Upgrading GPS

[Gordy M]

Hi again,

Sorry another question from me (loving this forum), I will contribute more when I know more

Waimanu (my boat) has a Furuno GP-32, I also use my iPad with navtronics as a makeshift chart plotter (yes I also use charts and the basic navigation I learned on my day skipper course as a back-up).

Not so keen on having my iPad involved in things, would prefer to have a dedicated chart plotter, so was thinking of upgrading my GPS to a GP-1870F.

My question is two fold, is the GP-1870F a good unit?, and will I just be able to swap it out with the connections from the GP-32?

Thanks again
Gordon
Waimanu

 

[LadyInBed]

Furuno GP-1870F is expensive, Amazon shows it at over a grand!
Do you need the fish finder version or is that for future expansion?
I have just bought a second Standard Horizon (CP390i) and that was just under 500 (without charts).
As for connectors, download the manual and check against the one you have.

 

[Gordy M]

Nope don't need fish finder, bit strange amazon is so expensive, Force4 have it for about £780 (i would have thought that would have been the other way.

I guess I was just hoping to be lazy and stick with the same manufacturer thus a straight swap, but if I can save hundreds and get a better unit, then I need to do a bit more homework.

Thanks you have made me think a bit more than just dipping into the bottomless pocket.

Gord

 

[LadyInBed]

I once showed a french guy how to use his Furuno plotter, apart from it being all in french, the functions were as near as dammit the same as my SH 180i. That has about the same footprint as your Furuno.

 

[pvb]

Nope don't need fish finder, bit strange amazon is so expensive, Force4 have it for about £780 (i would have thought that would have been the other way.

I guess I was just hoping to be lazy and stick with the same manufacturer thus a straight swap, but if I can save hundreds and get a better unit, then I need to do a bit more homework.

Even if you buy another Furuno, it won't be a straight swap, so there'll be cabling to do. The non-fishfinder version (GP-1870) is about £700. The two main things to look for in chartplotters are screen size and pixel count. The GP-1870 is a 7" screen with 800x480 pixels, a fairly common spec. There are lots of similar plotters at around the same price point. If using your iPad is a consideration, you could get a Raymarine a75 for £700, this is 7" with 640x480 pixels, and has wifi connectivity. If you're not bothered about iPad connectivity, there are lots of other choices. You might look at the Lowrance HDS8m - 8.4" screen with 800x600 pixels - so a better spec for £679 at jgtech.

 

[doug748]

Cactus are doing the Furuno for c£760. They often offer plotter/chart bundles so, with a bit of negotiation, you might do a deal.

I think the brightness/readability of the screen is the nub. I have a plotter that is not the best but it's screen is excellent in sunlight and in the dark; for that I forgive it everything.

 

[LadyInBed]

I think the brightness/readability of the screen is the nub. I have a plotter that is not the best but it's screen is excellent in sunlight and in the dark; for that I forgive it everything.

Although important, for me it's the cartography that is most important, I like C-Map.

 

[pvb]

Although important, for me it's the cartography that is most important, I like C-Map.

I've had C-Map, Navionics and Garmin. There's little to choose between them, once you get used to one.