Just wondering if any fmers have this unit and if so how has it worked? This unit looks like it could be a valuble tool.
Thanks for your input!

Its a awesome unit, if you can take the time to learn it. It has alot of things that are hard to read and understand, but if you can get the hang of it, man its something that is hard to beat. Reads everything awesome, only problem for the unit if its really windy, and the boat is coming out of the water, you have a hard time getting a read for the bottom.

If i could afford it, I would throw it on my bass boat, just to much money.

Best unit on the market Period!!! The only down side to the unit is that it wont run a lakemaster chip in it.

If you want to see some sweet pictures from this unit check out Hummingbirds Side Imaging website.

What about the Humminbird 140C with side sonar? Has anybody tried this portable unit yet?

I didn't know they made a portable unit with it on it. That is interesting could be sweet up in canada on fly in trips

" Side Imaging" and " SIde SOnar" are 2 completely different things, side sonar is just a transducer pointed sideways!

Bingo. The least expensive side-IMAGING model is the 797c at $1000.

I love my new Bird.

Yes, there is a learning curve, and getting it set up, takes some getting used to.

I'd liken it to like going hunting without a bird dog. I dont think I'd do it if I didnt have my Humminbird.

It's not a shortcut any more it's the WAY! Why not drive by docks at 3 miles an hour and side view them 100' away to eliminate water? Ya thats right it will show fish under the dock, way under the dock. Also it will show you if there is a snaggy chain under it and you can make a way point for each type.

Thanks again for the info hopefully it is a toy that i can one day own. I looked on their website before making this thread and i just wanted that valued fmer opinion to make sure it was not just a catchy gimmick.

Boy do these units look sweet! They really put Hummingbird back on the map for units...I've heard nothing but great things about them. Some day....*drool*

I know it would be so nice to have one but you need to spend some serious money for this unit. It will one day be a great addition but by the time i can spend that much on a unit im sure something even better will be out!

and it will cost more.

You can have a 797 for a grand. You dont have to have a 1197, you know.

I spent that on my X15 6 years ago, and no, I havent forgotten about all the upgrades and transducer problems with that unit when it was introduced. Of course, Im alot more computer saavy now than I was back then, so thank you Lowrance.


Again, I'm very new to my 997, but what ive seen so far... well, lets say, I have no regrets, spending the $ for it. None, zip, nada

I needed a new unit anyway, since I could not read the Navionics 08 mapping chips with my X15. Had Lowrance put the upgrade in to make this option available, Id probably still not own one.

Since I needed a new unit, I did alot of searching for information about every brand of sonar, and came to the conclusion that even though the Bird was going to be more $, It was something I wanted to do. I had one trip on the water, with a 997 last spring, and that set the tone, and the goal to put one on my boat.

Edited to delete link.... sorry

I haven't been able to find a good picture from this unit of what a weed line would look like??

It takes time to learn any graff but the color line is key. If your stil having problems view the flasher mode. Piece of cake!