Visit our Popular Forums

Ziggy · 19-08-2017, 18:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by arisatx

We recently installed a Vision, but have not yet actively cruised with it. But here's another "screen" you can use onboard if you have an Android smartwatch:

https://www2.vespermarine.com/deckwatch

This is very cool. I don't usually go for the newest gadgets, but this is enough to get an android watch!

Stu Jackson · 19-08-2017, 20:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ziggy

This is very cool. I don't usually go for the newest gadgets, but this is enough to get an android watch!

Why? Really.

Paul L · 19-08-2017, 23:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stu Jackson

Why? Really.

Dah Stu, you buy a watch so you can tell what time it is.

TJ D · 20-08-2017, 01:17

Hi Noelex,

We've had the Vision here on Rocket Science for 4 years or so, and really like it. When we're offshore, it's typically the only screen that's on. We've found that the coastal outlines help a lot with general situational awareness.

We couldn't be happier with it.

It's a really good piece of kit. I'd definitely spring for the few hundred extra bucks if you decide to go the class b route.

rwidman · 20-08-2017, 08:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by noelex 77

........... Modern chart plotters have terrible anchor alarms ............

Where did you come up with that little bit of "wisdom"?

Our Garmin plotter has an effective and reliable anchor alarm. If the boat drifts out of the circle, the alarm sounds. What could be better than that?

conachair · 20-08-2017, 08:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by rwidman

Where did you come up with that little bit of "wisdom"?

Our Garmin plotter has an effective and reliable anchor alarm. If the boat drifts out of the circle, the alarm sounds. What could be better than that?

Most phone apps for starters, Opencpn as well. Only having a circle as alarm criteria might usually be fine but not always, for example near a channel when you want to be made aware of unforecast wind shifts so a cone as a zone works better. Or 2 hooks down and you want to know if one is dragging. Circle won't work, smart phones pull next to no power and work well. Most plotters are years behind.

**noelex 77** · 20-08-2017, 09:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by rwidman

Where did you come up with that little bit of "wisdom"?

Our Garmin plotter has an effective and reliable anchor alarm. If the boat drifts out of the circle, the alarm sounds. What could be better than that?

To work efficiently you have to centre the anchor alarm on the anchor location. Many modern chart plotters cannot do this, at least without some fiddly manoeuvring when dropping the anchor.

Are the latest Garmin units better?

Centring the alarm on the current position, which is how many chart plotters operate is OK if winds are from a reasonably steady direction, or if there are no problems with a long drag distance before the alarm activates, but this is not always the case. In addition, it is almost impossible to set a sector alarm that will activate if the boat swings in a particular direction.

Ironically, most tablets have better anchor alarms than marine chart plotters. Tablets can be a good solution, but this does introduce some other potential drawbacks.