I sail in NYC LI Sound area with an older Hunter 22. Looking for a basic GPS or chart plotter (don't actually know what a chart plotter is). want something basic that will help me get around to local marinas and restaurants and help avoid hazards. Must have "where you have been" trail log that is re-setable, so I can easily back track to my starting point. Handheld or easy mount. Less than $500. Suggestions?
GPS/Chartplotter
- Thread starter newsailor130
- Start date
I used a Garmin Map76 for years. I still keep it as a backup, dinghy unit. I like the charts and find I can use one without having to read a manual. WM have the newer version of this on sale here,
http://www.westmarine.com/buy/garmi...E9B-D897FFB65BF9&cm_sp=Onsite-Recs-_-MB-_-PDP
Shop around you may find it even cheaper elsewhere!
Bob
http://www.westmarine.com/buy/garmi...E9B-D897FFB65BF9&cm_sp=Onsite-Recs-_-MB-_-PDP
Shop around you may find it even cheaper elsewhere!
Bob
The Garmin Ehcomap 44dv and 54dv are sweet units. They both come with Coastal BlueChart G2 maps. The 44dv has a 4" screen and is $299. The 54dv is a 5" screen and is $599. Both come with transom mounted transducers but they can be installed inside as a shoot thru the hull transducers.
I have the 54dv and it does show tracks which can be saved as routes. Pretty sure the 44dv can also. I downloaded the manuals from Garmin.com and read through them before buying.
I have the 54dv and it does show tracks which can be saved as routes. Pretty sure the 44dv can also. I downloaded the manuals from Garmin.com and read through them before buying.
is what I use as my trip logger and back up to the chart plotter.
I keep it in the cabin however as I got tired of it bouncing around in the cockpit and risking it getting wet. I also used an iPad but after it took a couple of hard tumbles and got wet from spray I decided a dedicated chart plotter mounted properly was the best way to protect my iToys.
I keep two gps / chart plotters on board. I use a handheld Garmin unit as an emergency backup and for the dingy. I find the small screen very difficult to navigate with but it serves its intended purpose. Don't get me wrong, they are great little units but I much prefer the larger screen of the dedicated chart plotter as the primary navigation aid. Hand held units are soooo portable they are a no brainer if you want to use it on more than one boat. The dedicated chart plotters will have all the bells and whistles you want and then some. You can pick up a previously used, high end unit on eBay for very attractive prices. I highly recommend the Raymarine units. I've had them on a few boats over the past 20 plus years and have never had a problem with any of them. The monochrome RL70RC or possibly the color version RL70CRC will be in your price range but you'll have to add the cost of an external antenna to those systems.
WM has a Garmin 78SC on sale like Bob says. It has all the maps you'll ever need preinstalled and the price is very good. I just bought one and am satisfied with it. But be careful. Thus far, the local WM hasn't honored the sale price. BE SURE to either have it shipped to you or bring the order confirmation with you.
For your limited need, why not use a tablet with a navigation app (I Nav X). You can have the flexibility of a tablet for use at home or on the boat. The navigation apps rival those found on chartplotters and also include free updates on the charts. No hassles with installation on the boat. The screen size is comparable to a designated chartplotter although there are limitations such as screen brightness and necessary precautions to keep it dry. If you want to have a designated GPS for back up, there are several handheld units available that are inexpensive.
My first long trip I used an iphone with with Isailor as my gps. I have paper and a nice compass and binos with compass to as backup. After 2 1/2 weeks on the water the iphone died on me from the humidity. I even had a waterproof case with a battery and it still went. I put the iphone in a sealed container of dry rice and a week later it was fine.
Since then i have added a real plotter but now I also have 2 galaxy tabs with with mx mariner. It's ok but I like isailor on my iphone better, should have bought an ipad. One good thing about Mx mariner is it has "Active Captain" which is awesome and something my Garmin 551 chart plotter does not have.
Since then i have added a real plotter but now I also have 2 galaxy tabs with with mx mariner. It's ok but I like isailor on my iphone better, should have bought an ipad. One good thing about Mx mariner is it has "Active Captain" which is awesome and something my Garmin 551 chart plotter does not have.
Although I have Navonics on my smartphone, I also installed it on an 8" tablet (Android), and it works flawlessly. Can't beat it. $50
Here is where you can get a complete package
http://www.thegpsstore.com/Garmin-GPSMAP-78-Bluechart-Bundle-P3872.aspx
The feature you are looking for is called "Blue Charts". Those are electronic charts, it has depths and marinas, markers to help you sail. It also has tracking - draws blue line to let you know where you have been and helps to see if you are drifting sideways. You can download this track - when you home and view at any point the GPS co-ordinates, heading, time of day, speed etc.
http://www.thegpsstore.com/Garmin-GPSMAP-78-Bluechart-Bundle-P3872.aspx
The feature you are looking for is called "Blue Charts". Those are electronic charts, it has depths and marinas, markers to help you sail. It also has tracking - draws blue line to let you know where you have been and helps to see if you are drifting sideways. You can download this track - when you home and view at any point the GPS co-ordinates, heading, time of day, speed etc.
i have a depth recorder so can I navigate with a chart plotter or do I need a chart plotter to navigate the coast or need something else too