So i have had my eyes on the Humminbird 797c2 for a long time, But before i drop $1000.00 on a fish finder i was wanting to know if anyone had one and what they though, is it a good investment or just money blown? when i go to the local Sportsmans Warehouse i  am drawn to it like a moth to a flame. It has lots of feathers, but the side imaging screen is amazing. also does anyone know were i might be able to buy one for less than $1000.00  i looked on ebay but there just as high if not higher..................

I have a 797SI and love it.  It is a fair trade item so you won't find it very much cheaper than what Hunninbird say to sell it for.  

If you buy it you are getting side imaging plus down looking sonar.    It is actually two unit in one.  The learning curve is steep and long.  If you are a bankbeater I would say to forget it.  If you like to fish structur it is a great tool.

I agree with Bud execpt about the learning curve.  It is much easier to tell what you are looking at compared to standard downlooking sonar because you get picture like detail of the lake.  Just my .02 worth.  The Humminbird units are pretty easy to learn how to operate.

I looked at the one on display at Gander Mountain today......

 I still want one  

OK, I'll ask the dumb question- Does the sidefinder transducer mount on the back of the transom or can you install a thru hull puck? The side view image does peak my image! Pricey units but you do see in 3 different directions.  

The transducer must be in the water, no shoot thru hull.

Thanks acar555. I have an older Lowrance unit without GPS and am looking to upgrade both my console and front deck units. I am looking at the Lowrance LCX-27C. Not sure which way to go? We fish a lot of docks & riprap at my home lake (10' avg. depth). I would think having the side view option at the console and deck would be an advantage? What has your experience been?

Does the transom mount transducer for 797c2 have a breakaway hinged bracket in case you hit a stump, floaty, or rockpile?

For those with the HB SI units and those wanting one: go to Yahoo and select groups and then join the Humminbird Side Imaging group to get the most up-to-date information about that technology. Pay attention to the boat speed for the best pictures. The best application I have seen is to use two transducers: one being a regular down looking in-hull mounting for on-plane use and the second one that comes with the unit being mounted on the transom or jack plate above the bottom of the boat to avoid any potential damage.

Thanks for the site, Wayne. I'll check it out. Sounds like you have HB SI? I will check HB SI group about using 2 transducers.

The guys that mount 2 transducers do so because they mount the SI trans. higher for protection and need the second transducer for 2d reading while on plane.  I have mine mounted at the bottom of the hull and have gotten good SI readings up to 20mph or so and regular sonar to 50mph.  There is no need for a 2 trans setup, the single system works fine.  It does have a breakaway mount so if it does hit something it will pop up.

Acar- Is your transom transducer mounted on fiberglass? How did you attach it? I have a fiberglass TR20 Triton with jack plate. I was thinking of mounting it on the jack plate? too high?