I finally did it. Saved for over a year, let the money sit for a month to make sure I really wanted one, and last night I ordered the Hummingbird 1198c Si HD.

I tell you guys not to brag but to tell someone who understands. Most people I know would think I'm completely nuts for spending that kind of money for a "fish finder". I can't wait for the Friday delivery.

If anyone has the 1198 let me know how it is working for you.

Nice, congrats! I hear ya on the ppl thinkin you're nuts, as I got my fair share of "What's wrong with you? It's a fish finder!" looks when asked how much mine cost. Good on ya, enjoy!!!

Congrats, I know you are excited!

Jeff

I need not say it, but the difference between a boy and a man is the cost of his toys.

It totally opened up new waters for me. You're gonna luuuuuve it! Spend some time reading up at the unofficial HB side imaging forum at http://forums.sideimagingsoft.com/

Don't forget to register it at the HB website. That's where you'll get all the software updates.

Hope your a little bit of a techy. There's a lot to learn! Have fun!

I have been watching all the youtube videos on the 1197. Is there much of a difference in the 1198 HD? I have just enough nerd in me to sit in the boat for hours going around in circles playing with all the settings. I can't wait to get offshore this summer and do some damage in the local big boy tournaments. I have been in the top 20 out of 80 boats but can't break the top 10. It took 27 lbs to get a check last weekend. That's what finally pushed me over the edge to buy it.

There are a few differences... Brighter screen, faster processor, contour XD, are among the most notable. The software is the same though.

You're probably gonna want a Navionics chip now. It makes a big difference in picking out some spots to hit.

You'll love it, no doubt. Get it tweaked to your liking with menus, color, graph, and the like and you'll be in 7th. I don't know what I'd do without mine now.