I am thinking of buying one of the new side finder units. They seem awesome from the pictures and sites I have reviewed. I would like someones opinion that has actually used one. Are they easy to use or do you need a masters degree in computer science to work them? I know everyones different but give me some help gents.

IF anyone has one for sale let me know I might be interested in a good deal.

I was looking at them and I believe I saw it mentioned on here that the side imaging function does not work well at low speed.  If I can't get a good side imaging view at trolling motor speed I don't think they are worth the money.  It may be something as simple as adjusting the scroll speed on the unit but I do not know.  I have no knowledge of the units I just wanted to throw that out there so you could find out before buying a high dollar unit and being disappointed.

Well the side imaging won't work well at low or high speeds if you have the transducer misplaced. There are alot of factors that go into installing that stuff and it is very sensitive to waterflow around the boat. It takes a fair amount of experamentation and tweaking to get that stuff to work right. You've probably noticed boats that the sonar cuts out on as soon as they start moving with some speed. Its the same idea. The function works great when its installed properly. As far as ease of use goes I don't think they're too tough. The unit comes out of the box with everything set on automatic. Personally I like the ability to adjust settings and customize my sonar so I change everything to manual. But I don't think you'd need to spend more than an hour reading the manual over to familiarize yourself with it.

I think you actually have to go at slow speeds to get a good reading. Like mentioned already the transducer is big and must be placed properly. I don't have a unit, but have fished in a couple boats with them and they are sick. We actually fished the trees in 15ft as we saw them and caught fish. Next year I will be getting one for sure.

I have the 997 and a 797 installed on my boat.  First you have to installed the transducer in the right location so it is in clean water with no  air bubbles.  This hold true with any sonar out their.  They will work at slow speed and what most people do to protect the transducer is to mount the side inage one up high and then mount another down looking transducer inside the hull to use at high speeds.  

It has a steep learning curve because their is two units in one.  You have a regular DF and a side imaging unit also.  

If you are a bank beater I would suggest not buying one but if you like fishing deep structer it will be a great help.

OK, I will mount the transducer in a good location and only use it at slower speeds. I'm thinking about a RAM mount on the side of the console I already have a 787 in the dash and a 767 up front and wouldn't have a clue how to remove one and fill the holes properly. I know I can't afford a 797 also. I only bank beat when he fish are there and fish deep water when I know it. I would like to explore some of the lakes around here. I'm laning toward the 997 the 1197 is to big I would hit it with something I'm sure.

Has anyone used the Interlink and is it all it's cracked up to be?

I have a 997c and a 787c2 with an interlink.  I like the interlink a lot.  All the stuff I find with side imaging and waypoint automatically puts the waypoint on the front unit so I can get right on top of the spot while on the trolling motor.  I have had good result with my unit from .8 mph to over 20 mph.  It does give clearer images in the 2-8 mph range if fell.  I do have do disagree with some, I feel the Humminbirds are pretty easy to use and are more user friendly than their competitors. You will be happy with the 997c.

I have been doing a lot of research on these SI units and got on their yahoo chat room- everyone has high praise for these units. Both with transom & trolling motor transducer mounts. HB does have a High Speed Kit with thru hull puck transducer for on-plane readings. get to their website! I will have the 997c SI @ console, 797c Si up front, InterLinked by end of April.

Just bought 1 can you please send me the link at yahoo forum

thanks Oscar south Texas

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sideimaging/