I am going to buy my first piece of navigational electronics and I would like to get some opinions from you all. I was thinking of just going with the Furuno GP32. Has anyone used this device or something similar? What about Chartplotters. How many of you actually use the chart on the screen. How to scale is it? Let me know your thoughts.
GPS versus Chartplotters
- Thread starter jaydog5000
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I've been cruising with a Garmin 178C map...
plotter for three years and it is my navigation system of choice. Of course they have newer models now (4XX series); the scale is fixed but the elevation view is adjustable. Although I have paper charts as backup, I use our Garmin for most all my navigation needs, plus it is integrated with our AP. I highly recommend this navigation aid for your cruising needs. Terry
plotter for three years and it is my navigation system of choice. Of course they have newer models now (4XX series); the scale is fixed but the elevation view is adjustable. Although I have paper charts as backup, I use our Garmin for most all my navigation needs, plus it is integrated with our AP. I highly recommend this navigation aid for your cruising needs. Terry
Chartplotters
I will more than likely catch a bunch of flack over this post but what the hey. I would strongly recommend that you go with a chartplotter. Unless of course you are one of those who likes to continually have a paper chart stuck in front of your nose. The new chartplotters are truly magic. They eliminate the need to have that big chunk of paper floating around in front of you, they eliminate the need to manually plot a course, they make it possible to follow a rhumb line right on the money, without the need to try to plot drift and leeway. They show all the aids to navigation, and are sometimes more accurate than the charts. The new Garmin 498c can be had for around 600 bucks on ebay. It has the entire us coast line on it. No need to buy a chip for any US area. I am partial to the Garmin, as it seems a little more user friendly to me, but I have also used the Raymarine units, and they are also very good. Have no experience with the Furuno stuff. I would very strongly recommend that you sail on a boat with a chartplotter on it, and see what they can do. And before anyone jumps on my case, I am not saying you don't need to have paper charts, or know how to use them. But the chartplotter greatly simplifies life.
I will more than likely catch a bunch of flack over this post but what the hey. I would strongly recommend that you go with a chartplotter. Unless of course you are one of those who likes to continually have a paper chart stuck in front of your nose. The new chartplotters are truly magic. They eliminate the need to have that big chunk of paper floating around in front of you, they eliminate the need to manually plot a course, they make it possible to follow a rhumb line right on the money, without the need to try to plot drift and leeway. They show all the aids to navigation, and are sometimes more accurate than the charts. The new Garmin 498c can be had for around 600 bucks on ebay. It has the entire us coast line on it. No need to buy a chip for any US area. I am partial to the Garmin, as it seems a little more user friendly to me, but I have also used the Raymarine units, and they are also very good. Have no experience with the Furuno stuff. I would very strongly recommend that you sail on a boat with a chartplotter on it, and see what they can do. And before anyone jumps on my case, I am not saying you don't need to have paper charts, or know how to use them. But the chartplotter greatly simplifies life.
GPS and Chartplotters
You need to look at a GPS Chartplotter! Not a GPS and a chartplotter. I recommend Garmin, but there are lots more out there. It would be 'prudent' to have paper charts of where you are with you as well. I use a PC navigation program, and my Garmin GPSMap 76 CS also has charts of my cruising areas, but I always have those pesky paper charts "floating around in front of me" just in case. Sorry Nice N Easy, but that is not good advice.
You need to look at a GPS Chartplotter! Not a GPS and a chartplotter. I recommend Garmin, but there are lots more out there. It would be 'prudent' to have paper charts of where you are with you as well. I use a PC navigation program, and my Garmin GPSMap 76 CS also has charts of my cruising areas, but I always have those pesky paper charts "floating around in front of me" just in case. Sorry Nice N Easy, but that is not good advice.
Definitely try out a chartplotter....
