GPS Units

HukilauMike · Jun 8, 2015

Not a good idea to do away with a magnetic compass. It is the most basic and essential navigation tool you have. GPS has become so accurate and so inexpensive that it is tempting to rely on it, but IMHO, that would be a big mistake. And if you are buying a chartplotter gps unit, then there is no reason not to spend just a bit more and get the depthsounder component. I have the Lowrance Elite 5, and it's a great unit.

GregL564 · Jun 9, 2015

Re: GPS

Take a look at the Lowrance Elite 4-M HD. It has the same case and controls as the combo fishfinder/chartplotter, but this model just has the chartplotter functionality, and is priced accordingly.

Alternatively, you may want to consider just using an IPad or cheaper Android tablet with any one of the chartplotter aps. They work great, in my experience, and I find their NOAA chart-based screen display easier to read than the Navionics chart display.

Davidasailor26 · Jun 9, 2015

NCC Orion said:
Good advice! I checked out the Lowrance Elite 5, it focused on the sonar capabilities. Couldn't see if it had a decent GPS chart system, speed indicator etc. Does yours give you accurate charts and locate you on them as well as speed?

Thanks!

We got an Elite 5 for our old boat. We didn't really have a need for the sonar features but found all of the other features to be quite good. I especially liked the display quality compared to the competition. We got it bundled with Navionics charts but ended up using the built in charts more as they were better for our local area. It came with a transom-mount transducer that we bedded in some silicone inside the hull with good results.

Pat · Jun 10, 2015

Our compass was not clear and I sent it off to Ritchie and they replaced it for free...was on our 272 LE...Helmsman....great customer service......I had a little garmin 3plus, but talked to the Garmen rep at the Newport Boat show and he picked me out a very affordable (gulp) model with charting, etc. that I'm about to order..In my case I need to order a inland lake chart as the std. that is shipped with it does not have the full
chart for our lake....Good luck....this one, by the way, is around $ 500.00..but they will give me a break since I previously owned a 3plus....Pat

woodster · Jun 10, 2015

i bought a garmin 541 about two years ago on sale at west marine....now they have come out with newer models ...oh well .....i keep thinking that i was happy with my choice at the time and the newer models or nice but as i said i was happy with my choice at the time so until the bug to upgrade hits me i am happy with my choice...don't ya just love electronics...

HukilauMike · Jun 11, 2015

NCC Orion said:
Good advice! I checked out the Lowrance Elite 5, it focused on the sonar capabilities. Couldn't see if it had a decent GPS chart system, speed indicator etc. Does yours give you accurate charts and locate you on them as well as speed?

Thanks!

The Lowrance has the functional capability to show four different screens: chartplotter alone, fish finder alone, a split screen that shows both chart plotter and fish finder, and a virtual compass display. All screens show speed, depth and water temp. The charts it comes with are adequate. I purchased mine during a spring sale, and it was $100 off retail, plus $100 manufacturer's rebate, plus they threw in the Navioncs upgraded charts chip. The whole thing was less than $300.

dziedzicmj · Jun 15, 2015

I would not replace the compass, but I would add the chart plotter with depth. It does not need to be overly expensive. I am happy with Garmin 421 S (S is for depth Sound) (even smaller than 541 that Woodster mentioned). A few years back I got it for $300 (and it was Canadian).

Chief RA · Jun 15, 2015

Compass is essential! If you never leave the Marina; don't bother with a compass. Chief

JTulls · Jun 15, 2015

I agree, don't replace the compass! You never know what will go wrong with electronics so it's always good to have a backup.

Someone above mentioned the Navionics app and I agree this will definitely be the best bang for your buck (~$50), especially if you're just headed out on the water for a few hours. And if you're looking for a depth sounder, you can hook up a Vexilar Tbox unit with the Navionics app. I'd say check out the free version and see if you like it and if so, upgrade to the full version -- definitely an easy and cheap way to get out on the water quickly and easily

Ward H · Jun 16, 2015

As others have said, keep the compass.
If you have a smart phone and sail in a manner not to put it at risk, the Navionics charts are great and you can add a sounder that connects via wireless to Navionics as said.
I'm on my 3rd season of sailing and have used my iPad and iPhone with Navionics. I have them both in Otterbox cases but as I push my sailing skills in stronger winds and other than sunny weather I am using my 13 year old chart plotter more and more. It is a little small so I am looking at the Garmin 44DV. Highly rated, easy to use, comes with sounder for depth (fish finder) for about $300. (Maybe $389).
I will still use Navionics for tracking my sail but keep the I device safe in the cabin.

If you only need depth sounder both Humminbird and Hawkeyes make sounders with a 2" face, digital readout and transducer for under $100.

Ward H · Jun 16, 2015

Just wanted to add if you only want depth, speed and direction, try looking for a used chart plotter. My Garmin 176c is great but the maps are 2002 and can not be upgraded. It displays the above plus max speed and time.