Humminbird Fishfinders/GPS Units

[Wacenturion]

Anyone here using one...appreciate your thoughts.  Found a good deal on a 1100 series unit...10.4 inch screen...finder/GPS.

Any comments appreciated.

Thanks

[PolarBear]

I have owned a ton of different sonars/fishfinders (Garmin, Humminbird, Lowrance, Eagle, Sitex) over the years on everything from sport fishing to commercial boats and the one brand that has never let me down is Lowrance.  I had a Humminbird that I won in a tournament that lasted less than a year, they sent me a new one for a small fee and that one went tits up in a year-year and 1/2.  I'm sure they are good unts now but for a unit that can take the abuse of salt, rain, pounding from chop. you can't beat Lowrance.    

[Wacenturion]

I hear that too about older Humminbirds in particular...not so with the newer units.  Was the one you had an older one...90's or older?  I find a real dislike on internet searches for Lowrance service if you have a problem.  Apparently they sold out to an offshore company a few years ago.  No so much of a problem on the Humminbird side, as people like the service from what I can find.  Not sure I want the hassle if something goes wrong

The price on this particular Humminbird that I ran across, which is new, is also down to 1/2 of the price of a same sized unit with comparable features in the Lowrance line.....like a 1k difference....which is huge.  Going to take another look today.   

[bullcanyon]

I've got a 788c (crap i think that is what it is).  Been using it since it came out.  No problems.  Have the nav chip in it and really like it.  Would like to have a bigger unit, but I didn't have the coin at the time and no reason to change yet.  Really does a good job showing fish on the bottom. We generally won't even stop to sturgeon fish unless we see something on the finder. Lots of confidence in it.  And if you got a lead on a great deal like that.  Easy decision.

[Wacenturion]

Thanks...your unit looks similar just smaller.  Appreciate the comments.  Means a lot coming from someone that is using one.

[Antlershed]

Have one buddy with a newer Humminbird unit. It kept frezing up on him, but I think he was able to update the software and fix the problem. I have the Lowrance HDS7 and the coupe times I called Lowrance's customer service (before I purchased) they were very helpful. I haven't had any issues with my Lowrance.

[lokidog]

I've got a Lowrance GlobalMap5300c and would not buy another one!  In fact I just bought a Humminbird 788ci to replace the Eagle fishfinder.

Customer service has been non-existent from Lowrance, I have tried to contact them via phone and email six or so times and have not even gotten an automated response.  The unit takes forever to lock a position, OK up to about 2 minutes with an external antenna.  Two minutes may not seem like much but it is while you are sitting there waiting.  I had to add the external antenna because the internal one took five minutes or more to lock on with a 180 degree view of the horizon.  My 15 year old Garmin III plus locks on in less than a minute tucked behind this unit on the dash of the boat.

Since I have the unit I did get the fuel flow sensor but have not had a chance to splice it into the fuel line yet, hopefully that will work better than the GPS.  It is nice to be able to sync the different accessories together.

[Wacenturion]

I've got a Lowrance GlobalMap5300c and would not buy another one!  In fact I just bought a Humminbird 788ci to replace the Eagle fishfinder.

Customer service has been non-existent from Lowrance, I have tried to contact them via phone and email six or so times and have not even gotten an automated response.  The unit takes forever to lock a position, OK up to about 2 minutes with an external antenna.  Two minutes may not seem like much but it is while you are sitting there waiting.  I had to add the external antenna because the internal one took five minutes or more to lock on with a 180 degree view of the horizon.  My 15 year old Garmin III plus locks on in less than a minute tucked behind this unit on the dash of the boat.

Since I have the unit I did get the fuel flow sensor but have not had a chance to splice it into the fuel line yet, hopefully that will work better than the GPS.  It is nice to be able to sync the different accessories together.

Thanks for the input.  Just got back from buying the unit.  Got a super deal....retail $2200-$2300 (without Nav. map Pkg.) depending on store....after discounts got it for $969.  Brand new and as mentioned without the Nav. map package, which I prefer....buy my own.  That way they are the most current and not outdated or maps I'll never use in some other state.  Will take the Platinum addition also.  A comparable Lowrance 10.4 inch screen would have been $2499.99 and you have to buy the GPS antenna for another $249.99.  GPS antenna included with unit on the Humminbird.

Unit is a 1157c and has a 10.4 inch screen and lots of features.  Has a dualbeam transducer which after talking to Humminbird in Alabama, they said I can send back to them unused and they will upgrade the transducer to the  quadbeam one giving me 2x width the depth under me...i.e.....20 ft of water....40 ft. view, 20 ft. each side of dead center in boat.  Cost.....zero.  Already like Humminbird.  You also get to talk with real people in less than a minute.

Thanks guys for the comments.  Can't wait to get after those Columbia River springers with this unit.  Only thing better today is if I had won the Mega Millions.

[lokidog]

Thanks for the tip WaC, I'll contact humminbird and see if I can swap for the quadbeam as well.

[GWP]

I have a 2000ish Hummingbird that has worked well, but does freeze up on occasion. I just pull the unit off and put it back on. Restart. I am thinking about getting a new unit. Can I ask where you got it, and if they have any more?

[Wacenturion]

I have a 2000ish Hummingbird that has worked well, but does freeze up on occasion. I just pull the unit off and put it back on. Restart. I am thinking about getting a new unit. Can I ask where you got it, and if they have any more?

Was the only one they had....apparently someone ordered it  and changed their mind.

[Elite1]

i have a 997si/gps, am still working on everything it can do. but really am happy with it. its a 2009 model, cost about $2400.

[lokidog]

Installed my Humminbird yesterday for today's ling opener.  The depthfinder worked better than the fishing.   

Humminbird was very quick to send the new Quadbeam when i sent the old one in.  The internal antenna also seems to work better than the internal antenna on the Lowrance right next to it.

Good fishing.