A fixed Chart plotter or a handheld gps map ?

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Enya

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I do not have electronic charts on the boat but am thinking it is time I did. It would need to be in the cockpit but removable when the boat is left as it might get stolen.

I see the choice as between a small plotter such as a Garmin 551 and a handheld Gps map 78 but can the small chart plotter be connected so it is removable at the end of the day?

Any comments based on experience, particularly of the 78 welcome.
 
I used a Map 76, with it's built in rough world chart, for many years. It is a sort of
B & W forerunner of the Map 78. Despite it's limited resolution I found it very usable. With a tiny colour plotter much hinges on how much of the detail you can switch out, in order to reduce clutter.

Have a go at filling in your profile, most useful advice will take into consideration the boat you have and where you sail it.
 
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I just bought an Advansea T56, which comes with a very impressive mounting with a quick detach feature. It has decent resolution of 480 x 640. There is a smaller and cheaper version called the T50 with a 240 x 320 pixel display that uses the same mounting bracket.
 
Netbook or i-pad

I use a Netbook (under £300) with GPS dongle and then I get a big screen, I can take it home to do planning and with wifi in port I can get weather and other internet services all on the same device. I usually secure it at the chart table when sailing and hook it up to the 12V utility socket. There's a whole range of chart software that will run on it. I can use it in the cockpit should I ever want to. Operating with a mouse is much easier than most touch-screens, especially when the boat is leaping around in waves. Probably an i-pad would be a good choice if I were to look today.:rolleyes:
 
I have just got hold of a second-hand Garmin 620. It is one of the marine/road crossover types but more marine focussed with a proper cradle and NMEA connection. The idea is I can leave it at the chart table connected to the DSC but, if needed, can come up to the cockpit as a tabletesque plotter. I can then also take it home with me to keep it out of harms way.
 
Posted many times before by others so at the risk of opening the debate again navionics on a android or iPhone/pad etc. IMHO is nearly as good as a hand held plotter, and I'd try that first if that technology is already in your grasp.
That said I find while costal cruising of all the option I like my handheld garmin Etrex hcx with charts the most useful, it lives in a cockpit locker easy to use and "to hand", and waterproof.
 
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Enya said:
I can the small chart plotter be connected so it is removable at the end of the day?
Click to expand...

Yes. Probably the only connection it will need is power, so you just fit a 12v socket in the cockpit of a suitable waterproof type, and put a matching plug on the end of the plotter's cable.

Pete
 
I have Navionics UK and Holand charts and plotter on my smart phone, I also have Visitmyharbour Uk and Ireland charts on my note book and intend to upgrade next year to their full UK and Ireland notebook chartplotter.
I also carry paper charts and prefer to check my nav on these, JIC.:eek:
 
You have provided me with food for thought.
I do not need a plotter for getting around in good weather as I am quite happy with paper charts and a GPS. My need is for the bad weather when ipads, etc would not cope as not waterproof. Hence the handheld or detachable plotter. the Advansea seems a good idea but if the etrex really works with charts than it sounds even better as I guess it is less expensive.

I see that Force 4 have been offering an etrex vista with on board chart for £200. Does that seem good value? Can you really see where you are going on one?
 
Enya said:
You have provided me with food for thought.
I do not need a plotter for getting around in good weather as I am quite happy with paper charts and a GPS. My need is for the bad weather when ipads, etc would not cope as not waterproof. Hence the handheld or detachable plotter. the Advansea seems a good idea but if the etrex really works with charts than it sounds even better as I guess it is less expensive.

I see that Force 4 have been offering an etrex vista with on board chart for £200. Does that seem good value? Can you really see where you are going on one?
Click to expand...

Good question,I'd like to hear the answer to that one also as I just bought a Magellan 410 map for 3 quid in a charity shop a short while ago......it does seem awfully piddly for any serious chartwork.
 
I have my CP180i plotter on a home made hinge out bracket so it's inside the boat when closed up, viewable from the helm when under way, quite easy to do...

P6010013.jpg
 
Enya said:
I do not have electronic charts on the boat but am thinking it is time I did. It would need to be in the cockpit but removable when the boat is left as it might get stolen.

I see the choice as between a small plotter such as a Garmin 551 and a handheld Gps map 78 but can the small chart plotter be connected so it is removable at the end of the day?

Any comments based on experience, particularly of the 78 welcome.
Click to expand...

I have a Garmin 172C, predecessor of the 551 (I think) and would recommend it or something similar. As you say it is needed when the weather is poor, I feel if you sail short handed or like many of us are not brilliant below decks in rough conditions then the cockpit is the right place, if you really want, have a second unit at chart table. Should be easy to disconnect and take home, you can also connect to a DSC radio for emergency use. I suspect a handheld would be harder to use when the chips were down, you also have to ensure the batteries are OK.
 
V1701 said:
I have my CP180i plotter on a home made hinge out bracket so it's inside the boat when closed up, viewable from the helm when under way, quite easy to do...

P6010013.jpg
Click to expand...

I was thinking the same but how did you fix it so it's stays out or in :confused: I was thinking about maybe using something flexible so I wouldn't break the bracket if i had to dive into the cockpit suddenly :eek: E.g a flexible desk lamp stand, camera tripod gorilla thing etc.
 
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