(one with GPS, of course) I sailed for several years with a plain GPS, and this winter sprung for a Garmin.... I dunno 172C I think.... it was being discontinued at WM and my son worked there so it was REAL cheap. Anyway, as Nice 'n Easy mentioned, these things are MAGIC! I don't even know all of the bells and whistles - we don't worry too much about tides here because anchoring usually involves 20 feet under my keel - but being able to see my course, plot my waypoints, tell the machine to sail me to a particular point, and, most importantly, ALWAYS know instantly where I am.... it's priceless. I even hooked it up to my Autopilot using the NMEA link, and it keeps me on course better than I ever could. Yes, I keep paper charts, and a backup plain GPS as well.... and a cheap sextant, but I'd rather not have to depend on that until I take a celestial class. Go for the GPS Chartplotter - an inexpensive one won't cost much more than $500, and that's only $300 more than a plain GPS. Money well-spent. Cheers, Bob s/v X SAIL R 8
(one with GPS, of course) I sailed for several years with a plain GPS, and this winter sprung for a Garmin.... I dunno 172C I think.... it was being discontinued at WM and my son worked there so it was REAL cheap. Anyway, as Nice 'n Easy mentioned, these things are MAGIC! I don't even know all of the bells and whistles - we don't worry too much about tides here because anchoring usually involves 20 feet under my keel - but being able to see my course, plot my waypoints, tell the machine to sail me to a particular point, and, most importantly, ALWAYS know instantly where I am.... it's priceless. I even hooked it up to my Autopilot using the NMEA link, and it keeps me on course better than I ever could. Yes, I keep paper charts, and a backup plain GPS as well.... and a cheap sextant, but I'd rather not have to depend on that until I take a celestial class. Go for the GPS Chartplotter - an inexpensive one won't cost much more than $500, and that's only $300 more than a plain GPS. Money well-spent. Cheers, Bob s/v X SAIL R 8
My Own Preference
I'm a chart freak. I love to look at and collect paper charts, which I keep at hand whenever I'm under way. Nevertheless, to help in tight spots I have turned an elderly notebook computer into a dedicated chart plotter (cost $0). First, I purchased a GPS unit that plugs into the computer ($70US) and use a navigation progran (Oziexplorer - $80US) with the vetor(?) charts ($120US). The only downsides are i) it is hard to read in bright sunlight so it must be kept below; and ii) it requires 120 V power to keep the battery charged (not a problem on our boat which has an inverter). I also keep mounted at the helm an old Garmin 128 which allows me to pin point where I am on the chart if I am uncertain. I also have a Garmin 76SMap to settle any argument between the 128 and the computer as to where we are. Cheers, Peter Milne S/V Blue Heron
I'm a chart freak. I love to look at and collect paper charts, which I keep at hand whenever I'm under way. Nevertheless, to help in tight spots I have turned an elderly notebook computer into a dedicated chart plotter (cost $0). First, I purchased a GPS unit that plugs into the computer ($70US) and use a navigation progran (Oziexplorer - $80US) with the vetor(?) charts ($120US). The only downsides are i) it is hard to read in bright sunlight so it must be kept below; and ii) it requires 120 V power to keep the battery charged (not a problem on our boat which has an inverter). I also keep mounted at the helm an old Garmin 128 which allows me to pin point where I am on the chart if I am uncertain. I also have a Garmin 76SMap to settle any argument between the 128 and the computer as to where we are. Cheers, Peter Milne S/V Blue Heron
GPS and Chartplotter
Hello, No offense, but I would never buy that Furuno unit. If all you want is GPS (which provides lat / long, COG, and SOG) then spend $100 and get a cheap hand held unit. Garmin, Lowrance, Magellen, etc. all make units that will do everything the Furuno unit will do for about $100. If you can spend $300 you should get a chartplotter. For that price you can get a nice color unit with a 5" screen and built in base maps. Add $60 and you get high res charts with all nav aids, depth readings, tide and current info, etc. Good luck, Barry
Hello, No offense, but I would never buy that Furuno unit. If all you want is GPS (which provides lat / long, COG, and SOG) then spend $100 and get a cheap hand held unit. Garmin, Lowrance, Magellen, etc. all make units that will do everything the Furuno unit will do for about $100. If you can spend $300 you should get a chartplotter. For that price you can get a nice color unit with a 5" screen and built in base maps. Add $60 and you get high res charts with all nav aids, depth readings, tide and current info, etc. Good luck, Barry
Which is the best for the money?
