Humminbird 788ci

First post here, but thanks so much to everyone from Chapter #41. Great banquet tonight and as Rob's wife said "just a nice bunch of folks". I've learned so much from everyone.

Anyway, after the Muskie Show and talking with others, I know I need to get a new GPS/Fish Finder and don't have the $2500 as some suggested budgeted for this right now (around $700 is my budget) but I've settled on a Humminbird 788ci that seems to come with ContourXD maps (not as good but like Navionics).

http://store.humminbird.com/dyn_prodlist.php?k=409999

http://www.humminbird.com/leading_in...-gps-maps.aspx

Does anyone have experience with this particular fish finder? My boat is only 14' so being compact (yet readable) is important.

I just want something to help stay on the contours more accurately.

All thoughts are appreciated.

George

Hi George,
I just got my boat and I got a 798, but I haven't tried it out yet. As soon as I do, I will let you know (hopefully, within the next 2 weeks). I got a 20% off coupon at Overtons, so I got that unit for $800 plus shipping. Take a look around and you can get some coupons. I actually have a 15% off coupon if you want it. I can email it to you.

Thanks,
Greg

www.xtrememuskielures.com

Well, just got my new fish finder, an upgrade to me for sure coming from a PirahnaMax. Got the 788ci HD DI Combo.

http://store.humminbird.com/products...ci_HD_DI_Combo

I'm anxious to install it this weekend and try it out Monday at Alum. Thanks for the offer on the coupon Greg, but due to a strange set of circumstances and a company that really understands customer service, I got it for $549. God is good!

So I was out testing the Humminbird 788ci HD DI today and it looks like it's going to be a great tool. The down imaging is pretty amazing and almost photo-like.

But I can tell, I definitely need the Navionics Hotmaps Premium East Chip. Contour SD is better than the base map, but not by much.

Before I order the Navionics Hotmaps Premium East Chip, does anyone have a used one (with high def Alum Creek) that they want to sell? Maybe you upgraded to Platinum?

Also, I hear the the Lakemaster maps are better, but there doesn't seem to be one for Ohio.

Thanks for everyone's help!

George