Humminbird 987c SI Fishfinder Combo

[DeerHunter01]

Humminbird® 987c SI Fishfinder Combo



Revolutionary side imaging sonar looks through any water to reveal structure and bottom with photo-like detail!
This powerful 7" fishing system incorporates dual frequency 50/200kHZ Sonar with 74 and 20 degree cones for better bottom detail and wide coverage, plus deep water capability to 2500 ft. Featuring side imaging sonar technology. High performance 8000 watts peak- to-peak with 1000 watts RMS power output. Full GPS (NMEA cable included); expandable and upgradeable.

Ultra wide format 7" display for no-compromise split screen viewing 30% wider display than traditional models
Big screen with compact housing (10.84" W x 6.8" H x 5.0") mounts on gimbal or in dash
High definition 480 vertical pixel x 854H sunlight-readable color TFT display
Real time sonar
Fully adjustable split screen bottom zoom or bottom lock zoom
Freeze frame
Rapid response water temperature & graph
MMC card reader for easy feature updates and capability expansion from www.humminbird.com
Programmable view presets
Totally automatic, or totally manual operation with upper and lower range control
Pro-grade, expandable and upgradeable system with optional add-on accessories
Precision 12 channel GPS receiver with WAAS
Detailed 4 nautical mile resolution UniMap of continental USA inland lakes, rivers & coastline
Full screen chart, sonar-chart split & 3D highway navigation screens
Precise trolling grids & waypoint targets keep you on top of the action
Tidal graphs & port services information with Navionics Gold


More information will follow inside this thread.

Price $1999.99

[DeerHunter01]

The days of a pixilated "fish-like objects" on your fishfinder screen are quickly becoming a thing of the past.


They say that when you need the absolute best, to accept no substitutions. In the case of the Humminbird 987c SI Fishfinder Combo, you would be hard-pressed to find anything that comes close to it.



The days of a pixilated "fish-like objects" on your fishfinder screen are quickly becoming a thing of the past with the advent of high-resolution screens and Humminbird's award-winning Side Imaging (SI) sonar technology.



With a large 7-inch color display with 480x854 resolution, you will be able to clearly view what is below you, or find your way around the lake with its integrated 12-channel WAAS GPS receiver.


Before we get into the specificsand technical data -- here is the 900 series in layman's terms: 1. large, viewable screen, 2. tons of power, 3. GPS receiver. And you get it with the Side Imaging Sonar which utilizes two very precise sonar beams directed to the sides to "illuminate" the bottom contour, structure and fish and display in a "picture-like" image. Side beams are extremely narrow front to back providing "thin slices" of the bottom for high resolution imaging.

And now for the nitty-gritty:

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(r) Barometric Pressure, and Wireless Sonar Link Advanced Accessories
In-dash or Gimbal mount.
Additional Features:

Fresh and 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(tm) 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(tm) technology is so sensitive it'll track a jig to over 40ft and separate targets within 2 1/2 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.
Specifications:


Depth Capability: 100 Feet Down, 240 Feet to Each Side (262kHz) Side Imaging 1000 Feet (200kHz), 2500 Feet (50kHz) 2D
Display Window Size: 7" Diagonal
Display Matrix: 480V x 854H
Display Type: Color TFT, Sunlight Viewable
Power Output RMS: Power Output P to P 750 Watts (200kHz), 1000 Watts (50kHz) 6000 Watts (200kHz), 8000 Watts (50kHz)
Operating Frequency: 200kHz, 50kHz & 262kHz
Target Separation: 2 1/2" Inches
Temperature: Included in transducer
Speed: GPS speed included
Transducer: Transom Mount
Power Input Range: 10-20 VDC
Communication: NMEA O183 Data Output, Advanced Accessory System
GPS Features: WAAS, 3000 Waypoints, 50 Routes, 50 Tracks with 20,000 Points Each

[ShilohRed]

For anyone that is thinking of this unit,Keep in mind. The Transducer on this unit is over 6" long and a little wider than most. There has been reports of the transducer making a small boat not run right on plane. As with that big of a transducer dragging in the water I would act like a trim tab on the back of the boat.

