Chartplotters - UK v USA

[Mike_S]

OK, may be a numpty post here but having done a quick search I've not turned up the answer.

I'm looking for a chartplotter / fishfinder, so what's to stop me from getting one from the good ole Yoo Knighted States ? Are they on a different setup ? Will it still work / link up to my Raymarine 54E DSC VHF or is there some fundamental thing I've missed out on ?

Given the exchange rate, the Raymarine A65 with transponder etc can be had for $1000, rather than the £1000+ they are over here and I happen to have a friend going over there next month...

I shall now sit back and await the first post calling me a numpty /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Cheers

Mike.

 

[RobWales]

NUMPTY !

PS don't know the answer but you did asked to be called it hey?

 

[Mike_S]

I did indeed ask for that. Trust a welshman eh ! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Assuming of course from your location that you are (and said by a mancunian dispossessed in Cardiff) /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

Lots of people seem to be doing just what you have suggested....

Some things, like VHFs are CE approved, and indeed are slightly differently set up for US operation, and would be illegal in Europe, but for a chartplotter, then there is no reason I can think of, if you can get the right price.... be aware of the risk of import duties when transiting customs though......

 

[Mike_S]

To be honest I'm not surprised given the current market situations.

Even taking into account the import duties, they're still getting on for half the price of any UK supplier I've found (looking online). The A65 for example is anything from a grand to £1400 over here and I've got no intention of spending that kind of money, my budget was nearer to £500 so I'd prefer to spend that on some higher quality gear from the states if that's at all possible.

 

[xcw]

I bought a Navman 5600 + Eurpoean charts in the US. Saved close on 50% of the UK cost. Go for it! I think they call it the free market!

 

[Garryt]

I recently bought a Lowrence H20C handheld GPS from the US for £150.00 including delivery and that works a treat!

Garry

 

[RobWales]

[ QUOTE ]
I did indeed ask for that. Trust a welshman eh ! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Assuming of course from your location that you are (and said by a mancunian dispossessed in Cardiff) /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Yep,Welsh and proud,Mike.
Penarth hey? much nicer coastline than Manchester!

 

[Mike_S]

Yeah, the old Manchester ship canal's not a patch on Penarth /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

To the chap that bought the Navman from the states, did you link it to a DSC VHF ? If so, does it communicate OK ?

 

[gibbowolfie]

[ QUOTE ]
Some things, like VHFs are CE approved

[/ QUOTE ]

Er, all products bar consumables and a few others must be CE approved for sale in EU.

 

[duncan]

actually they are required to be CE approved for installation as well as sale - as the responder was indicating himself.

back to the original question - if you are prepared to take the chance on CE approval issues (you naughty boy you) and either plan on declaring at customs and paying the 20% odd or walking innocently through the green zone 'cos you haven't any booze go right ahead.

One other consideration though is the worldwide nature of the warantee - most reputable companies now operate worldwide guarantees; some however go out of their way to support local sales and distribution by only offering local ones. If you buy through a major store (like West / BW) then you can always ship it back to them and they will deal with it.

 

[gibbowolfie]

That's not what was said Duncan, but it was off topic.

 

[duncan]

please accept my sincere appologies - I acted in haste. In my defence I was focusing on the responsibility being as much on installation as sale but that's no excuse.

sorry

 

[Mike_S]

[ QUOTE ]
back to the original question - if you are prepared to take the chance on CE approval issues (you naughty boy you) and either plan on declaring at customs and paying the 20% odd or walking innocently through the green zone 'cos you haven't any booze go right ahead.

[/ QUOTE ]

Hadn't intended on trying to avoid paying duty, even including the duty they're still *substantially* cheaper from the US.

I'm sure the sparky I use for any electrical works on the boat won't be too impressed at the chartplotter though, considering he's the local Raymarine dealer /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[davesimmons]

What about buying the item from the EU? i.e. I am looking for a HandHeld VHF which as far as I can understand would be illegal from the US but what about Spain / France etc. (Not that there may be a saving)

 

[duncan]

[ QUOTE ]
I'm sure the sparky I use for any electrical works on the boat won't be too impressed at the chartplotter though, considering he's the local Raymarine dealer

[/ QUOTE ]

if it's not CE plated he will simply refuse to install

 

[duncan]

should be fine as it's all EU therefore shold be CE plated and type approved for EU.................

 

[Mike_S]

Exactly, which is why I'll be installing it myself if it's not marked.

 

[gibbowolfie]

[ QUOTE ]
please accept my sincere appologies

[/ QUOTE ]

Oh god don't worry Duncan. I'm not sensative at all mate! I was actually apologising myself for going off topic.

See I'm bored at work /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[Major Catastrophe]

[ QUOTE ]


if it's not CE plated he will simply refuse to install


[/ QUOTE ]

Quite right as well. These American versions of the same stuff (VHF's aside, due to different radio frequencies) you can buy here are deliberately made with exposed live wiring, sharp corners you can snag a fingernail on and have been known to pull a gun and shoot their owners in the middle of the night.

Do be careful as US sold Raymarines are death traps and kill millions of Americans every year.

Or, you can look at CE marking of global brands as just trade protectionism imposed by the EU.