Humminbird 788 ci DI Questions

[Firefighter Jeff]

  I just recieved a new 788 ci DI I purchased.  I have a couple questions.  How many that have the same graph have it flush mounted at the bow???  Is it hard to see what the down scan is showing?  Should I instead mount it up off the front deck to see better? Or is that not necessary? 
  Secondly, Is the transducer sent with the unit ok to use on the trolling motor???  Or should I exchange it for a different style?  I'm sure I'll want some type of protective guard on it also.  Thanks in advance for your help.    Jeff

[huston]

Mine is not flush mounted, the transducer came with it is what I installed. There have been reports of Tm interference on various HB websites with fixes. Some say wire it straight to the battery with a 3 amp fuse. I had a  Eagle before this on the bow and wired it to same fused circuit. I ran the TM cable up the side of the Tm shaft and left ample cable at the swivel point of my HB TM and at the head, and then down the power cable for the TM power and into my bow console. The HB head unit is mounted to the deck close to the right  front side where the wires came out of the bottom of the head unit and into the side of my front deck,(hole drilled). I wish I knew how to take a picture and post it. I might try and send them to your email. You also have to download the current upgrade/update on a SD card from HB PC to upload on your 898 and your 788. You need to go on the HB website to register your units.

[Bender]

I don't know what transducer it came with but if Transducer Shield makes one for it then check them out. I just got one from the Lowrance on my TM and it is SOLID. I plan to get the other one for my HB on the transom soon.

[djkimmel]

I just saw a transducer guard on the Minn Kota motor of a friend last week that was really tough, made of thick aluminum. I'll ask the name and where he got it. He probably already told me...

[fasttrack]

Mounting would be based on your preference, but you might think about using a RAM and getting it that extra 4-6" higher. Might be hard to see fine detail without kneeling on the deck all the time - every little bit closer might help. Plus then you can adjust unit position based on sun light, what side of deck your fishing off of, etc.

Dont know what trans. yours came with, but the model I just got had a transom type. I sent it in and swapped it for the TM model so I didnt have to mess with modifications.

Have not done the Shield yet but am considering it. Have heard nothing but positive about them

[Firefighter Jeff]

    Thanks guys.  Sorry I didn't have a pic of the tranducer.  I figured they were all the same packed in the box.     Jeff

[huston]

To mount the one that came with the unit, you will need a adapter kit that comes with stainless steel clamps that wrap around the tm. I'm considering a guard also.

[stackenem]

I have the 788 di unit flush mounted on the front deck but being that I am about 3 feet shorter than FF jeff I shouldn't have to much problem seeing mine Now FF jeff on the other hand may need a set of 10x50 bino's to see his. LOL

Now is it Fire fighter/french fry or firefry I kiinda like Fire Fry myself.LOL

[BryanP]

Get the transducer shield and use the transducer that came in the box.  There is no "puck" style trolling motor version of that transducer available.  The transducer shield isn't on the website yet, so you will need to call them.  Do a google search for transducer shield and you should be able to find the company's website fairly easy.

[Firefighter Jeff]

I have the 788 di unit flush mounted on the front deck but being that I am about 3 feet shorter than FF jeff I shouldn't have to much problem seeing mine Now FF jeff on the other hand may need a set of 10x50 bino's to see his. LOL

Now is it Fire fighter/french fry or firefry I kiinda like Fire Fry myself.LOL

  Stack......  "Hey you"  will work.  lololol

[Firefighter Jeff]

    Thanks Bryan. I'll check for the shield.  I think I'm gonna flush mount it.  Even if Stack says I'm too tall.  lolol  I figure I can always change my mind and add a ram mount if needed.

[BryanP]

I have mine flush mounted.

[Waterfoul]

Jeff, I honestly think you would be happier in the long run if you RAM mounted it.  As marc said, you can move the unit around so you can see it better in all lighting conditions.  I also think the RAM mount helps eliminate some of the shock the unit sees in bumpy water not being directly attached to the bow... the roughest riding part of the boat. 

There, now you have my 2 cents.

[djkimmel]

Jeff, I honestly think you would be happier in the long run if you RAM mounted it.  As marc said, you can move the unit around so you can see it better in all lighting conditions.  I also think the RAM mount helps eliminate some of the shock the unit sees in bumpy water not being directly attached to the bow... the roughest riding part of the boat. 

There, now you have my 2 cents.

I was looking into forex earlier today and apparently your 2 cents worth is only worth 1.68 cents today...

[Firefighter Jeff]

Jeff, I honestly think you would be happier in the long run if you RAM mounted it.  As marc said, you can move the unit around so you can see it better in all lighting conditions.  I also think the RAM mount helps eliminate some of the shock the unit sees in bumpy water not being directly attached to the bow... the roughest riding part of the boat. 

There, now you have my 2 cents.

Thanks Mike,  I accept everyone's cents  lol