Chartplotters

BrianCarr

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2 Jan 2004
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For the last two years (my first two years of boating) I have used a Compaq Ipaq with a Navman sleeve as my chartplotter and very good it was to. Unfortunately the battery is fading and the screws to open it up and replace it are now so chewed up I am not hopeful of it being of use for much longer.

I would be grateful for recommendations of a dedicated chartplotter with a colour screen at the lower end of the price range. I have just traded up to a Draco 25 with a diesel engine that will give me more scope. It will be located in an open cockpit and an integral antenna should be OK.
 
I have looked into this but I recon we are at the vhs/ betamax point in time and it could go either way with the software. I know this doesnt help!
 
I bought a Lowrance 3300c last year which I think is excellent if you don't mind a 5" screen, although it does have a seperate gps receiver. I paid £380 plus £220 for the chart.
You may get a deal on this model as it's now been replaced by the 3500 which I think has more pixels.
 
Hi

A lot depends on your budget and if you want mono or colour.

If you want to check out prices I would recommend JG Technologies in Weymouth. They have a web site http://www.jgtech.co.uk/page3.htm and include postage in the price and very quick delivery.

The thing to bear in mind if buying from the USA is VAT and import duty unless you know someone out there to send it as a present.

I bought my Navman 5510 from the states with map card and still got it cheaper at the time. That was over a year ago.

You will also need to purchase a map card to check the prices of those when looking at plotters. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

I have a web site (non commercial) which is based on fishing boats and the equipment used by the owners of the equipment have a look at what others think of what they have bought/used. http://fishing_boats.tripod.com/

I would suggest go for the biggest screen size you can afford and if posible go for colour it does make it better but I have to say my mono version works find.
/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
 
Re: Chart plotters

Depends on what your budget is, but take a good long look at 276c from Garmin. Superb bit of kit for what you want and expect. Higher end of price range, but it's recommendations on these forums speak volumes
 
I can also recommend the lowrance. The antenna is about the size of an icehockey puk-you could either screw it or use double sided tape. NOTE- the antenna doesnt take its power from the plotter so remember to also connect the antenna to your power supply. In effect, this isnt any extra work, unless you dont do it , in which case you will have many an annoying hour wondering whats wrong!! Alos, you can indeed split the screen into two screens, but you cannot adjust those screen sizes, although the manual says you can. Minor niggle, but otherwise, seems excellent and importantly, the menus are pretty logical. No need to rummage for the manual each time you want to do something
 
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