One of my Lowrances needs to be replaced. So I'm trying to decide if I should take the plunge and buy the new Hummingbird side-imaging units. I've looked at the Hummingbird 798ci & 997c units. They look like the same units except the 997 has an 8" screen and costs a $1000 more. The new Hummingbird would be on the trolling motor. I'd like some reviews from anyone who has purchased and used either of these units. It's a whole lotta money and I've only seen reviews from the pros that have tried them out. Anyone out there have one of these units?

There was another post just talking about the side imaging unit mounted to the trolling motor. It wasn't working for them and here is the reason why. The sonar projects the sound to the left and right side of the transducer. If the trolling motor is turning clockwise and counter clockwise then the sound is no longer being projected to the left and right. Also the boat needs to be in forward motion for the side imaging to work properly.... Personally I dont think its worth it because you must travel in a constant straight line with your trolling motor for it to work. Remember, it is a sonar unit not a video camera. You are better off getting a cheaper model that just has 2 D imaging for the front. I have the 797 side imaging mounted on the transom and it works great. I use if for crusing along and finding structure. After I find structure, then I go to the front and use the 2D Lowrance unit to go back and forth over that area. I hope this helps. -Grouch

 I just got a 797ci2.  The thing is awesome at Lake of the Ozarks. In Mill Creek Cove before i bought it I had 94 docks with major brushpiles waypointed on my GPS .I have been compiling this list for 2 years now.  Me and my buddy spent 1 hour with the the 797 and added 36 more.  

 Im just learning the thing. I cant see fish very well yet.  I will say if you get the 798,  plan on only scanning either right or left at any given time.  The scrren just isnt big enough to do both very well  imo.

Plan to get a new boat next year and put an 1197 on console and move the 797 to the bow 8-).

It sounds like your 797 is at the console and not the trolling motor. From what I've read, you pretty much need to be traveling straight at 2-3 mph for best results. Did you find this to be true?

You do need to be going between 3-6mph for it to work best but I'm sure 2 would work too. I generally just idle through an area. Yes, you do need to go straight to get the best results.