Handheld GPS or Chartplotter

[andybris]

Hi I recently acquired a Microplus cruiser which will use in and around Chichester harbour, venturing further afield as my experience grows.

With safety in mind, I was planning on getting myself a chart plotter, in case of poor weather etc.
Is this a bit flash for our little 14 footer, or perhaps a handheld GPS would be more suitable.
I posted a similar question a couple of weeks ago on 'Reader to reader' and was recommended the Garmin 550

 

[Morpheous]

Not sure how well a chart plotter would sit on you Micro plus. I can recommend the Garmin GPS 72. Its very simple and gives you good info like position, bearing speed etc. Most importantly it has the 'follow the yellow brick road' style of display so navigating is quite easy. The are quite a few built waypoints and runs off AA batteries. I've been very pleased with mine. I also have a Raymarine RL70 and don't always use it because it is a bit of a faff.

 

[oceanfroggie]

A little hand held chart plotter such as the Garmin GpsMap 76Cx will do nicely on a small craft, battery operated and it's water proof.

 

[SnaxMuppet]

I have a Garmin 76. Sure, it is a small screen but it is certainly big enough as a standy by chartplotter.

The only disadvantage is that you have to buy the charts and they aren't cheap.

 

[Doghousekeeper]

I have a Lowrance H20 handheld GPS/plotter and I think it's great. hard to fault it, except maybe for the battery life - but I tend use it on a lead from a 12V socket for a lot of the time so that doesn't become an issue