If you have the unit set on Side image here is 2 settings for it. One is 455kHz provides highest resolution with 160° total beam width. So this one gives you the best picture on the screen. This one has a clear picture, But it angles from the boat to the bottom. So if your shooting out one side 120 ft draw a line from your boat out to 120ft and that is what you see.
Then you have the 262kHz provides maximum coverage with 180° total beam width. The picture on it is not as clear. But covers the water column from the top of the water to the bottom all the way out to what you have the setting on. So if your shooting out one side, Say 90 ft. You are seeing everything between you can the 90 ft top to bottom. With this setting you can see the front edge of a dock or barge. Yes even see a barge. Or like this picture. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/ShilohRed/Sidescan/pickwicklake001.jpg The straight line is the front of the dock. And you can see the spud poles the dock sits on. And even bait fish and fish under it. This is on 262Khz if it were on the 455KHz you would not see the front of the dock.

Any questions I can help with let me know. I in no way have learned all that this unit will do. but still learning every trip out.

Pete

[ShilohRed]

Here is a question I get a lot. How well will this unit work in shallow water.
Here is a screen shot from Harrison Bay North of Chattanooga Tn. Took it With Whistler in the boat with me. So He can also prove this one.
The side image shows a ditch and 2 different set of beds. Now what is using these bed i don't know. But just think what this could do for fishing.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/ShilohRed/fishing/Harrisonbay008beds.jpg
When the fish are on the beds. And they will use the same beds for years, So find them and fish them every year.
The photo above is in 5.4 ft deep water, And the water temp was 71.3 the boat was moving 1.9 MPh. You can also have the picture show the way-point on it. Also that is scanning 64 ft out both sides of the boat. I could have made one more pass with only the right side scanning, And shooting out around 40ft and you could see every fish in the beds. Next time I will make sure I do that.
Pete

[ShilohRed]

First picture is of a school of catfish. Yes I caught fish out of it. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/ShilohRed/Sidescan/306pickwick003.jpg
The mark on the school of fish, Is from the mark of a way point with the GPS. As I marked it, Then drove above the school of fish and was able to set up on them. Now is that easy or what. Sit the GPS part of the unit up on a trolling grid and you can get above them what ever you need to.

This one is of a bait ball with fish around them. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/ShilohRed/Sidescan/pickwicklake006.jpg
The bait fish are in 17 ft of water, and the water depth was 36 ft. Also you can see the steep bank. It drops straight off from 5ft to 25ft. And the log there also.
Then this one is also a ball of bait fish. But the bait fish are swimming fast see how they angle and the fish are behind them. Not around the bait? http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/ShilohRed/Sidescan/pickwicklake007redo.jpg Looks like there hungry..

[ShilohRed]

Ok who thinks they could have found this spot with there depth finder? And figured out it looked like this?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/ShilohRed/Sidescan/pickwicklake0010.jpg
Left side of the shot. And the marker is on it where I marked the Way point.
Nice hole right in the middle of the stuff and full of fish.
Here is one of the depth finder showing the fish in the hole.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/ShilohRed/Sidescan/pickwicklake0020.jpg
I have fished this place for years. And did know there was a few hangs there. But Had no ideal this stuff was there.
So you can bet here will be some big hand size bream drifted through that hole soon.
More on the way. Anyone have any request? Something they would like to see posted?
Pete

[ShilohRed]

How many times have you heard someone tell you. Man theres no way that is a tree on your depth finder?
Yes I know its hard to believe for a lot of people. but if and If you had proof would you believe it?
Now say your in 6ft of water, And dropping into 25ft. And the Tree is hanging off the drop. And you could see it on a side scan and the standard Depth finder.
So you think that would make it where you would believe it?
If so check this out.http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/ShilohRed/Sidescan/sidescantree01.jpg
Now this is on a point of a creek channel and the old river channel. Also has an old road bed that is under water running close to it.
What do you think of this?
Pete

