What do I need to do.....

[mnfathead]

I bought a new finder/gps for the boat, a humminbird 597ci, so my question is, do i need to get a diff. transducer to use as an on ice unit or can i use the one it comes with? And what if anything else do i need to convert it over?

[dairyman]

I'm going to say yes ------I have a 788ci and had to buy an ice-ducer for mine

[Itsa Pole Bender]

Fathead.....I have a 787CI with an internal antenna. I had to buy the ice ducer. I also bought a new hand held tool box and modified it to hold two 12 volt batteries, the head unit and ducer. I mounted the head unti mount to the top. It is now a portable fish finder that can be used in the winter or summer. Oh... I also bought the suction cup transducer for the summer.

[TooTallTom]

You don't HAVE to buy a new transducer, but it'll make your life a whole lot simpler if you do. Just buy the right winter transducer, attach the float to the cable and plug the cable into your head unit, plunk it in the water and fish away.

[dairyman]

hey pole--------------got a picture of your set-up??

[mnfathead]

Sounds good guys, I'll have to try and find a new head mount aswell then, with the snap in connectors rather than the old school side screws, not as much as a universal mount. Given all that info how does the unit perform in the winter in comparison to vex. and marcum? I have a fl8 thats still kicking after 15 years but its getting tired. Thanks

[Finlander]

Ice ducer all the way! Worth the money!