humminbird

[dairyman]

I have a 788ci and am considering the 688ciHD with down imaging-------is there any significant differences between the 2 other then the down imaging feature on the 688

thanks

[Brad B]

the 688 will be a stand alone unit and can not be ethernet connected to your current 788. If you can I would check out Cabela's. they had the 788 CI HD DI on sale for $479.99 the last time I was at the Rogers Store. I just looked at their HSOforum. they are offering this same price on the site and is also free shipping eligble too for the 788 DI. this might be better bang for the buck for you.

[Jmnhunter]

dairy, i sent you a PM

[CaptainMusky]

I could be wrong, but I believe with the Bird down imaging units you lose the capabilities of a traditional sonar view. Having two units this may not matter to you, but if you plan on having them in two places in the boat (bow/helm) it may.

[dairyman]

actually -----I wasn't going to be using them both in the boat. I had purchased a 788ci DI last year and I couldn't get it to read my lake chip and returned it. That's why I was asking about the differences---new and better maybe,between the units

[CaptainMusky]

In the event you are only going to have one unit, I would strongly suggest looking it over in a store if possible. I like down imaging, but there is no replacement for a traditional sonar view for most uses so if that model does not have a traditional sonar, my personal opinion would be to look at a different model. Just personal preference.

[MikeG3Boat]

you don't lose the traditional sonar view with a downimaging unit.