FF question about Hummingbirds 987c

[Seefood Man]

I figures if anyone knew it would be the ole salts. I've been considering the new Hummingbird 987c with 3-d viewing and gps. Does anyone have any experience with this one or any with the 3 D ability. Pros and cons will be appreciated.
Here is the tech sheet on it. Thank you folks
Pete

HUMMINBIRD 987C SI COMBO WITHOUT TRANSDUCER

Key Features


View enormous areas of the bottom with picture-like detail using Side Imaging sonar
Brilliant, 7" sunlight viewable color display with 480V x 854H resolution Dual frequency 50/200kHz sonar and revolutionary Side Imaging sonar technology 12 channel WAAS GPS receiver included
Built-in UniMap™ of the USA coastline, and inland lakes and rivers to 4nm detail
Tidal graphs and port services information available with optional Navionics Gold Charts
750 Watts RMS, 6000 Watts PtP (200kHz) power output, 2 1/2 target separation, 1000 ft depth or 1000 Watts RMS, 8000 Watts PtP (50KHz) power output, 2 1/2 target separation, 2500 ft depth*
Dual microprocessors and triple channel sonar transmitter/receiver deliver fast, smooth operation
Full screen chartplotter, 3D bird's eye view chartplotter and split screen sonar/chart with adjustable split
Programmable view presets access important screens with one touch
Plug & Play compatibility with WeatherSense® Barometric Pressure, and Wireless Sonar Link
Advanced Accessories: In-dash or Gimbal mount.
Additional Features

Fresh & saltwater set up options for optimal performance in any environment
Water surface temperature included in transducer, GPS speed included
PC Connection capability to save waypoints, and upgrade internal software Accelerated Real Time Sonar™ operates at up to 40 times per second to instantly capture the action under the boat
X-press™ menus place most important setting at your fingertips
Freeze Frame pauses the sonar scroll for detailed inspection of the screen
Instant Image Update immediately shows the results of setting changes for the most accurate fine tuning
Sonar Echo Enhancement™ technology is so sensitive it’ll track a jig to over 40ft and separate targets within 2 ½ inches!
Fully gasketed waterproof design & it floats
Selectable large digit screen for easy-to-read number display
Backlight for night viewing
TripLog with distance, elapsed time, and average speed
Totally automatic operation or totally manual operation with upper and lower range control
Temperature graph overlay and audiable temperature alarm
One-touch Zoom with 2x, 4x, 6x, and 8x zoom levels
Adjustable chart speed
Feature memory retains your settings
One-year limited warranty
Assembled in U.S.A.

[Draggin' Bait]

I have one. Limited chances to use it so far. GPS capabilites are very good with the Navionics chip. The pixel count is very high and the display takes advantage of that. The overhead shot when in the Nav mode is interesting, and you can split the screen and still get very good display capabilities. The fishfinder was picking up albacore at several hundred feet down last fall (didn't help make them bite, though), while I know from experience my old fishfinder wouldn't have shown a thing once the water was more than 1000 feet deep. The sidefinder feature is unique and works as described, but so far I haven't had a chance to use it as much as I'd hoped. I believe it would be more useful in freshwater. I will be trying it tomorrow when rockfishing, to see if it helps pinpoint where to fish. The display does wash out more than I'd like in direct sunshine. Due to the sideways nature of the high frequency beams for the 3-D display, you have to have a mounting location that your engine and/or trim tabs will not block. On my boat, I finally settled on a location that was a compromise -- the 3D is only available in one direction when the main engine is in use. Once the main engine is up and I am on the kicker I can see both sides fine.

[Seefood Man]

Draggin Bait, Thank you for the advice I was thinking the same thing about the 3D being blocked by one of the motors. Would a through hull transducer work with the 3D through aluminum? Or, I have a transom mount Vantage 101 trolling motor that I can mount the transducer on. I'm thinking that might be my best option. Thanks again for your advice BTW how yas your trip out ?

[lurking_out_loud]

I have the 947C and have had zero issues with either the unit of any blockage by the motors. Where are you guys mounting your transducers? On my Seahawk, the transducer is mounted just inside of the stbd trim tab. The only issues I've had is trying to adjust the puck (which is HUGE)low enough to read reliably at cruising speeds (30+ mph).

The display is great in every light condition I've encountered, and the 3D display feature is pretty cool when you are looking for a specific hole to drop crab pots or locating fish on the bottom. Kind of nice to know if you need to be right or left to be in the zone.

Let me know if you want to check it out. I've been really satisfied with the performance its putting out.

-LOL

[Draggin' Bait]

I have the transducer mounted on the transom. I have an Arima, so there are hull extensions extending a few inches aft of the primary transom engine mounting area. The result is that unless the transducer is mounted very close to the engine, the main engine is going to partially block the side beam to one side. I did not mount in the inner area for two reasons -- trim tabs already there and the manufacturer's recommendation about minimum distance requirements from the engine.

The 947c puts together a different version of a 3-D underwater picture directly under the boat, and I can't see those sidebeams being blocked by an engine mounting location. I'm talking here about the very high frequency short-range high detail beams. I didn't go with the 947c because of its lower power output, which I felt would not do anything out on the tuna grounds.

BTW, I'm sure there is no way to do a hull shoot-through with these units. Standard transducers shoot straight down and you must have a solid surface all the way through the hull -- these things shoot in all directions from level sideways one way then around 180 degrees to level sideways the other.

My first chance yesterday to use the unit hunting lincod and other rockfish. The high-def 3-D didn't actually show fish (leastwise not when I was looking), but it clearly showed when there was rocky area or sandy area off to the sides. Made it much easier to plan my drift -- and yes, we had no trouble finding fish that way.

As with LOL, I've been very pleased with it thus far.

Larry