[ShilohRed]

Had a question on setting the side scan to shoot out the side. Say your in a place thats only 130ft wide. And you have have to run the channel in one side. Say 34 ft from the bank. That leaves 96 left.
Just set the unit to 100 ft and shooting out both sides And in the picture I'm posting it shows what you will see on the right side.
It does not bother it to over shoot the bank on one or both sides.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/ShilohRed/Sidescan/TnRivertreetopstepslast.jpg

As you can see on the right side theres a steep bank or drop off. And along the top of that is dark space. The dark space is where its hitting the dry bank. so no reading of the bottom.
Also you can see the trees laying there under water. All that was above water was a little stickup that looked like a twig.
So in other words it does not matter if your over shooting the bank or not.
Also until you get used to it unit. You can run the setting out on to where you see the bank and get an ideal on who far out the sides to shoot.

Pete

[ShilohRed]

I get the question a lot.
Well yesterday the Tn river was rough 3+ ft waves. So a 5 mile slow trip back to the ramp. And going across a flat that I have always over looked. And here is what I found. Also was running the bank , you can bet I will be fishing this spot to see what it holds.:big_smile:
Pete
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/ShilohRed/Sidescan/NewholeWestNorth.jpg

[ShilohRed]

People ask, Can the Humminbird 987c SI show arches. Yes they can, Will it look as good as the arches on a SO and So unit? Well that I can't say. ( DH can you add one from yours to compare?) But will post a few from mine.
Also I'm still learning the unit.
So with learning there getting there.
Lots of bait fish and fish. Some arches small ones
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/ShilohRed/Sidescan/pickwicklake002redo.jpg
This one is from yesterday on the water.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/ShilohRed/Sidescan/pickwicklake005redo.jpg
One of favorite fishing holes. And could not get this fish to bite.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/ShilohRed/Sidescan/pickwicklake004redo.jpg
This is one other.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/ShilohRed/Sidescan/82ee.jpg

Pete
------------------------------------------------------
Here is three from my Unit attached to this post:

DeerHunter01

[mmarcum6]

Pete,
Great pictures and sonar images. Do you still have the two we found at harrison bay of the ball of bait fish the size of a car, and of the rather large catfish hanging a few feet off the bottom. I can attest to the power of Petes unit and think it is truly a good investment. It has so much power and so many features that it is almost unreal.

Mark

[ShilohRed]

Pete,
Great pictures and sonar images. Do you still have the two we found at harrison bay of the ball of bait fish the size of a car, and of the rather large catfish hanging a few feet off the bottom. I can attest to the power of Petes unit and think it is truly a good investment. It has so much power and so many features that it is almost unreal.

Mark

Mark I lost those 2. And don't know what I did with them.but would have been nice to show on here.
I need to post the barge that I found with it on Ky lake at the national.
Also found a nice tree and a hump Thursday and look for froward to fishing it next week.
Pete

[ShilohRed]

Here is a single big fish, Its showing up in the water column. Not on bottom. Its shows up on the left side of the screen the white spot.
Pete
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/ShilohRed/Sidescan/Octblues09024.jpg

[ShilohRed]

Here's a few shots of arches on the 987. There not as easy to get on this unit. but it will show them.
Pete

This one is showing fish and we caught 33 along this spot. And the bigest was the 45 lb 12 oz blue.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/ShilohRed/Sidescan/Octblues09036.jpg
This one is of the turn up at the dam for the flood gates. The part that makes the water boil up when the water is hititng it. Also did it with the black background to show the difference between it and the white.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/ShilohRed/Sidescan/Octblues09032.jpg
Here it is with the Zoom set on 2X
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/ShilohRed/Sidescan/Octblues09033.jpg
Arch in deeper water.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/ShilohRed/Sidescan/Octblues09029.jpg

[ShilohRed]

