Can I install Hummingbird 597 ci hd di on Yak

Hi all:

I've seen some postings on this subject and have talked to folks at the factory and at BassPro and I'm confused by the conflicting information.

Can the 597 CI HD DI be installed on a Yak? I gather that the transducer is not the standard shape and size and for optimal results,shoot through the hull installations (STTH) should be avoided.

One factory rep told me that STTH install would work fine but wouldn't display temperatures. Two guys at bass pro said that DI would hardly work at all because the high frequencies are blocked by the hull.

I really don't want to spend the money for this unit if I can't expect optimal results. Can this unit be installed effectively or should I just give up on the idea and get the Lowrance Elite 5 Chart plotter with conventional sonar or another humming bird model. (The Elite 5 comes with decent charts)\\

I know some of you have purchased or Santa gave you DI capable FFs. How has it worked for you?

Thanks for all the help past and to come. Hope yall did well at Fletchers.

[DOGFISH]

I would be careful unless you plan to mount the transducer in the water. Until you hear from someone who has actually done the installation and can attest to the results. Sounds like alot of conflicting information. I like the down imaging myself, but want to have better mounting options. I do not want to drop the temperature reading as that is an important factor. I am sticking with my through hull transducer until there is some feed back. I am more interested in better GPS charting abilities, for trolling along contour lines. However, I do not want to switch from Humminbird. Give it some time and there will be options.

Alot about your question depends on where you fish. With bay fishing you could get away with lesser depth finders abilities and better GPS charting. However, it seems a shame to have to buy twice, later when better DI or SI transducers are available. I have been thinking about mounting a transducer under my electric motor. However, then when I remove the electric motor to travel, the transducer will have to still be in the kayak some where. It is all a balance. Kayak fishing is still a growing sport.

[BadAssBass]

Mount in water option

I'm wondering if I could mount it in the water in one of the recessed hull sections where it might be protected.

[dhmjd]

ouch, rocks, why not make a flip down mount, like for the rudder, off stern or even the side

[BadAssBass]

That is why I posted here

ouch, rocks, why not make a flip down mount, like for the rudder, off stern or even the side

There is a product made exactly for this, mfr may be Turtle?

As it turns out, the down imaging Hummingbird model can be mounted shoot thru the hull. Took several calls to Humminbird to get an authoritive answer. Apparently, side imaging can't work that way.

And my second round with Humminbird hasn't been reassuring. Ryan told me today that they sent him the wrong unit. Means I have to wait another week to get my boat. Unit now scheduled for next Wednsday. Have way tempted to cancel the order unless they agree to overnight it. Hate missing a weekend of April fishing because their shipping people can't get an order right.

[dhmjd]

so far so good with humminbird service, have the si on my boat and love it, customer service helped me throughout the install.

[jffoley]

I'm doing it with a 798ci. Haven't gotten out with it yet but I have high hopes! Humminbird won't "sanction" an in hull install for side imaging but it's doable. They want you to use their kayak kit. Guys all over have done it using a wet well 'ducer install:
http://www.akff.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=82&t=41626

There's enough space in the Revo hull in the bow area for the transducer to "see" both down and to each side. I'm making a well using duct seal and a plexiglass cover with a hole drilled to be able to add water. The hole will be sealed with a baitwell plug:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000MT95O6

The guys down under are way ahead of us:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KONkmb2ds-4

Plenty of info here:
http://forums.sideimagingsoft.com/index.php

Here:
http://www.xumba.scholleco.com/index.php

And here:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sideimaging/

[BadAssBass]

Awesome Information

If I had it two weeks ago, might have gone with SI. But Humminbird talked me out of it so I'll have to "make-do" with down imaging.

The Aussie videos were exceptionally good. Even though I have "just" DI, it will take some time learning to interpret the images.