Originally Posted by
Dickieboy
I did the research and bought a 981. The only difference is the 987 comes with a +/-$200 GPS receiver. My 981 came with a cable that I connected to my 'fairly modern' GPS which I already had. The GPS only acts as a receiver and the 981 uses its own software (which is the same as all H'birds with GPS capability) to generate the maps/tracks/waypoints. WORKS GREAT. The interface cable came with a bare wire to connect the two. I ended up paying $1,425 for it including shipping.
The resolution is tough to get used. I found that if you reduce the scan distance to something below 150' and only look one way it is real easy to differentiate targets. Still sceptical about 'seeing' fish but I have always been that way about sonar but with the power both units have they should to the best of all.
As to helping, I don't know yet. I can't seem to take the time to fish with all the crusing/searching. My schedule has allowed me to be on the water three times since I got it so I guess I am still within the learning curve. But have figured out a bunch and found several brushpiles, stake beds, laydowns and especially interconnecting creek channels/UW points that I have been passing for years.
Is it worth the money, hell yeah. I love mine and am sure will greatly reduce the searching after I find all there is to find. My 'milk run' of spots has increased 10 fold and gives me a ton of wind dependent choices. Now if I will just take the time to fish them. LOL