Chart Plotter

ramos · Posted: Mon Oct 19, 2009 7:41 pm Post subject: Chart Plotter

Okay, I just vented on a different topic (warranty null & void) so now I can ask for opinions on a different subject. We have a 16C, so we do not want to spend an inordinate amount on electronics. We put a Garmin 300C fishfinder on it and like it. We do not have room for big displays, so I did not want a small split screen chart plotter/fishfinder. We are now considering adding a Garmin GPSMAP430. We would have a full screen (3.5" diagonal, don't laugh) fishfinder and, a dedicated (4" diagonal, I said, don't laugh) chart plotter. Think small, and let me know if my logic is on or off course. Thank You.

helm · Posted: Mon Oct 19, 2009 7:51 pm Post subject:

The standard horizon CPV 350 is a nice unit in a small package, but includes VHF which you might not need.
Eric

thataway · Posted: Mon Oct 19, 2009 9:51 pm Post subject:

I like to have as large a display as you can afford, but if you are close--which I suspect you are in a 16--then the 4" screen should be fine. In my opinion the Garmin chart plotters are the easiest to use, the screens are bright and good. They are not quite as versitile as some of the others--but you are not going to be putting Radar and many other peripherials, such as AIS on a 4" screen. I think your logic is right on.

However, I assume that you want the inland lake's/rivers on the hard drive, rather than coastal information. Second you are aware that the 430 has been superceeded by the 431, which has some better features, including faster redraw time, and perhaps better screens. This also means that you should be able to get a substantial discount on the 430 over the current best price on the 431. If the price is the same, then go with the 431.

ramos · Posted: Mon Oct 19, 2009 11:43 pm Post subject:

I'am aware of the 431 but, have not looked at the improvements because I have seen the improved price! Much to my chagrin, I have a budget.

mshepherd · Posted: Tue Oct 20, 2009 1:23 am Post subject:

Have you checked craigslist? I got a 10" Garmin 2010C for my C-Dory for $200.

Matt Gurnsey · Posted: Tue Oct 20, 2009 4:24 pm Post subject:

I find the new Garmin software for the current generation of plotters cumbersome and annoying.

STandard Horizon makes a nice plotter.

mshepherd · Posted: Tue Oct 20, 2009 6:38 pm Post subject:

http://www.tigergps.com/garmingpsmap3205.html

I almost bought that one before I bought mine off craigslist.

thataway · Posted: Tue Oct 20, 2009 6:52 pm Post subject:

Matt, have you compared the latest--that is the 431, 541 etc to the Standarad Horizon--There is considerable improvement. I agree that the latest Garmin is different--and take a little time to get used to. Perhaps in the long run, as there are more integrated systems (AIS, RADAR, Weather, etc) I believe that the plotters with the new soft ware will be both easier and faster. But it is difficult to change, since Garmin had used the same button sequences and standards for many years.

I have found that Garmin is always easier for less experienced folks to use--and the redraw time faster on the Garmin. (I have a Standard, Lowrance as well as Garmin I use regularly)

Plus and minus on the Standard is the map chips. They are good, but can get expensive, especially where as the Garmin has all of the lakes of the US built in--and they lake charts are good. (Or coastal if you wish). A plus on the Standard combo is that it does not require any wiring if you get the combo radio/chart plotter to see DSC locations on the chart--and for some this is very handy. I have been using Standard Horizon (Vertex) since 1965, and have some ham gear from the same manufacturer (Yaesu)--which is excellent.

The disadvantage of craigs list, many E-bay sites is that you are not dealing with dealers which will stand behind the product. Sort of like buying a new C Dory from one of these used car dealers who pick them up at the auctions!

There are a number of both good brick and motar stores which will match internet prices, and good internet sources, like our own Matt Unique, who are also dealers for the various products.

seabeagle · Posted: Tue Oct 20, 2009 9:20 pm Post subject:

Can't help you with the conservative chartplotter, I tend to go overboard. I'm really happy with my Garmin 5208 and I don't think its too big for the 16 Cruiser myself and the touchscreen is a big plus. With space being such a premium in a 16, I have thought long and hard about what was going to take up any space onboard. Avoid uni-task items when possible. Pricey though as I have equipped it.

ramos · Posted: Tue Oct 20, 2009 10:22 pm Post subject:

Seabeagle,
It is impressive what you have managed to squeeze on to your' boat, however, my budget will not allow me to even come close to what you have installed! My only complaint with multi-task units is that you risk losing multiple tools at one time. It happened to me at one time with my "state of the art" loran/depth finder (yes, that was a few decades in the past). Keep in mind that I cannot afford multiple multiples. I'am trying to cover my bases from a minimalist position. I did look at the Standard Horizon 180, seems that the graphics may not be up to Garmins' level out of the box. Upgrades (chips) seem to be more expensive, and I do not think I would be as likely to need to upgrade the Garmin unit. It is all a little confusing. I want to buy once, buy smart and be satisfied that we spent enough but, did not over buy. Hope this makes sense, I'm not much of a wordsmith!

mshepherd · Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2009 12:50 am Post subject:

JamesTXSD · Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2009 9:46 am Post subject:

You might look around eBay for a Garmin 176c or 276c. They aren't the newest or fanciest, but they are a portable chartplotter with a decent 4" screen that can run on 12v or AA batteries and can be found pretty reasonable on the auction sites. The Garmin BlueChart chips are not inexpensive, but those can also be found on eBay. As I mentioned recently in another thread, I use a 176c as my backup GPS; used to use it in the truck, but have updated to a Nuvi. I turn on the 176 right along with the Raymarine - keep the Raymarine set for track-up and the Garmin for north-up, on different scales. The Garmin was our main GPS on our sailboat for a few years before the C-Dory.

Matt Gurnsey · Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2009 2:22 pm Post subject:

Bob-

I like the resolution of the displays on the Garmin, and their charts are good, but the system of getting into the setup menu to change settings requires multiple key strokes, and then the exact same number of key strokes to get back out of.

I used Garmin 540 this year, and just found the menu sytem cumbersome.

The systems I prefer allow a one or two button exit from the menu back to the page I was using.

seabeagle · Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2009 7:38 pm Post subject:

breausaw · Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2009 8:53 pm Post subject:

Ron

If it were me and I was concerned with space I’d buy a Garmin Colorado 400c hand held GPS. I’ve got one for a backup and mount it with the suction cup holder next to my Garmin 172c; it does a fine job without and external antenna. When you stick it right there in front of your face on the dash the readout if great; I’ve never understood the giant screen fixation on one of these little boats, but to each their own.

Garmin 400c

Seriously, this is a nice GPS and West Marine has them on sale now for a tad over $300. It comes loaded with marine Blue Charts already so you don’t have to spend extra. We use it all the time when going ashore or taking hikes around Alaska, and you can buy road maps and mount it in your car.