Choosing GPS

Meriachee · Dec 16, 2015

One word; integration. If you're looking at an autopilot, or have one, you probably want to integrate the plotter, and if the networks are not the same, you'll need to do some stuff to get them to talk. There are many threads here about that. While you can usually integrate almost anything with almost anything else, the question is what you need in additional hardware to do it, and what (if anything) you gain or lose in features going across.
Most times it seems that it's easiest to pick one brand and stick with that for everything, but that has issues too.

Jackdaw · Dec 16, 2015

Some tips:

Don't buy ANYTHING that is not NMEA2000 compatible. Nothing.
If you think you might do RADAR, pick your head-unit based on the brand you like. Proprietary connection.
WiFi is big (and will get bigger, trust me). Pick a brand with a good WiFi strategy.
Look for units with your areas cartography built-in.
Related to #4, make sure the unit you look at has decent maps for your area.

Terry Cox · Dec 16, 2015

Were just completed our second extended cruise with Belle-Vie using a Garmin 178C map plotter sounder. Our 700 mile cruise several seasons ago was a dream with the 178C the fam got me for my birthday in 2005. I purchased a 32meg data card, which holds two chart regions (250 charts) that covers Puget Sound to the north end of Vancouver Island inside and outside.

Belle-Vie has a 1991 Autohelm ST7000 course computer with a ST6000 head. I wired (22AWG stranded copper communications wire, black and blue) the Garmin data out lead to the head data in lead NMEA interface port. The two systems use different NMEA versions, but Im happy with the results. Just make sure that you connect the Garmin data in lead (blue) and head data out lead (black) to ground. Otherwise, it will not work. It took alot of Raymarine and Garmin help desk time to figure it out.

I still carry paper charts and a Garmin 38 hand held GPS just in case. The 178C is right on, easy to use and loaded with chart data. The unit has saved our fanny more than once. I mounted it on top of the instrument pod, right above the 6000 head. Running the wires through the SS pedestal guard conduit was a chore. The external antenna is mounted on the stern rail, starboard side and the shoot through the hull sounder transducer is located on the port side of the shaft strut inside the aft cabin beneath the sole board.

The sounder works great. Water temperature, fish display, type of bottom, tide state, etc. Very happy with the systems performance, Everything at your finger tips.

Terry Cox · Dec 16, 2015

As a follow-up note the 178C has been manufacturer discontinued for several years, but attests to staying with quality brand products. I'm sure the newer ones are faster and smarter, but as long as the 178C does the job, I'm a happy sailor.

Stu Jackson · Dec 16, 2015

Scott, I've been "given" a new digital camera for the holidays by my family. You think GPSs are hard?!? I hear ya. You've already narrowed it down to size which actually makes it easier. Good luck in your hunt.

Meriachee · Dec 16, 2015

Stu Jackson said:
I've been "given" a new digital camera

Welcome to the new millennium Stu.

kito · Dec 16, 2015

I have to admit, I went with a Standard Horizon chartplotter/depth finder because it was on sale and had a $100 rebate. Plus it matches with my SH gx2150 vhs/ais. Like I mentioned in another post.....I just hope they both play nice with my new Ev-100 AP.

ifmdalvey · Dec 16, 2015

Agree totally with Jackdaw, if its not NMEA 2000 its history. As for touch screen, if you pardon the pun, i wouldn't touch one with a barge pole. I have used two different Garmins and get frustrated when its wet, gloved hands, rolling boat etc. Personally i am going for a Raymarine unit that has the best of both worlds, touchscreen and some knobs for when the going gets rough.

HMT2 · Dec 16, 2015

I have a Garmin 541s. A few months ago it was still available, (there are some newer larger models that might be comparably priced) but Jackdaw is right if it's not NMEA 2000 it's out. I have been very pleased and impressed by Garmin's level of customer service and tech support.

HMT2 · Dec 16, 2015

I forgot to mention that the Garmin GPS s that are NMEA 2000 compliant will also display tank, engine, wind and AIS all on the one instrument assuming you have the appropriate sensors. This allowed me to put in a Garmin NMEA 2000 wind instrument and the data displayed on my 541s ....no additional screen needed..saved me some meaningful $$$.

Paul Mermelstein · Dec 16, 2015

About 2 years ago, I upgraded most of my electronics to the new Raymarine equipment, including chart plotter, radar, instruments, etc. I like it. However, I have used Garmin and think that most brands are pretty good. Also, about a year ago, I taught the US Power Squadrons course on marine electronic navigation. So I did a lot of research to make sure I was up to speed. Here's my suggestion for you:

1. Pick a chartplotter brand/manufacturer first, then other equipment after, based upon how YOU like it ergonomically and logically (software-wise). Consider the points made about using a touch screen in adverse conditions (my RM has both touch screen and physical controls, which I like). Go to WM or other dealers and play with them for a bit.

