I use Yo-Zuri also, but I'm spooled up with the 15# green.

Good choice, but I would have to go with the Sponge Bob. IMO the sensitivity is superior to the Snoopy and the drag system is hands down better than the Snoopy. Just my 2 cents though.

Haha does he like it? A better question would be, "Is he still your buddy?" For now he still is, but I hope he never buys, or gets his hands on a Shimano cause he will then realize it's a piece of junk. Don't feel sorry for him though cause he really got over on me by buying it for quite a bit less than I paid for it.

Haha does he like it? It's a huge step up from what he usually fishes with which was a pinnacle b.c. but he says he likes it and I guess thats all that counts. Since I started fishing and was able to buy my own gear I have always used shimano. I'm sure Quantum has some good stuff, but I don't think I will ever buy one again. ;D

Shimano. Bought a Quantam Energy B.C. once and it was the worst reel I have ever used. Sold it to my buddy and bought a Cuardo ;D

It needs to be light, powerful and shimano. You can get a shimano core 100mg flipping version for 295-300 brand new on ebay it retails for 379 i think. I have one and love it.

Just bought a Core 50mg for $305 brand new (retails for around $369) on ebay and bought a Cuardo and Core Mgfv last year brand new and have had no problems with the transactions or reels. I recomend the seller reesmart_tackle. His prices are really good and he keeps you informed on your purchase.

Couldn't agree more! I have the same exact setup except my cumara is fast action instead of extra fast. Love the reel though. You won't be dissapointed!