Best reasonable priced chart plotter

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Richard D

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Been trying to select a reasonably priced chart plotter, never had one before so no experience as to know what to look for, so looking for advice from those who know. My preferences would be for one that takes navionics charts and hopefully has a track record of not having problems as I am not good with modern technology. Like the look of the lowrance HD5M Gen 2 any thoughts either for or against, or a better choice,. Cheers Richard
 
Standard Horizon 300 has given me Stirling service . Expect someone will be along in a minute to say they are rubbish though .
 
+1 for the Garmin GPSMAP750

However an IPad with Navionics takes some beating, plus you can use it to access this forum (well it has to have some disadvantages !)
 
Richard D said:
Been trying to select a reasonably priced chart plotter, never had one before so no experience as to know what to look for, so looking for advice from those who know. My preferences would be for one that takes navionics charts and hopefully has a track record of not having problems as I am not good with modern technology. Like the look of the lowrance HD5M Gen 2 any thoughts either for or against, or a better choice,. Cheers Richard
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You'll get almost as many different recommendations as you would if you asked the forum what car to buy! The main things to look for are screen size (the bigger the better) and screen definition (the more pixels the better). Larger screens are easier to use, especially in poor weather. Higher definition screens give a crisper, clearer image which is easier to work with. I've had both C-Map and Navionics plotters and I don't think there's any real difference between them in terms of cartography. I personally wouldn't consider Garmin, as they use proprietary charts and have a history of discontinuing support for charts, rendering plotters effectively obsolete.
 
clyst said:
Standard Horizon 300 has given me Stirling service . Expect someone will be along in a minute to say they are rubbish though .
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Yes they are rubbish you are much better off with a SH 300i superb performance at a reasonable price. Seriously though I believe any of the SH chart plotter products are very good it just depends on what your requirements are and what your wallet can afford. Remember that you may require an electronic map on top of the price you pay for the chart plotter.
 
Researched this over a few months including past magazine right ups and it came down to Standard Horizon & Garmin. I went for the Garmin 551s but if I had the money and more of a need to use one would go for the 750. Sounds as though the SH is the one for you!
 
I have to agree with superheat, Navionics on an iPhone or iPad is cracking. There is little better than navigating your way down a narrow, hidden channel without lots of dashing down to the chart table or having the crew shout "right a bit! left a bit!" (and other highly technical language (viz. expletives). The battery life is a concern though! I get about half a day of use out of my iPhone when using it for navigation, so just use it sparingly at points when I really need it. I have seen people having their iPads, in a waterproof case on constant charge, velcrowed into into their cockpit - something I will do when I can afford an iPad! For primary navigation I use those moth eaten, scribbled on, old paper things and my Yeoman compact.

Mark

www.albinballad.co.uk
 
I have the Standard Horizon 300 which is really good. SH provide excellent customer service too which is important. I also have a Garmin Montana hand held plotter which acts as a back up and for use in RIB's etc..

If money was no object, I'd go for the Garmin fixed units but do prefer the C-maps which SH use. Given the cost of electronic charts, I would hang off till you get a UK portfolio bundled for free with your plotter as this will save you hundreds. I did this with both units I have.
 
January 2012's Yachting Monthly carried a group test of plotters under £500. Well worth a read if only to see what features the different ones have and how easy the test panel found them to use. Maybe a little more choice on the market now, but principles will still hold. And the way electronics go, the prices may well have fallen.

PM me if you'd like me to send it to you.
 
My thanks to all very much appreciated, seen a 7inch lowrance with navionics charts on net last night for £609, seems a bargain, Cheers
 
Richard D said:
Redcar Marine
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Ah, OK. You need to be aware that the Navionics Silver cartography offered in that deal is extremely basic. It has very limited features, no tidal data, no port plans, can't be zoomed in properly and can't be updated. You'd be far better getting Navionics Gold.
.
 
MagicalArmchair said:
Navionics on an iPhone or iPad is cracking. There is little better than navigating your way down a narrow, hidden channel without lots of dashing down to the chart table or having the crew shout "right a bit! left a bit!"
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Sorry, that's a daft comparison as a plotter will also be mounted in the cockpit.

Pete
 
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