Chart Plotters

[Exmoor]

I am considering buying a Chart plotter, proberbly a 4" or 5" model
I am perplexed about the array of plotters , manufactures etc
Could someone give some advice about a plotter suitable for a novice, and also which digital chart system is best ie c-map, Navionics, etc. I intend to cruise around California Baja and the se of cortez
Thanks

Jonn

[S/V Illusion]

I'm sure you will get lots of opinions as everyone has their favorite and reasoning behind that choice. What I would tell a friend is to go to West Marine or your local marine store which displays a myriad of choices, play with each one and make your decision based on your requirements and needs. About the only other suggestion I'd make is don't let anyone else dissuade you from a specific brand or manufacturer. I've seen the most expensive fail out of the box just as often as the cheapest model and they all have warranties. All of the common manufacturers wouldn't stay in business if they didn't honor them so also don't be dissuaded my one person's service experience.

Lastly, once you figure out the best option for your needs, take it outside to make sure the display is visible in bright sunlight.

[mrm]

Probably another point to consider is ... charts
I.e. coverage, accuracy, updates, pricing.
Chart plotter without charts is not much.

Also ability to integrate and present data from a range of sensors on board and a way this data is presented may have more individual appeal on some models than on others.

One more thing. Even if specs for a particular unit look good on paper, verify everything works as you expect. For example, there are some units which advertise capability to overlay AIS data and radar data. What they don't advertise is that it can be only one overlay at a time...

[foamcore]

I'm in the same place as you. Looking for something portable so I can carry it from inside helm to outside helm, don't want the expense and complexity of repeaters. Don't care about inputs for sounder or radar. Something I can remove and take with me when I leave the boat for a prolonged time. Garmin 640 looks good to me.

[barnakiel]

I like the SH 180 model.

I also like some big models. But they are more expensive.

b.

[Cotemar]

Exmoor,

Take a look at the Garmin 740s with a 7"display
1) Color
2) Touch screen
3) Pre-loaded charts
4) built in GPS anntena
5) NMEA 2000
6) Accepts radar input
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=148&pID=37721

I have a Garmin 5208, but if this was out at the time I would have bought this instead.

Mark

[Noname]

Garmin 545s or the latest version. its portable and has lots of functionality for its price.

[barnakiel]

Yep. Also the Garmin touch screen 5 inch new things alike TomTom are very fine. Here:

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=148&pID=14893

They do not allow for radar but accept AIS.

Cheers,
barnie

[knottygurl]

RAYMARINE INC. Chartplot at West Marine

this one is on sale for 799.00
west marine has it, the sales guy at my store has it and said it was fantastic

[bljones]

IMO, the best value today is the Lowrance Elite 5G. 5" screen, NMEA 2000 compatible, AND Navionics gold charts pre-loaded.

http://radioworld.ca/gps-marine-char...5g-p-7432.html

[dacust]

Originally Posted by bljones

IMO, the best value today is the Lowrance Elite 5G. 5" screen, NMEA 2000 compatible, AND Navionics gold charts pre-loaded.

Elite-5G [LOW-ELITE5G] - $660.00$599.00 : Radioworld

The description on their link doesn't match yours...

• Background Map World reference basemap or (U.S. models) over 3,000 enhanced lake maps with depth contour and shoreline detail, plus coastal depth contours/shoreline detail and spot depth soundings to 1,000 ft./305 m
• Custom Mapping Optional Navionics® Gold chartcards (U.S. & worldwide) and Fishing Hot Spots® and LakeMaster® mapcards (U.S.) in microSD format
• NMEA Output NMEA 0183

-dan

[bljones]

You're right- the HDS-5 is NMEA 2000, the Elite models are 0183. Sorry about that.

[Captain G]

Anybody have any experience with the Raymarine E-Series Widescreen? Looking at the E-120.

Captain G.