Humminbird Questions

With the new Hobie Mirage I'm doing now what I should have started doing months ago.  Actually, I did, but was never sold on the key additions.  I have decided on a Humminbird for a bunch of reasons but have some questions maybe someone here can definitively answer before I call the company next week.

What does the "i" in a units title represent?  I've gone through their catalog and can't find it.  Wondering if it means "internal" GPS antenna.

Is the Combo Kayak Kit available for units other than the 385ci?

Which transducer should be used Puck or Stick-On?

The three units I'm looking at are the 788c on sale at Fisherman's, the 597ci and the 385ci.  I like the idea of more real estate on the screen as I don't want to have to wear glasses on the water.

Thanks in advance for your responses.

Greg

yeah, that's all I can make out too.  788 Color/Internal GPS as opposed to the 788 Color/external GPS

The "kayak kit," so far as I was aware, is just the the OK scupper transducer and hull plate. I'd just go with the puck style transducer and shoot through the hull

The Kayak Combo kit comes with a battery and all mounting equipment. It's a real all-in-one package. They even have a how to video. http://store.humminbird.com/dyn_prodlist.php?k=307016 select kayak version from the drop down menu on the right.
There's only one Kayak kit, the 385ci.

Any transducer works, the skimmer version is what most people have. The triangular shaped one.

While the ones you listed are nice the color screen will wear you battery out faster than a monochrome and the screen is smaller (4.5" rectangular) than some of the others. Color is nice but not really worth the $ IMO. If you really want a nice big screen (5" square) go with the 500 series. The 550-570 are all really nice and the 581i combo has the GPS (internal). I use the combo and couldn't see using any other. The resolution is great and the dual beam transducer gives you tons of detail. It is pretty spendy at $350 but cheaper than the ones you mentioned.

Z

Besides the fishing features the screen size was a deciding factor for me.  Being in my mid-50s, age-related presbyopia has trashed my near sight (it started 20 minutes after I turned 40) and so a large screen became an important consideration since the unit was going to be several feet away. 

For those similarly afflicted, check out the Ono's Trading Company.  They sell sunglasses (polarized for fishing) with built-in readers, basically, bifocals.  You can choose your strength, and the price is reasonable.  I have a pair of the Carabelle's with the 1.50 insert.  I love 'em, and not just for fishing.  I should probably buy a backup pair.

Demonik,

Thanks.  I to have presbyopia and thanks for the info on the glasses from Ono's Trading Company.  Going to have to plan a trip to "The Big R" store in White City next time I'm down that way.  Wonder if Maui Jim's make something similar.  I looked at the pics on the Ono's webpage and saw me!  With 2 pairs on.

I'm thinking I definitely want a 5" screen.  I'd go bigger if I thought I could get away with it.  The 788c is on sale at Fisherman's for $10 more than the 597ci which is why I was considering it.

The 798c has side imaging which I think would be really cool, especially when I'm fall salmon fishing in the rivers.

I did see in the catalog there is a portable case conversion kit but it's not for yak - just for portable.  Ice fishing and other boats I guess.

Anyone mount an external GPS antenna on their yak?

Zee has, or at least had, one setup on his yak.  There is a thread on here I remember loooking at a year or two ago with a great picture of it.  Basically, he has a Ram mount and a plate on it for mounting both the unit and the itty bitty gps "dome" behind it. 

Here's a picture of the plate:

Zee has, or at least had, one setup on his yak.  There is a thread on here I remember loooking at a year or two ago with a great picture of it.  Basically, he has a Ram mount and a plate on it for mounting both the unit and the itty bitty gps "dome" behind it. 

Here's a picture of the plate:

At first I thought you had a set of Humminbird sights for a rifle...

Thanks.  I to have presbyopia and thanks for the info on the glasses from Ono's Trading Company.  Going to have to plan a trip to "The Big R" store in White City next time I'm down that way.  Wonder if Maui Jim's make something similar.  I looked at the pics on the Ono's webpage and saw me!  With 2 pairs on.

Which photos?

I'm thinking I definitely want a 5" screen.  I'd go bigger if I thought I could get away with it.  The 788c is on sale at Fisherman's for $10 more than the 597ci which is why I was considering it.

I got a 788ci on sale at the factory outlet and while it was more than I wanted to spend I am glad I sprang for it.  The color screen is big and has plenty of resolution.  I picked up a memory card and can store screen shots and tracks.  I'm thinking of Dr.Depth software and building my own bottom charts.  There are many view options.  If you do get a 788 play with the options on the water and learn the menus.  Also programming the quick view keys to your favorite views is very handy. 

....  I looked at the pics on the Ono's webpage and saw me!  With 2 pairs on.

Which photos?

The dorky looking two pair of glasses on your face photo!

The dorky looking two pair of glasses on your face photo!

LMAO!! 

You rather golf than fish?!