Used crappy electronics forever and with the new boat purchase, I'm looking to get into some better electronics. I prefer Humminbird. Can any of you point me to a good unit with side scan capability? $ limit somewhere around $1500. Many thanks.

There are new 2012 998 SI units going for $1300 here http://www.universalmania.com/Humminbird_998c_SI_Combo.html These are non HD units which means they do not have LED back lighting. The same unit in HD is $300 more. I've bought 2 graphs from these guys. Customer service is good and shipping is fast.

Yep a discontinued 998c SI or a current model 898c HD SI is in that price range.

 

There is the 798ci HD SI for about $1000 and the 598ci HD SI for about $800. Both have the  5" displays

 

There is also a new model 398ci SI with an even smaller display in the $500 range.

 

BIGGER is better for the Imaging technology.

Was looking into 898c HD. Do you guys know the difference between the 700's, 800's, and 900's? 

Yes, the screen size of the Side Imaging units

 

300=3.5" display

500=5" display

700= 5" display

800=7" display

900=8"display

1100=10.4" display

 

The 700, 800, 900 and 1100 series are Ethernet capable to share accessories and sensors between like units.

 

The 800, 900, and 1100 series can use the Navionics Hotmaps Platinum software and the smaller units can use the less featured Navionics Hotmaps Premium software. Both versions have the same mapping.

Problem solved. Thanks fellas.

Went throught the same late last year.

 

Found out that the 898 and up,  has 4 frequencies that the transducer uses, as well as an external GPS puck which is supposed to work better. The 798 has an internal gps and the transducer produces 3 frequencies. 

 

Went with the 898, just before the price drop.  Was not happy, but ohh well things happen.

 

Check Universal Mania. They had the best price when I was shopping.

 

 

G

Consider the Lowrance HDS series. Far superior unit. I had them both.

Try to play with both an HB an a Lowrance, and buy the biggest screen in the brand you prefer. I prefer HB.

I love my 898 but every time I fish, I wish I got the 998

I recently bought a 598 ci si hd and love it!  I do wish the screen was a bit bigger, but for $899 plus a $100 rebate, I couldn't pass it up.