Need some help with sonars here.

[Wiskers]

looking at the 3D bottom viewer or the side imaging unit. I am Looking to add on to the electronic dash cluster on the RP. Both have great featurs but it is hard to choose between the 3D and the side imaging. 987C and 947C. Any info on either of these would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Wiskers]

These are Humminbird units, I forgot to mention that. Any one seen either of these in action yet?

[Wiskers]

Hello?

[andy j]

I have not seen any of these units in action, I am a Lowrance guy. I think they are the best for the money and have the best reputation for performance. The 3D technogoly is nothing new for Hummingbird. THey have been playing around with it for at least the last 10 years, Never heard much on how well they work.

[Surface Tension]

I don't have either but I do know a little. In a nut shell it comes down to what do you prefer, a picture of the bottom or a 3D model.

The 987c is a side scanner, while in that mode you won't see whats under the boat rather off to to both sides. This brings up a question and something you should look further into in making your decision, is the 987c limited to 2D under the boat?

947c gives you a 3D model with 53 degree angle under the boat.

An other question for both sounders is, can this data be saved and if so can it be interfaced to any pc viewing programs?

[Wiskers]

Thats just it. They both have great features but the side sonar only works at about 8 mph or less. The 3D works great but you do not get much detail other than the bottom. The side one will show you an almost picutre like screen so you can see structure and fish. sigh sigh.. what is a fella to do.. I too like Lowrance, they have the best mapping available. But the immaging is a very tempting option I would like to try out. Wonder how many sonars a fella could have on a boat before it is too much.. I might have to start up a sonars annonymous meeting. LOL...

[Wiskers]

Thanks for the help any how. I will just have to keep an eye out for some one who has one or the other.

[Northlander]

I dont think you will get much feedback if any. Not too many Hummingbird guys around these parts. I have looked at these but in order to have what I would want out of Hummingbird I would have to buy both units and maybe a third. Like Andy says they have been playing with this for quite some time and I dont think they have all the bugs worked out. Why not a sidefinder and 3d unit in 1?

Until they or someone else gets 3d down pat Ill stay with Lowrance.

[Wiskers]

Ya know, that is what I have been asking them too, why not put the 3D and side view in one unit. This way they maybe think they will sell more units because fishermen will want both and have to buy two??? not... No matter what they put in them, it will be hard to beat the Lake Master chips held by Lowrance.

Thanks Northlander. I was just hopeing some one on here knew some one that maybe had one or used one.