Which Garmin Chartplotter ?

[cliffdykes]

I am totally confused by the number of Garmin chartplotters on the market. I've worked out the sizing nomenclature but the rest of it is beyond me. Taking 8" screens for example, the following appear to be available:

4008, 4208, 5008, 5208, 6008, 6208.

There now also appears to be a 7000 series but not in this smaller size.

They all appear to support NMEA 2000 as well as 0183, and I see that the 5000 series has a touchscreen function, but is it just as simple as the 5000 being newer than the 4000 series, with each having some additional features or whatever?
Help!

Cheers
Cliff

[NewMoon]

The 4000 and 5000 series are different in that the 5000 is touch screen. 42xx and 52xx differ from 40xx and 50xx in that the x2xx models include built-in US coastal charts.

The 6000 and 7000 series are Garmin's new high-end gear.

Their newest is the 720/740 series, much less expensive and looks like a really good value if it has the function you need. https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=148

[Mule]

The 4208 was plenty of screen for me, but... it did not have the full numeric keypad. I have a 4 year old Garmin 76 ditch bag handheld backup and it does not have the keypad and it is a real pain to program. That being said I bought the 4210 for a few dollars more just for the keypad. I will be whining for advice on how to plug in a real alpha-numeric keyboard and mouse in the future, after I get the electronics into this tub. My sh.+ is in my small rented warehouse until I finish the fly bridge deck rebuild. Maybe next week.

The touch screen stuff was just too rich for my blood + the fact of fish guts and slime on the screen from other activities.

[canucksailor]

I've used Garmin since I bought my first handheld and now have an older 2010C that I bought largely because of the keypad - after having used too many Raymarine units on charterboats, I really appreciate the differences.
My one complaint is that it is a bit awkward in the cockpit due to its size - I'd go for the 8" screen for my next unit.
Also - Garmin customer service is superb - and that is reason enough to buy from them.

[Mambo]

Man, if you think the Garmin product lines are confusing, try the Lowrance! I think each chartplotter comes in no less than 15 submodels with dramatic price differences and no discernable product ID code.

[Highlander40]

Thing is... I have yet to meet a garmin owner that knows how to use it...

[CarlF]

The Garmin product set is pretty straightforward.

4000 - keypad
5000 - touch
6000 - keypad with new faster processor
7000 - touch with new faster processor

I thought the touch was a gimick until I tried using it. Picked Garmin (5000 series) over Furuno mostly because I find the touch more intuitive. You drag the chart around on the screen to pan instead of using buttons. Sort of Iphone vs. Blackberry. Really personal preference. I find the speed of the 4000/5000 to be fine (especially after a software update in the fall). Much faster than my previous 2003 era Raymarine but I assume new Raymarine's are faster too. The newest Garmin models are really fast. Not sure I'd be willing to pay the extra money for the speed.

I really find the larger amount of chart you can see on a 12 inch screen worth the extra money.

All of these Garmins support NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000 and Garmin's ethernet. You can (and I do) use all three at once. I've found the Garmin's to be better than average at compatibility with different inputs.

Really, all of the chartplotters are so much better than five years ago that you are likely to be happy with whatever you get.

Carl

[lane01]

Garmin just released a new value pack. It's a little higher then your budget but you may reconsider. It's the 740s value pack. 7" touch screen depth, chart ploter with 18" radar dome and comes per loaded with G2 chip set