humminbird 798

[G-MAN]

After talking with a fellow CFF member, I've decided to get a hummingbird 798 with side imaging. Before I make the purchase, I've got a few questions.

1. This unit can be bought with either an internal antenna or an external antenna. What is the difference in the performance between the two? I would rather get the internal antenna model, if it is just as good. This would keep my expense down from having to purchase an external antenna, one less thing to install and one less hole to put in the boat.

2. I have a Fishing Hot Spots Pro East SD card that I use in my small portable Lowrance XOG GPS. Will this card work in the Humminbird 798? The literature for my card says it is for Lowrance and I believe Garmin and does not mention Humminbird. I asked the salesman at the Bass Pro Shop in Nashville and he said it would work in any unit with a SD slot. I didn't get that warm fuzzy feeling with the salesmans answer and was hoping someone here might know for sure. The 798 actually has two SD slots.

If this card will not work in this unit, I will probably need to get the 798 unit with the Navionics Bundle. The units with the navionics cost about $160 dollars more, so if my card will work and is just as good as the navionics bundle, I would rather use my card.

3. Are there any advantages of having the Navionics bundle, even if my Fishing Hot Spots Pro East SD card works in the 798?

Have a Great Day!

 

[river rat]

Check with m17glock he has a 798 and is pretty well versed as to what will work with it and the specs

 

[G-MAN]

Thanks! Thats who got me convinced to get one. I sent him a PM just a few minutes ago. I'll post his comments if he doesn't answer back on this thread.

 

[m17glock]

glad you decided to get one , you will not regret it emoThumbsup

1: the internal and external are both 16 channel receivers and in most bass boat applications there is not a lot of difference in performance. now IF your were putting this on a larger boat with an enclosed bridge THEN you would want the the external antenna .

2: i have no idea on that one. but once you get the unit it wont hurt to pop it in and see if it loads

3: the navionics bundle has lake maps of the ENTIRE USA . the maps are an older set '06 or'07 but to my knowledge chick has not been updated much if at all since then ( chick is one of the high def lakes)

 

[Captain Hazmat]

Do you have to put 2 transducers in for the side imaging? I know two people with side imagers. Both have dual transducers and a Humminbird A/B switch.

 

[G-MAN]

From what I have gathered and read on Humminbird site literature installation instructions, there is only one transducer to install.

The installation that I read was for one unit. I do not know if it is different if you have two units or have two docking stations.

 

[SpeedFish]

I have one, its the older modle but I know this. Get the external antenna, it should come with it, mine did. I've heard a few bad things about the internals and I haven't had a problem out of mine. It only has one transducer, but, if you want it to read while your on plane then you need to hook up your y cable. It comes with it also. The lowrance card won't work in mine but, mine only has one slot for the card, guess they mightve changed the new ones. Hope this helps, its an awesome unit and the only bad thing about it is I keep knocking my transducers off. That gets costly!!!

 

[G-MAN]

Man thats a monster bass your holding!

M17glock gave me some good advise on the transducer. Mount it so that it is in the water when fishing, but out of the water when you get on plane or pad.

 

[52bass]

I run the 1197, the side image transducer is not clear at high speed. you need the regular transducer and you can mount it inside to eliminate turbulance

 

[Captain Hazmat]

You are correct 52bass..that is what both my buddies did. They have one inside and SI transducer on jack plate. Installing a A/B switch will give you a nice clear picture when using the SI and a great reading when running at higher speeds. You have to call Humminbird for the A/B switch they do not list it on there website.