2. Pick the size based upon a) how far it is from your face, b) your vision now and in coming years, c) how much "real estate" you need to see for your cruising ground (we go all over the Chesapeake and up to Cape May, so I like to zoom out and in as needed), and d) cost/price of course.

3. Upgrade and add more instrumentation, radar, autopilot, etc. from the same brand. As pointed out, it is possible to integrate across brands, but easier and more likely better functionality if you stick with one brand. And as mentioned, stick with a NMEA2000 compliant network. That includes even the brands with proprietary connectors like Raymarine STng and some other versions from other brands. Electronically, they are compatible with the NMEA2000 standard.

4. Don't worry about anecdotal reports about reliability. Everyone has their favorites, and their horror stories.

That's all I can think of for now.

Paul

Joe · Dec 16, 2015

Scott T-Bird said:
How do you do it? The choices seem endless. Model numbers go on forever and it seems difficult to even track what's current and what's being made obsolete. Prices are all over the place! I think I will start a spreadsheet to keep track of the models I review. Frankly, after looking at the info for a handful, I can't keep track of what I know about any of them.
I have a Garmin 76cs handheld with lakes chart. When I moved to Barnegat, I bought the BlueChart g2 and find that it is not compatible with my obsolete handheld (I swear that I read in their literature that it was compatible). Oh well, at least it loads on my laptop with Homeport.
All that is besides the point because I think I want a chartplotter to mount on the pedestal.
I lean toward Garmin (but not settled), and I lean toward 7" touchscreen because I think the handheld display is too small. I don't know why I would be interested in sonar. I'm thinking of putting a tag on the wall for each model that sells for less than $999 and throwing a dart.

I just acquired this B&G Vulcan 7.... lists at $599, but purchased at WM during a 10% off promotion, so I only paid 550.
Besides chartplotting it serves as multifunction display for a N2K network. Mine came with Insight charts. I also added a Simrad RS35 VHF(same as B&G V50) with AIS, and use the Vulcan to display the AIS targets.....

Joe · Dec 16, 2015

Scott T-Bird said:
I'll add this to my spreadsheet. I'm hearing that NMEA 2000 is mandatory. Wifi ... check. My Simrad wind instrument and wheel pilot interface in NMEA 0183. Can I assume that this chartplotter can talk to my AP? I noticed that there is a B&G model called Zeus7 that is broadband radar compatible. That would be a plus, I think. For some reason, the specs indicate NMEA 2000, 0183 and Ethernet compatibility on the Zeus series. Would the Vulcan7 have the same compatibility or does this one have a broader compatibility that would suit me better with my existing equipment? Of course the price tag is about $1,200 (twice the price).
Vulcan series doesn't mention NMEA 0183 compatibility ... does that mean it isn't? The inconsistent presentation of specifications always confuses me when trying to sort this stuff out.

Scott... there are a number of NMEA 2000 adapters out there.... The chart plotter doesn't do any converting... it's the adapter that you would insert between your n0183 devices and the n2000 backbone. The most common mentioned is the Actisense NGW-1.... which runs around
$200.. There may be less expensive adapter solutions out there, depending on the device you want to connect.

The Vulcan 7 does not have an Ethernet or video connection... which means no radar overlay at this point. It does have a chirp port so it will display sonar and downscan info with appropriate sensors. It also has WIFI.. for updating and communication. Here's a blog I found discussing the "new" standalone displays from Simrad and B&G.

I chose the Vulcan because of the Sail Steer feature....

seadaddler · Dec 17, 2015

My Garmin 2g chip works great with my 76cx and thanks for the heads up on loading it with homeport.
Went cruising with friends back in Oct and she does the navigation with Samsung tablet and uses plan2nav app and they both could not stop talking about it.
I have same tablet with Navionics they coming soon with doc to dock soon but go on navionics Web site check it out.
I do mostly you my older Ray C80 navionics but the newerror ray chart plotters sync with the tablet.
Samsung tablet 299 at best buy and will be getting plan2nav in 2016 and watching dock to dock for android soon.
Check them both out
Nick

sailaway78 · Dec 17, 2015

Scott, I won't go into various models, but I have quite a bit of hands on experience with both Garmin, and Raymarine. Both are very good, but the Garmin is much more user friendly.