Which Humminbird? Help

[Robert Haynes]

I have a Humminbird 997 SI/GPS combo that has worked well for me for years. It actually is capable of telling me more than I am currently able to understand anyway, not sure why I would upgrade but I am. I am not interested in learning a different brand.  I have been thinking about upgrading the last couple years but have been so slow pulling the trigger that by the time I am ready, they come out with a new one. So, I was excited to see that the Helix 10 SI combo GPS can soon be purchased for $1000.00. I am thinking of putting 1 on the center console & 1 on the front. However, now the Chirp GN2 is out and to buy 2 of these, it would cost another $1400.00. I don't think I want to spend that extra.

My questions are:

1. Is the Chirp worth $700.00 more per unit?

2. Do I need an SI on the front of the boat, some have recommended DI & Sonar only? I spider rig for crappie some.

3. Where would the transducer be placed on front of boat?

4. Answer any relevant questions that I may have forgotten to ask.

Thanks for the help

[Stump bumper]

I can answer #3 and that is on your trolling motor or through you trolling motor if you have a newer on that accepts that. I like to use jigging spoons alot and zooming in on the fish and seeing the spoon at the same time makes all the difference especially working tree tops this time of year. There is nothing like seeing that straight line out of a tree intersecting with the wavy line of the spoon. I just buy the $3 large hose clamp at the auto store instead of buying the $30 kit the put it on my trolling motor.

[TexExp]

Nope, don't need CHIRP - IMO

Don't need SI on the bow. DI and Sonar is great!  Especially crappie fishing. 

Use a trolling motor mounting bracket to mount your transducer to the TM. Hose clamp works in a pinch, but they make a protective shield also.

You can also talk to David at his small company called Shut up & Fish. He answers all these kinds of questions and some we haven't thought of. I think he is out of town with his wife until Thursday though. 

http://www.shut-up-and-fish.com/

I just bought an Ultrex there. I like Lowrance, so I have a Gen III 7 on bow and 9 on the console. I crappie fish a lot.

Good luck out there!

[rps]

The only time a SI helps on the front is when fish are suspending in schools off the bottom. Then you can rotate the trolling motor and see water in a 100 foot radius.

[Robert Haynes]

I'm slowly forming an opinion! Keep it coming guys,

Thanks 

[Champ188]

16 hours ago, TexExp said:

Nope, don't need CHIRP - IMO

Don't need SI on the bow. DI and Sonar is great!  Especially crappie fishing. 

Use a trolling motor mounting bracket to mount your transducer to the TM. Hose clamp works in a pinch, but they make a protective shield also.

You can also talk to David at his small company called Shut up & Fish. He answers all these kinds of questions and some we haven't thought of. I think he is out of town with his wife until Thursday though. 

http://www.shut-up-and-fish.com/

I just bought an Ultrex there. I like Lowrance, so I have a Gen III 7 on bow and 9 on the console. I crappie fish a lot.

Good luck out there!

Good to know about this small company. Thanks for sharing that info.