I am looking at buying either the humminbird 597 ci or the same with down imiaging.  I have read everything I could about these products and the reviews on bass pro and cabelas seem alright.  Some people were saying that the gps doesn't work that great but wanted to know what real anglers think.  I trust those reviews but I know that everyone on this website is an angler and has their own experiences just looking for someone to tell me that these are a decent unit.  My main thing is the gps if I have problems with this then I don't want it.  I currently have the 798 at the helm and want to put the 597 on the bow.  Also can this unit be linked to the 798.  Thanks for the help.

 

Jenga

_{The 500 series units cannot be linked to another unit in any manner.}

_{You need at least the 700 series to share data. A comparable current model would be the 788ci HD or 788ci HD DI.}

_{Depending on which one of the three 798 units you have, would determine what communication connection you can use.}

 I have the 597ci hd combo, not the one with the DI. I do love it. The gps works great, and gets me right on top of spots that I have previously marked, down to a few feet. Ive sat in my boat in my driveway, turned it on, and it shows sometimes that Im going about .2-.3 mph but thats usually expected from a GPS. Speeds are bang on, and the clarity on it is great for the price. If linking to other units and DI is a must, than I cannot comment any further as I have no experience with either. Im not going to drop that money for a FF for a 17 ft aluminum boat

I have the 597ci hd di combo and it works great I've never had a problem but they factory mapping is worthless a chip is must.

Both 597 models have the same display as all three 798 models-it's the highest resolution in the industry.