Humminbird 859 ci HD Sonar/GPS opinions.

[fishnfever]

Humminbird 859 ci HD Sonar/GPS opinions. Well the subject says it all. Just bought this and was wondering if anyone had one and what there thoughts were on it.

[GoneFission]

I have run Humminbirds since the Super-sixty flasher (!) and like them.  The 859ci does not have the side-scan function of the 859si, which makes transducer mounting easier.  The unit will work fine right out of the box, but you can customize it a bit to fit your needs.  The split-screen options are very handy to see maps and bottom contours at the same time.  The internal maps on the 859 are very good, with bottom contours, etc.  Put an SD card in and you can record what's on the screen an play it back on your laptop/PC.  With the Ethernet port, you can also do plug-and-play radar - Humminbird has a neat 12" HD radar that you can get if you want it. 

Are you using a transom-mount transducer?  If so, make sure it's in a place with a clean water flow off the hull to get best readings at higher speeds.

These are popular units and the gimbal mount makes it easy to remove.  My advice is to remove it when your boat is not in use - otherwise someone else may do that for you.   

[daniel123]

I've got a new 859 ci HD that I plan to put on my 1999 200 Osprey to replace a 798 si CI that's there now. I know I'll need to replace the universal mount; now I'm wondering if I'll need to replace the transducer since the 798 is/was a side scan model. I'd also like to learn more about that plug-and-play radar option, and would appreciate any feedback from members who may have some experience using that?

[Capt. Bob]

A cross reference of Hummingbird transducers list the following:

798 si CI - XNT 9 SI 180T #71022

The 859 ci HD DI Combo - XNT 9 DI T #7102261

It does not list compatibility between the two units as far as the transducer is concerned. My guess is you need a new, product specific for the 859 unit.

http://humminbirdtransducers.com/HumminbirdTransducers.htm

Good luck.

[daniel123]

Would you consider the non-side-scanning 859 ci HD a significant improvement over the side-scanning 798 si model I already have rigged on the Osprey? Going to the 800 series I'd need to change out the transducer and the universal head mount that has kept me an H-bird fan for years since they have been so easy to use as I updated units from the 500, 600 and 700 series that all fit it. They 800's base is different. Then again, the screen is a lot wider, but that seems like one of the few advantages. And I have an 859 in hand, so going to an si isn't an option. I welcome any input.