LOWRANCE GLOBAL MAP 3300C

[galsale76]

LOWRANCE GLOBAL MAP 3300C

Am struggling to find any reviews on this Chartplotter. Was wondering if anybody had any comments on this model or indeed could recommend any similar 'budget' chartplotters. There seems to be a price difference between external and internal antenna, is their also a noticeable difference in practical practical performance ?

Look forward to any comments, which very much appreciated.

 

[pvb]

Look at the Lowrance 3500C instead....

The Lowrance 3500C is a newer model, and would be a much better choice. Like the 3300C, it has a 5" colour screen, but with 480x480 screen resolution - 3 times better than the 3300c's 320x240 resolution! Available for £389 inc UK delivery here. On paper, there doesn't seem to be anything else which even approaches it for value at the moment.

You'll be hard-pressed to find any meaningful reviews of plotters. The comparison tests carried out by most magazines usually contain lots of errors, and often don't include latest models. Better to check out the specification carefully yourself. All the major makers offer good quality products, and choice often comes down to the chart system used and personal preferences on appearance and operating method. It's useful to download the owner's manuals for the plotters you're considering (most makers' websites offer this facility) and see how easy it looks to operate.

Plotters with an internal antenna work perfectly well if they have a good view of the sky. An external antenna can often be mounted in a better place for reception.

 

[FWB]

I have dowloaded the 3500C demo which is useful to see how the plotter works. The problem I'm having with choosing a plotter is that Navionics are bringing out a Platinum version of their charts to rival C-MAX. It looks as if it will need a new generation of plotters ! Wont work with Raymarine C series but will with E series.

 

[rwakeham]

I bought one last year and have used it a reasonable amount. It works, was good value at the time and and I am pleased with it. There are a few errors in the instructions - the main one being that the external GPS receiver also requires power - the instructions omit that.

I like the Navionics charts - but you can only use them in the chart plotter - the file format can not be used with any planning software back at home. No tidal information available with it. I have to say that I did do a bit of research but with hindsight I would probably look to do more with the charts (they are actually a more significant expense if you cruise over a wide area).

 

[gjgm]

have the 3300. perfectly pleased. Seems chartplotters like cameras appear with an upgrade of some sort 30 seconds after you buy one! Note the resolution comment on a post above, and guess you may as well get the higher res, but cant fault the one I have. tended to use garmin before, as i like the intuitive menus. Lowrance maybe a little different, but still fairly obvious. Always going to be something you have to learn though, whatever you choose. Yea, remember that you MUST power the antenna as well as connect it to the plotter. few frustrating hours wasted there ! Only one fault is that while you can split the screen (which i found pretty useful even on 5" screen) you cant resize the windows as per brochure. i ve given up waiting for the upgrade. Also, note that while you can download waypoints onto the plotter via MMC, you CANNOT load the charting onto the pc, and so plot on a chart on your pc. So its a bit of a waste of time: you may as well plot straight onto the plotter itself. There are tides in fact, re previous post.
Thinks its great kit.

 

[StephenSails]

Lowrance rationalised their range just recently and as others have mention thr 3500 replaces, the 3300C is now known as the Eagle 500C intelimap and is available quite cheaply compared to the new model.

 

[galsale76]

thanks very much for all the comments and feedback. Plan to try and get one over easter and then I'll never get lost again.......! will let you know how I get on. thanks again.

 

[BlueMan]

Make sure that you download the demo software and try it out. I was going to buy a 3300C a while back but could not get on with some of the operating logic, especially around routes and editing routes. If you are happy with it then they are very good value. Good alternatives (slightly more expensive) are available from Navman or Garmin but we do seem to be in a phase where charting software is changing and models are becoming obsolete rather quickly.

 

[pvb]

Charting software...

You're right to say that charting software is changing, but many of the enhancements in the latest MAX/Platinum versions are aimed at high-end plotters with very good screen resolution. Features such as aerial photos of harbours aren't ever going to work very well on a 240x320 pixel screen, so at the "budget" end of the market these latest developments are perhaps less significant.

Operating logic certainly does affect the ease of using a plotter. From experience of owning a 5600 for a couple of seasons, I'd say the Navman plotters are incredibly intuitive to use. This ease of use is often reflected in the owner manuals, which I'd suggested should be read before finally deciding on a plotter. The Navman manuals are very clearly-presented. I now have a Raymarine C-series, and that's also easy to use, although the manual is a bit sub-standard in parts.

 

[Rikds]

I know this is an old thread but can anybody help?
I have a 3300C and am trying to find charts covering Brittany. The new Navionics ones are not compatible with this old unit. Has anybody got an old chip or some advice that does not involve buying a new plotter?!

 

[Bilgediver]

I know this is an old thread but can anybody help?
I have a 3300C and am trying to find charts covering Brittany. The new Navionics ones are not compatible with this old unit. Has anybody got an old chip or some advice that does not involve buying a new plotter?!

I believe the small area charts still work with them. Our local agent is also of this opinion. I think the media limit on the 3300 and 3500 was 2gb and the latest big charts use more.

http://www.marinechandlery.com/navionics-gold-small-chart-5g555s2-lorient-to-paimpol-tip-of-brittany

There are many discussions re this on the web. I have a 3500c which was given to me but have yet to connect it to a GPS and buy a chart card.

 

[garvellachs]

An old NauticPath card might get you going, though out of date now of course?