Chart Plotters

[Halcyon Yachts]

I am considering investing in a new Chart Plotter, and was hoping for some recommendations?

I require something small and portable, yet with good global coverage.

I currently have a net book with cmap charts of the world, which is great for passage information, but can be difficult to use at sea (vulnerable to the elements and difficult to secure). I have used a Garmin (quite an old hand held plotter) and found the screen to be so small that it was barely worth using...

I always carry paper charts along with my trusty Etrex, but thought I might treat myself to a new toy - but which one?

 

[A1Sailor]

I am considering investing in a new Chart Plotter, and was hoping for some recommendations?

I require something small and portable, yet with good global coverage. I have used a Garmin (quite an old hand held plotter) and found the screen to be so small that it was barely worth using... I always carry paper charts along with my trusty Etrex

I'm thinking of buying a handheld "plotter" for UK cycle touring and also coastal cruising. So OK - spill the beans. Which Garmin hand held plotter has such a small screen that it is barely worth using? And what makes the (Garmin) Etrex "trusty"?

Thanks.

(There's a summary of makes & models and prices at http://www.buyo.co.uk/outdoor-gps~1117.htm)

 

[Halcyon Yachts]

It was one of the first colour Garmin plotters - I forget the model name... The screen size was very small, making the chart imagery almost useless.

The Etrex; I have described as "trusty" as it was extremely cheap, very basic, and very reliable. I am however looking for a portable plotter - not just a GPS.

Thanks for the link - The screens look much better on the newer models. It'd be nice to hear from someone who has used one of the newer hand held plotters..

 

[maxi77]

I have the Standard Horizon CP300, and my only regret is I didn't have the budget to get the bigger one. It has got me from the East Coast of Scotland to Northern Portugal with no problems, is easy to use and plan passages with. Of course if I was designing it there are things I would change but is is a servicable and good bit of kit

 

[tudorsailor]

I am considering investing in a new Chart Plotter, and was hoping for some recommendations?

I require something small and portable, yet with good global coverage.

I currently have a net book with cmap charts of the world, which is great for passage information, but can be difficult to use at sea (vulnerable to the elements and difficult to secure). I have used a Garmin (quite an old hand held plotter) and found the screen to be so small that it was barely worth using...

I always carry paper charts along with my trusty Etrex, but thought I might treat myself to a new toy - but which one?

Why not link your trusty eTrex to your laptop using a usb cable. As you probably know, the eTrex will pick up a signal through the ceiling of the saloon. Then download OpenCPN and source the charts on the Net. Alternatively use your cmap charts. You will then have a fully functioning free chartplotter!

TudorSailor

 

[Clyde_Wanderer]

I have the Navman 5607 plotter which I find a wonderful bit of kit, easy to use and set up, great daylight viewability.

The Navman are no longer made, but the Northstar are the American version of them and still available, the (I think) 567 being the equivelant to the 5607.
N star also make smaller ones.
C_W

 

[maxi77]

OOOOOH course up, that would drive me batty

 

[Clyde_Wanderer]

OOOOOH course up, that would drive me batty

Always use course up, and havent went batty yet, well not that I know of.
All depwnds on which you look at things!
Why would one have their projected course or track shown across or diagonally on the screen when they are actually heading towards the top of the plotter anyway?
I'll stick with N up.
C_W

 

[clyst]

Always use course up, and havent went batty yet, well not that I know of.
All depwnds on which you look at things!
Why would one have their projected course or track shown across or diagonally on the screen when they are actually heading towards the top of the plotter anyway?
I'll stick with N up.
C_W

Because "charts" are North up ?

 

[ianfr]

I have a Standard Horizon CP180 and it is a well built bit of kit which I am very happy with. As per OP I wish I had the budget for a larger screen, but then I would need a larger boat

I use mine North up, as I can visualise things better that way, but I guess that is why they all give you the option.

Ian