Hi -

I'm new here to the boards, and have already gotten some great information! I'm a fairly new bass boat owner, and I'm looking to upgrade the electronics on the boat. I bought it with an older Eagle model. I want to get a nice unit, but don't need to go super high-end. Right now, I'm looking at either a Humminbird 597ci HD DI combo, or 788ci HD DI combo. Two questions - first, are these the units I should be looking at? and second - any advice on one vs. the other? Thanks!

I was looking at the same two units a few weeks ago. I wound up going with the 597ci hd di. From everything that I researched the main differences were

788ci has:

-Networking -Can link with other units

-Preset buttons - 3 favorite presets

-better GPS system - comes with better GPS system

-2 SD card slots -597 has just 1

the 597 doesn't have those.

Those are the 4 main differences I found. I'm happy with my purchase and let me know if you decide to go with it I can give you a link to where I got the 597ci hd di for about $100 off the sticker.

I've also been reading about the 798ci HD SI. Is the side imagine feature worth the extra money?

Side imaging, not imagine...sorry.

Side imaging, not imagine...sorry.

I've heard good things about SI, but I don't have it so I can't really comment on it. I think it would be pretty sweet to be able to see all angles around your boat.

If you fish a lot and are frequently trying to locate new spots, side imaging is a very useful tool. I think they are a great learning tool.

Now if you are fishing the same small pond or narrow river, they may not have as much value to you.

This is the first electronics unit that I have purchased. Are they easy to install by yourself, or should I have it installed?