Chartplotters

[fortynine]

Do chartplotters generally come with a chart installed or do you have to buy the charts separately. I find the adverts somewhat ambiguous. I am interested in the Lowrance Elite 7m but the descriptions talk of installing navionics charts 'at the standard price'.

 

[l'escargot]

Some do, some don't. I would go into a chandlers and check out the current offers as well - sometimes even a card that would be extra normally can be included as a 'special'.

 

[prv]

From what I've seen, most don't with the notable exception of Garmin. However, sellers like MES generally have a package deal on a chart with the plotter, so pricing them up independently can be misleading.

Pete

 

[pvb]

Do chartplotters generally come with a chart installed or do you have to buy the charts separately. I find the adverts somewhat ambiguous. I am interested in the Lowrance Elite 7m but the descriptions talk of installing navionics charts 'at the standard price'.

You should also note that some offers include a Navionics Silver UK chart - these Silver charts are very very basic and can't be updated, you'll be better off with a regular Navionics Gold chart.

 

[Boo2]

You should also note that some offers include a Navionics Silver UK chart - these Silver charts are very very basic and can't be updated, you'll be better off with a regular Navionics Gold chart.

This is true up to a point - my Raymarine e7 came with a Navionics Silver chart of the whole of the EU, including places like Norway. It's true that I wouldn't find it enough to navigate into harbours with but for general day dreaming it's rather nice to have.

Boo2

 

[johnalison]

My e7 also came with the Silver, which I have upgraded for my most used area. I think many would find silver adequate if used as recommended as an aid to navigation rather than a substitute for charts.

 

[winsbury]

My e7 also came with the Silver, which I have upgraded for my most used area. I think many would find silver adequate if used as recommended as an aid to navigation rather than a substitute for charts.

+1

And it improves the potential resale value of the plotter.

 

[V1701]

I had a bundled deal from Marine Superstore, chart was half price of normal & they let me choose a different one to the one stated on the offer. Standard Horizon CP180i...

 

[rivonia]

From what I've seen, most don't with the notable exception of Garmin. However, sellers like MES generally have a package deal on a chart with the plotter, so pricing them up independently can be misleading.

Pete

Garmin usually only comes with the very very basic one.

We had to buy all the charts and get the very best we could.

 

[SteveTibbetts]

Garmin usually only comes with the very very basic one.

We had to buy all the charts and get the very best we could.

I just used my new Garmin 451s for the first time (excellent service and price from Gael Force, no relation) and the plotter is as detailed as my paper charts.. Maybe it's just uk though?

 

[fortynine]

Thanks for all the replies. I asked Lowrance by email and they advise that the Elite 7 does not have any charts. I will have to do a bit of shopping around.

 

[l'escargot]

I just used my new Garmin 451s for the first time (excellent service and price from Gael Force, no relation) and the plotter is as detailed as my paper charts.. Maybe it's just uk though?

I bought a Garmin last year and it came with full charts as well as the basic one - in fact I only loaded the latest update, from the internet, for them last week.