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Affordable 12" GPS Plotter
- Thread starter IdleUp
- Start date
I bought my 2nd E-80 display at a good discount on eBay. Check out a thread on here about warranty issues with eBay merchandise. A few things to be aware of but Raymarine will honor their warranty for the most part, regardless of where purchased.
In terms of absolute dollars spent, I suspect a PC will be the cheapest but by no means the most rugged, convenient, etc.
Warren
In terms of absolute dollars spent, I suspect a PC will be the cheapest but by no means the most rugged, convenient, etc.
Warren
Not sure if it would be of any interest in this case but I do have a C-80 that I purchased new, from Raymarine as a spare and which is now surplus to my current requirements.
Unit works fine, has only seen a couple of hours service, is in original packing with cables etc but clearly does not have warranty since it was pre-owned by me. Also does not have map chip.
If any C-Brat is interested please PM me.
Merv
Unit works fine, has only seen a couple of hours service, is in original packing with cables etc but clearly does not have warranty since it was pre-owned by me. Also does not have map chip.
If any C-Brat is interested please PM me.
Merv
matt_unique
New member
IdleUp":ivbrlflj said:I'm really looking for a 12" display what about other brands (JR Fruno etc.)
Does it make sense to go with the depth finder with these units or just get a seperate unit
I thought about this a lot too. I decided to go with a separate unit in case the primary nav system failed. Plus I only wanted a depth number (I don't fish) and the fish finder for my Furuno system would have been quite a bit more money. Some also prioritize a fish finder for the bottom composition information.
Personally, I look at the available cartography. You boat mostly on a lake--and so you want to see who has the best charts of that lake. C map, Navionics, Garmin are the principles. Garmin is the easiest to use. There have been some comments about the touch screens on The Hull Truth electronics forum. I prefer buttons--rather than touch screens. Touch screens may be more difficult in rough weather...
I also prefer separate screens. But with a 12" you will be OK with both on the same screen. The issue of redundancy is important. I had an LCD screen with only 150 hours fail--(not boat nav screen)-I use two different chart plotters and two different cartography chips. Also if you are going to travel a lot, consider hard drive units--some have all of the lake and coastal charts in the chart plotter.'
I personally have two 7" chart plotters (one is half depth sounder). I find these are adequate at the speeds of the Tom Cat. Plus a 7" radar. I like to have the chart plotter just below my line of vision, so I don't have to divert my eyes much from the water in front of the boat.
Do some mock ups of the various size screens to see what will fit best and give the best vision.
Quality of units: Furuno best. Garmin next--probably RayMarine--then Simrad/Sitex (less publicity, but good units), Lowrance (I have had excellent service from Lowrance, others have had problems). Also Standard Horizon produces good units.
I also prefer separate screens. But with a 12" you will be OK with both on the same screen. The issue of redundancy is important. I had an LCD screen with only 150 hours fail--(not boat nav screen)-I use two different chart plotters and two different cartography chips. Also if you are going to travel a lot, consider hard drive units--some have all of the lake and coastal charts in the chart plotter.'
I personally have two 7" chart plotters (one is half depth sounder). I find these are adequate at the speeds of the Tom Cat. Plus a 7" radar. I like to have the chart plotter just below my line of vision, so I don't have to divert my eyes much from the water in front of the boat.
Do some mock ups of the various size screens to see what will fit best and give the best vision.
Quality of units: Furuno best. Garmin next--probably RayMarine--then Simrad/Sitex (less publicity, but good units), Lowrance (I have had excellent service from Lowrance, others have had problems). Also Standard Horizon produces good units.
I had separate ff and chart units on my boat. Because of the limited visability in the cockpit of an angler, I later opted to go with a combined unit to unclutter the dash. Then I had a problem with the chart plotter portion and learned the obvious benefit of having separate units.(I was then down both for almost a month while it was fixed). If you don't need a fancy ff there are hundreds of used options out there cheap.
When choosing your new chart unit, whatever you choose, keep in mind the types of charts it will take, their cost, and if you have some now, the cost of replacement if you go to another chip format. Also consider whether or not you might ever want to add radar, etc. What a "racket" those chart companies have (expensive, lousy service, no warranties, no exchanges if you relocate, poor upgrade programs like 75% to upgrade each year, poor web sites and almost no portability to new units. Then they pretty much limit the market for your used unit to only the local market).
With Raymarine only the E systems will take the new fancy Platinum CF charts. Certain others will take NT+ but not the newer MAX SD formats. The Ray E's are nice, but not inexpensive even with rebates. If you buy a used unit, make sure you get an original proof of purchase from the seller if it is still in the warranty period as it is needed by Ray, and probably others, to process under the standard warranty.
You must have a large boat if you can conveniently fit a 12. I'm jealous.
Chris
When choosing your new chart unit, whatever you choose, keep in mind the types of charts it will take, their cost, and if you have some now, the cost of replacement if you go to another chip format. Also consider whether or not you might ever want to add radar, etc. What a "racket" those chart companies have (expensive, lousy service, no warranties, no exchanges if you relocate, poor upgrade programs like 75% to upgrade each year, poor web sites and almost no portability to new units. Then they pretty much limit the market for your used unit to only the local market).
With Raymarine only the E systems will take the new fancy Platinum CF charts. Certain others will take NT+ but not the newer MAX SD formats. The Ray E's are nice, but not inexpensive even with rebates. If you buy a used unit, make sure you get an original proof of purchase from the seller if it is still in the warranty period as it is needed by Ray, and probably others, to process under the standard warranty.
You must have a large boat if you can conveniently fit a 12. I'm jealous.
Chris
Thanks Bob,
Looks like i have some homework to do - Seems like the older button units are the best buy with Garmin some of the Ranger guys are using the C-120 & E-120.
I agree looking at the price of the sounder and transducer for the big units (12") I can easily get a full featured depth display for less.
Looks like i have some homework to do - Seems like the older button units are the best buy with Garmin some of the Ranger guys are using the C-120 & E-120.
I agree looking at the price of the sounder and transducer for the big units (12") I can easily get a full featured depth display for less.