Which handheld plotter?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Deleted User YDKXO
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Deleted User YDKXO

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For the second time in 9 months, the GPS aerial (sorry, engine) on my boat has gone on the blink. I want to buy a handheld plotter to use as an emergency back up. Its got to be sunlight viewable and able to be powered by a 12V socket. Also it would be good if it came with some kind of mounting bracket to hold it upright preferably that didnt require any drilling of holes in my helm console.
Any recommendations?
 
I use a Raymarine RC400 with a navionics chart, I also have all my routes on a card so can easily upload the same to boats plotter aswell and then you can watch both together, this has got me out of trouble several times when boats system fails.
 
I too use an RC400 on the flybridge. I wired up a 12v ciggie lighter plug for it so no battery problems. It comes with a mounting bracket, cant see how you can avoid drilling holes in summat to fit it though.

I also take it on other boats its brilliant. That model has probab;ly been superceeded by now
 
I got the Garmin GPSMAP 620. Excellent and will double as a car sat nav if required, although a bit on the large size for carting around.
 
The RC400, which I have, ticks all your boxes, but is obsolete.
The Geonav 4CXS, ~£400 bundled with a Navionics chart from Marine Electronic Services is similar, with VGA output as well.
 
I use a Garmin Map72. Black/white display is surprisingly good in bright light. I've had it for years and just keep it as an emergency backup now.
 
I have one of these (similar) on my flybridge permanently in use at the side of my main set.

it is easily removed for course planning and can easily be located downstairs in the spare mount I bought, plugs into 12 volt socket.

leaves the option to leave the main set on radar alone or chart while I watch a rolling road for navigation.

mount stuck on with hot glue gun ( removable without damage)
 
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If your existing unit uses a chart cartridge, get something that uses the same cartridge to avoid having to buy another set.

Also, if you get something that works with removable batteries, you could keep it in your grab bag and have it available during emergencies where you don't have a 12v supply e.g. in the liferaft etc.

I have a Garmin 60CSx for this purpose.

(In addition to Memory Map on my HTC HD2, Navionics on my tablet, Memory Map on my boat's laptop, Navionics on my boat phone... and my wife's BB also has GPS) :D
 
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