This one is a tree with the tree top laying on a hump. How would you like to fish this spot/
Water to the left of this place is only 60+ ft deep.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/ShilohRed/Sidescan/Octblues09025.jpg
Pete

[ShilohRed]

This one is of the paper mill discharge at Pickwick Its down river from the Dam . Theres a little building there built high up .
And its where they discharge there waste water that they say is clean enough to drink. But its dark brown or green and stinks.
Pete

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/ShilohRed/Sidescan/Octblues09034.jpg

[ShilohRed]

This hole is in the middle of the river. Everything there is limestone rock.
You can even see where the current has cut out the soft stuff.
Pete

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/ShilohRed/Sidescan/Octblues09022.jpg

[ShilohRed]

Here is the same hole one with a black background. Then with the white background.
Also showing arches in both of them.
Pete

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/ShilohRed/Sidescan/shilohhole.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/ShilohRed/Sidescan/Octblues09047.jpg

[ShilohRed]

Here is a whole tree. The root-ball end is laying toward the top of the drop. And the top of the tree is laying at the foot or bottom of the hole.
I have it showing in split screen. 2-D and side imaging.
This give you a chance to see what you know is a tree on a unit and there is even 2 fish in the tree top.
I was lucky and was able to after marking the tree, To run right back over it and spit it in half with the boat. Now how is that for marking a tree?

Pete

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/ShilohRed/Sidescan/Octblues09044.jpg

[mcal762]

hello,
that is some great info. I'm interested in the UNI maps that are imbedded into the systems. I'll be fishing on the James river. How detailed are the maps? Do they have depth markers and wrecks on the maps? I was looking at the 787 version. thanks,
Mcal

[Catfishhunter]

Pete, your just full of your self aren't ya? Calm down. I haven't got mine yet and your getting me all excited. LOL!!!

[ShilohRed]

Pete, your just full of your self aren't ya? Calm down. I haven't got mine yet and your getting me all excited. LOL!!!


If I were you. I would hold out for the New 997. Bigger and better. They say its going to be so much better on the side imaging that its unreal. Mine is 400 something and the new one will be 800 something. So the side pictures will be so much better. Also able to save the unit like a video to a card.

Pete

[KatKaller]

Thanks guys those pics are great, keep'em coming. I am trying my hardest to get my wife to let me buy an SI unit, and these shots are a real motivation. :big_smile:

[ShilohRed]

You hear people talking about the units that show a fish emblem. And it not being a fish.
Here's a few shots of fish on the SI and then showing fish on the standard unit. Also under each emblem is part or all of an arch.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/ShilohRed/Sidescan/may2007014.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/ShilohRed/Sidescan/may2007013.jpg


Pete

[ShilohRed]

Here is one of my bait . Bait is a live bream about 5" long and you can see the line on the unit. Then see when I was picking it up.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/ShilohRed/Sidescan/may2007017.jpg
Here is a rock.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/ShilohRed/Sidescan/may2007015-1.jpg
Here is a nice hole..
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/ShilohRed/Sidescan/shilohhole.jpg
Pete

[Catfishhunter]

Pete!, I can't believe you are still using the Fish Id to Identify fish. LOL!!!

[ShilohRed]

Pete!, I can't believe you are still using the Fish Id to Identify fish. LOL!!!

Had that on to show that it does work. HAHA
Had a guy ask about the little fish being a fish. And its a fish.. As my bait that was a fish showed up as a fish. So its a fish.
Pete

[onlyriverfish]

Looks like its showing both simultaneously? I never used "fishID" myself before so dont know if this is normal or not.

[onlyriverfish]

Great info Pete.

Another review: http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?post=332070;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC ;forum_view=forum_view_collapsed;;page=unread#unre ad

[mmarcum6]

Pete thanks for the great pic,s you have learned that finder well. When I get to spend the money on a boat I plan on coming to visit and let you teach me how to interpret the images I'm seeing as you know pickwik well and know what lies under the surface there.