Which Chartplotter / Mapping Software

[jow]

Thanks for all the info.
Let me just summarize and please feel free to correct me /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif :
When I use the new Garmins (450-550) I will get Bluechart on CD in near future and can use all the functions at home AND in the boat. I can exchange info between the GPS and the PC over the SD card (Tracks, Waypoints, Routes etc.).
When I use the NMEA183 output of the Garmin the GPS will not store information of the sailed tracks etc. on the SD card, so the exchange with home is not possible? Is this correct?

On the other side: If I use the Lowrance I am stuck with the Plotter on the boat (or have to take the plotter out if I want to exchange data), have to buy a second set of Mapsoftware for home, have to buy a card reader?
Or I use the lowrance emulator and the map-data from the SD card on the emulator at home. But where does the Plotter saves the sailed tracks then? And is the screen of the plotter emulation not too small to get an overview, what I particularly like with normal mapping software (like OZI-Explorer, Bluechart-PC etc.)?

This all lets a little bit to my confusion... /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

I wanted to hook up the Plotter to my Tacktick-Instruments to get Waypoint direction and so on. This works over NMEA183 but when I lose tracking etc. with the Garmin this seems to be a 'no-win' situation.

Can anyone light up my vision? /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
Best regards,
jow

 

[Richard10002]

[ QUOTE ]
On the other side: If I use the Lowrance I am stuck with the Plotter on the boat (or have to take the plotter out if I want to exchange data), have to buy a second set of Mapsoftware for home, have to buy a card reader?
Or I use the lowrance emulator and the map-data from the SD card on the emulator at home. But where does the Plotter saves the sailed tracks then? And is the screen of the plotter emulation not too small to get an overview, what I particularly like with normal mapping software (like OZI-Explorer, Bluechart-PC etc.)?

[/ QUOTE ]


The Lowrance 3500/3600 is easy to remove from its mounting and small enough to take home if you want to. With a 12v source, and a second power cable, you can power it up anywhere.

The screen is small, but the resolution is high, so you can get a decent overview, or zoom in quite close.

You, ( and others), should see a demo in a chandlers to see just how good the resolution is on a 5in screen.

I definitely didnt believe it before seeing it, but was sold within minutes of seeing it.