chart plotters?

[onleyb]

Hello!
I'm after buying an average chart plotter for around £500. I'm looking at the Garmin 172 which is about £429. It takes bluechart cards and I was wondering if any one can recommend a plotter or the blue chart cards
cheers Bob

 

[makkers]

Bob

I have the 172c and I can recommend it as a unit. The charts cant comment as I havent had the chance to really use it but the detail is there. I went for the Garmin based on familiarity of Garmin units and its good value, but its horses for courses really.

Others may recommend the Navman or Lowrance based on the charts (CMap etc) that they use and their compatability with other manuafacturers plus the support / upgrades etc, I dont think Garmins Blue charts have as good a repuatution.

Hunt around, you can get the 172 cheaper than that try the links below.....

Marine Super Store

Yacht Bits

 

[Whitelighter]

I have been Very Very pleased with my Navman 5500 Colour. Uses CMap which can be purchased at most chandlery, with some providing instand down load for your desired cruising area.

I have not had a plotter befor, but found the Navman very easy to use, with every function easily accesible and the feel that they are all in 'just the right place'. Good colour screen and very accurate. You might also consider the 5600, same basic unit but with a bigger screen - I sadly didnt have the space. I dont know exactly how much they cost as Essex Boatyards chuched mine in with the deal on my new boat - but they cant be that pricey for them to do that!!!

 

[Black_Pearl]

Couldn't be happier with our 172c
lightning fast hi res screen
Latest Ver7 blue charts are very good plus you can route plan
at home & view your previous tracks ~ learn from mistakes!
I think the blue chart coverage is pretty good value if you buy the cd & a blank data card you can send the charts to the 172 from your PC via serial cable


Oh & MES have it on special offer for £399
http://www.mesltd.co.uk/Products/system/indexspec.htm

 

[Its_Only_Money]

I too have a navman - the 5600 but other than screen size and waypoint memory it is identical in features to the 5500. The big problem for me is that Bluechart is a Garmin-only format AFAIK so having bought into the charts you are stuck with Garmin plotters.

I'm afraid I don't subscribe to the "choose cartography first" school - I went for the plotter I found most intuitive then checked the cartography was acceptable (I carry paper charts too), at 20+ kts I find this a better compromise for me.

 

[gjgm]

I ve found Lowrance to be clear, and pretty intuitive.. you know, you dont keep having to get the manual out to recall how to get to a function! Think there s a new model just (about) out with even better screen, but 3300 seems fine in daylight to me. I think that the screen size is very very related to the price; even 1/2 inch seems significant.
just one point on the lowrance; even though you power the unit, and the antenna connects to the unit, you MUST also power the antenna. Think quite a few of us have spent a few frustrating hours wondering why it would work !
Previously, i like Garmin, but dont really want to be tied to their own charts; got you by the shorts, really...

 

[Nauti Fox]

Got a Garmin 182C and it does all I want, but as others have said you are tied to Blue Chart which works very well (including tide tables which are very handy) but is more expensive than most.
I must admit to sticking to what I knew worked well from the flying world, I figured if it worked well enough at 160Kts then it should be OK down here. So far it has'nt let me down and they're customer service is excellent.