Navionics gold? or C-Map NT? buying from USA

[onleyb]

Hi, i need a plotter and don't want to fall into a VHS Betamax mine field. Has any one got any ideas which is the best format to go for or is it a case of sit tight with my hand held GPS until there is a clear winner? Additionally I was looking at Lowrance products and notice they are infinately cheaper from America, has anyone any experiences and also can anyone recommend any reputable mail order companies over there.
thanks in advance Bob

 

[Its_Only_Money]

West Marine

I have used them a number of times, quick and efficient.

 

[andrewa]

I purchased from West Marine a Raymarine 435i (CE marked) for my brother in law for about £460.00 though I was in the US at the time. The Navionics charts are $199.00 BUT if you want a Europe chart they have to add $100.00 to that which makes them about the same price as in the UK, the extra $100.00 only applys to European waters charts not the other world wide charts.

The warranty card was sent off to Raymarine Portsmouth when we got back in the normal way.

 

[Vagabond]

C-map ... have you seen the new c-map MAX charts?!

What is best is that they are all backward/forward compatible. Same cartridge.... you don't have to upgrade the machine if they change the format the charts come on. …. I was well stuffed by Garmin with that one.

 

[xcw]

I bought a Navman 5600 and UK charts from www.boatfix.com Had it delivered to a US address. I saved well over 30% on uk price, good service.

 

[Oldhand]

Firstly, C-MAP NT+ are being supeceded by C-Map Max, although NT+ will still be available but not in the "superwide" sizes.

Next, not all C-Map NT+ Plotters are being upgraded to use C-Map Max, although the expensive ones from Simrad and Furuno are being upgraded.

Lastly, I have compared C-Map NT+ on a Raymarine RL series plotter and on MaxSea with Navionics Gold on a Raymarine C Series plotter for the English Channel. I found that the Navionics Gold cartography showed more important data, such as drying depths, and the presentation of information was generally better.

Hope this helps.

 

[onleyb]

thanks everyone for your help!