Boat electronics question. Down Imaging vs Side Imaging

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Re: Boat electronics question. Down Imaging vs Side Imaging

Unread postby Rome » Fri Feb 05, 2016 3:44 pm

I bought a new boat in September, so just went through the "what do I want in electronics" game. I could write a novel, but the reality is, it's really just personal preference. For how I musky fish, I did not like SI. I really liked DI. And, I really liked Hbird. I had a buddy go through all of this last June. He went Lowrance SI. We fish real similar to each other. I have a buddy who bought DI last year, but just upgraded today to SI because he started fishing some different techniques and he thinks SI will help. I think it's just a matter of what you think you'd get out of it. I personally don't like to look at my electronics much, just glances here and there. I let the Terrova iPilot and my HBirds features do their magic, and I focus on my cast at hand. If exploring, I like to drive the area first, get a feel for it, and I feel DI gives me such great detail, that's all I need. I don't need SI to tell me the weed edge is over there...I know it's over there. But, that's just how I fish. Everyone fishes different, and wants something different out of their electronics. Enjoy the process, there's not a bad decision out there right now. Hbird, Lowrance, Garmin.


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Re: Boat electronics question. Down Imaging vs Side Imaging

Unread postby DEERSLAYER » Fri Feb 05, 2016 6:58 pm

I haven't read this thread so I don't know what was said so far, but I think you would be happy with the Helix 9 SI GPS and you might as well get the KVD model to get a couple lures thrown in. If you can wait I'm thinking you can find a deal for a couple hundred dollars off. Either a sale, a rebate or maybe both. If I was serious about fishing I would not be without side imaging and down imaging with GPS. I would also want Auto Chart Pro (another $250) or Auto Chart Live. The Helix 9 has Auto Chart Live.

If you are thinking about a smaller unit I would get the 899ci HD SI over the Helix 7. I wouldn't go with less than a 7" screen with side imaging.

I would also nose around on http://forums.sideimagingsoft.com/
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Re: Boat electronics question. Down Imaging vs Side Imaging

Unread postby Dewey » Sat Feb 06, 2016 6:45 am

I have an Alumacraft Classic 165 with console. Wondering if anybody can tell me how well a Humminbird Helix 9" screen would fit behind the windshield on this or a similar boat with a single console? The dimensions are 13.44" wide x 7.12" high. Don't have a whole lot of room to mount on the dash.

This should give you an idea of where it will be mounted.

Image

I originally thought about a 7" screen but figured bigger is better.

My boat is put away in winter storage otherwise I would make some measurements. Thought I would check here first for input otherwise I will check it out this weekend. I would think the 9" would be fine.

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Re: Boat electronics question. Down Imaging vs Side Imaging

Unread postby EthanHogan1 » Sat Feb 06, 2016 6:56 am

Dewey they make many mounting options through ram mount or precision sonar that will make a it work. I like to mount my units off the the side of the dash with a ram mount. But precision sonar makes some very slick mounts that go right on the dash. Personal preference. I just feel like with dash mounts and behind windshield the sun can make it hard to see your screen. That is why off to the side with a ram mount you can angle screen any direction and see the screen better. All personal preferences. There are tons and tons of ways to make it your personal favorite

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Re: Boat electronics question. Down Imaging vs Side Imaging

Unread postby EthanHogan1 » Sat Feb 06, 2016 6:58 am

Sorry Dewey I see picture now :( haha it didn't old on my phone before above comment. I def think you could put a ram mount where your small unit is there and get away with 9 screen. You got a ton of room

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Re: Boat electronics question. Down Imaging vs Side Imaging

Unread postby Dewey » Sat Feb 06, 2016 7:05 am

OK. Thanks. 8-)

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Re: Boat electronics question. Down Imaging vs Side Imaging

Unread postby DEERSLAYER » Sat Feb 06, 2016 8:08 am

I second the Ram mount.
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Re: Boat electronics question. Down Imaging vs Side Imaging

Unread postby BassBoysLLP » Sat Feb 06, 2016 8:14 am

Dewey wrote:OK. Thanks. 8-)

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Also, you'll have a transducer available on your Minnkota. You have the option of moving the smaller graph to the bow. The adapter is relatively cheap.

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Re: Boat electronics question. Down Imaging vs Side Imaging

Unread postby Dewey » Sat Feb 06, 2016 8:19 am

BassBoysLLP wrote:
Dewey wrote:OK. Thanks. 8-)

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Also, you'll have a transducer available on your Minnkota. You have the option of moving the smaller graph to the bow. The adapter is relatively cheap.

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That was my plan. ;)

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Re: Boat electronics question. Down Imaging vs Side Imaging

Unread postby dirt nap giver » Sat Feb 06, 2016 10:28 am

I would ram mount it off the right side of the console using the long mount system. Then you can turn it to the front or the rear as needed. Keep the windshield area clear.

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Re: Boat electronics question. Down Imaging vs Side Imaging

Unread postby BassBoysLLP » Sat Feb 06, 2016 12:55 pm

Ram mount all the way. I even put a ram mount on my trolling motor when stowed to protect it.

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Re: Boat electronics question. Down Imaging vs Side Imaging

Unread postby DEERSLAYER » Thu Feb 11, 2016 1:02 pm

Have you decided what you want yet Dewey? If so I will keep an eye out for you.
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Re: Boat electronics question. Down Imaging vs Side Imaging

Unread postby Dewey » Thu Feb 11, 2016 1:31 pm

Yeah I'm going with the Humminbird Helix 9 with SI and DI

Been watching prices but $999.00 seems to be the going price everywhere since they are fairly new. I'm sure there will be sales in spring.

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Re: Boat electronics question. Down Imaging vs Side Imaging

Unread postby DEERSLAYER » Thu Feb 11, 2016 6:44 pm

If you can't find a deal by the time you decide you can't wait any longer don't pay that price before letting me know. I should be able to save you some money.

I think you will love the Helix 9.
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Re: Boat electronics question. Down Imaging vs Side Imaging

Unread postby Dewey » Fri Feb 12, 2016 4:10 am

OK. Thanks Lance.


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