kazbaz2
New member
i have just been offered a simrad ce33 does anyone have any experienceof these? i was about to get a garmin 176 but this simrad is supposed to be the dogs..
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gps plotter etc
- Thread starter kazbaz2
- Start date
HaraldS
New member
Guess you know that one of the decisions to make in this case is for the charts. Simrad use C-Map NT+, Garmin have their proprietary charts that only work on Garmin gear, which are provided by russian Transas.
Garmin Charts are somehwat cheaper than C-Map NT+.
My brother has the small Garmin GPS-MAP76s, and I have the larger Simrad. gear (CA42).
I looked at both chart sets and compared areas that I know well. I have not found a case where the Garmin Bluecharts provided better detail, many cases where they are on par, and quite a few where coverage of Bluecharts isn't so good. An example would be the Azores.
I think the user-interface on the bigger Simrad is the same, and we like it a lot.
Build quality of Simrad stuff is at least one notch up over anything else I have on board.
I also understand the Garmin equipment is very relaible and their support excellent. Have a small Garmin for may years without a problem.
Been more than pleased with the Simrad support in the UK: On very short notice they updated my software and replaced the C-Map reader module, to work with the new NT+ cartriges, picked the stuff up from the boat, and brought it back the next day, all without charge.
So it seems you have to choose from very good companies, tough problem.
<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.taniwani.de>http://www.taniwani.de</A>
Garmin Charts are somehwat cheaper than C-Map NT+.
My brother has the small Garmin GPS-MAP76s, and I have the larger Simrad. gear (CA42).
I looked at both chart sets and compared areas that I know well. I have not found a case where the Garmin Bluecharts provided better detail, many cases where they are on par, and quite a few where coverage of Bluecharts isn't so good. An example would be the Azores.
I think the user-interface on the bigger Simrad is the same, and we like it a lot.
Build quality of Simrad stuff is at least one notch up over anything else I have on board.
I also understand the Garmin equipment is very relaible and their support excellent. Have a small Garmin for may years without a problem.
Been more than pleased with the Simrad support in the UK: On very short notice they updated my software and replaced the C-Map reader module, to work with the new NT+ cartriges, picked the stuff up from the boat, and brought it back the next day, all without charge.
So it seems you have to choose from very good companies, tough problem.
<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.taniwani.de>http://www.taniwani.de</A>
PuffTheMagicDragon
Active member
I had the same impression regarding BlueCharts when they first came out. HOWEVER, when I replaced my extinct Garmin (1993 vintage) with a new Garmin (what else?) at the end of last month I asked to see the BlueChart of my area. What I saw was miles different from what I had seen before. The set is, in fact, a 176 and the chart in question is MEU0138R which covers an area including Tunisia and on east to Benghasi and north up to Capri, including Sardinia and Sicily. Suffice it to say that it puts me at 20ft from my pontoon at the marina; my boat is a Centaur, ie. 26feet, berthed 'bows-to', and the set is right by the companionway.......
This is in no way meant to knock Simrad or any other system. It is just that in August 2002 BlueCharts were upgraded to a level that had me impressed and wiped away all my hesitation.
I would suggest, obviously, that you should try to see the coverage of your normal cruising grounds. A visit to the Garmin website lets you see what charts were used, the scale, the publisher (British Admiralty, Istituto Navale, etc.) as well as the latest update.
I am evidently very pleased with my 176. Set and BlueChart cost me around 650 Euro.
Fair Winds!
<hr width=100% size=1>Wally
This is in no way meant to knock Simrad or any other system. It is just that in August 2002 BlueCharts were upgraded to a level that had me impressed and wiped away all my hesitation.
I would suggest, obviously, that you should try to see the coverage of your normal cruising grounds. A visit to the Garmin website lets you see what charts were used, the scale, the publisher (British Admiralty, Istituto Navale, etc.) as well as the latest update.
I am evidently very pleased with my 176. Set and BlueChart cost me around 650 Euro.
Fair Winds!
<hr width=100% size=1>Wally
HaraldS
New member
The Garmin Bluechart CD I was referring to is called Atlantic V 4.01, don't know how old it is, thought it was quite recent. The Med seems well covered on it.
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BrendanS
Well-known member
Totally agree
Everyone that's seen my Garmin 176c in action has been stunned. Same as you, I can see my boat on a pontoon (not just home one) within a very few metres just about anywhere on the south coast UK. The detail and accuracy is incredible.
And before anyone comments about all well and good on a pontoon, it's just as good at 40 knts.
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Everyone that's seen my Garmin 176c in action has been stunned. Same as you, I can see my boat on a pontoon (not just home one) within a very few metres just about anywhere on the south coast UK. The detail and accuracy is incredible.
And before anyone comments about all well and good on a pontoon, it's just as good at 40 knts.
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kazbaz2
New member
thanks lads for the info, there is another motive for the question i asked and will let on more tommorow regards barry
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Happy1
N/A
Just for everyones interest V5.0 of the Atlantic BlueChart was launched yesterday, or should I say authorised for despatch yesterday. I had bought one a few weeks ago and it was version 4.1, luckily I had problems unlocking the code and rang Garmin for help. Garmin kindly told me that if I waited a few weeks for the release of the V5.0 then if I had not unlocked mine prior to the release of V5.0 they would then upgrade me free to V5. what is IMPORTANT is that V5.0 now covers the whole of the South Coast up and round the Thames, this was on a seperate chart on V4.1 which meant having to buy two. I unlocked mine today as V4.1 and they are sending me a free upgrade for V5.0, this is good for me as I berth my boat at Chatham. The new chart covering such a large area is great value for money considering how many paper ones you would need, so perhaps research into the software is as important as the hardware /forums/images/icons/wink.gif
And another thing V5.0 now includes all the tides, but a free upgrade available via the download site on the Garmin site is required for the 176. This is yet another very useful bit of info from Garmin.
<font color=purple> "You only see what you recognise, and you only recognise what you know" <font color=purple>
And another thing V5.0 now includes all the tides, but a free upgrade available via the download site on the Garmin site is required for the 176. This is yet another very useful bit of info from Garmin.
<font color=purple> "You only see what you recognise, and you only recognise what you know" <font color=purple>
JerryHawkins
Member
I have the earlier model, the CP32 (not CE ie no fish finder). I've been very pleased with it. I also have Garmin hand-held GPS units and am very pleased with them.
So, both makes are good and both support organisations are good. Check the chart coverage for your intended cruising grounds and go with best (assuming price on each plotter is similar!)
Cheers,
Jerry
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So, both makes are good and both support organisations are good. Check the chart coverage for your intended cruising grounds and go with best (assuming price on each plotter is similar!)
Cheers,
Jerry
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chriswilliams29
New member
i have a ce33 plotter fishfinder and it is an excellent machine . easy to read etc
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