Thanks for all the responses. Now my questions what do you all consider to be the best GPS/Chatplotter for the money?
Thanks for all the responses. Now my questions what do you all consider to be the best GPS/Chatplotter for the money?
only way to eliminate personal biases
is to try them out in a side-by-side comparison yourself. Each of us has an opinion of which is best, mine being Garmin, but why not make up your own mind? Go into any WM or other brick and mortar chandlery where they sell various units and have then all on display to compare size, color, brightness and ease of use.
is to try them out in a side-by-side comparison yourself. Each of us has an opinion of which is best, mine being Garmin, but why not make up your own mind? Go into any WM or other brick and mortar chandlery where they sell various units and have then all on display to compare size, color, brightness and ease of use.
another neat thing about chartplotters to mention
Aside from all the kudos being given here about using them onboard for sailing - they really help while cruising and looking for port information. launch service, restrooms/showers, marine facilities, dingy docks - it all comes up on your screen should you find yourself approaching a new and unfamiliar harbor. Tidal info is also right there. Rob
Aside from all the kudos being given here about using them onboard for sailing - they really help while cruising and looking for port information. launch service, restrooms/showers, marine facilities, dingy docks - it all comes up on your screen should you find yourself approaching a new and unfamiliar harbor. Tidal info is also right there. Rob
I lik ethe Garmins
As others have alredy sytated, I prefer the Garmin. I charted a boat with a Raumarine color chart plotter and it was ok. My currect boat came with a mono-chrome Raymarine chartplotter and I'm in the process of installing my Garmin 276C at the helm. I just lik ethe feel, simplicity and usefullness of the Garmin chartplotters over the Rays (don't know about the other brands). as for the debate over paper, GPs only versus Chartplotters, I have two chartplotters on board (the 276c and Ray) plus carry official updated charts of my sailing area. Nothing beats spreading out a chart to get the "big picture" of the area, but when I'm ready, I open up the Pc, plot my course and waypoints and download it into the Garmin. The Ray is delicated to backup duty (may try to mount at the nav station below) and charts are always ready. If the weather cooporates, I plan on interfacing the Garmin to the Simrad AP soon.
As others have alredy sytated, I prefer the Garmin. I charted a boat with a Raumarine color chart plotter and it was ok. My currect boat came with a mono-chrome Raymarine chartplotter and I'm in the process of installing my Garmin 276C at the helm. I just lik ethe feel, simplicity and usefullness of the Garmin chartplotters over the Rays (don't know about the other brands). as for the debate over paper, GPs only versus Chartplotters, I have two chartplotters on board (the 276c and Ray) plus carry official updated charts of my sailing area. Nothing beats spreading out a chart to get the "big picture" of the area, but when I'm ready, I open up the Pc, plot my course and waypoints and download it into the Garmin. The Ray is delicated to backup duty (may try to mount at the nav station below) and charts are always ready. If the weather cooporates, I plan on interfacing the Garmin to the Simrad AP soon.
Pros and cons
A chart plotter or GPS will give you all the navigation information you need. SOG, distance to way point, time of arrival, cross track error....... They both provide these features. A GPS will not and a chart plotter will give you an pretty 4" or 5" screen that you can look at. Some do allow you to pick a way point from that screen but entering in a lat - long into a GPS is not what I'd call difficult. So the question really becomes: do you want a 5" map or a 20" map. Do you want to buy all your maps (electronic for the plotter) over again? Do you still want to maintain your paper charts as a backup? Do you have the room to mount a chart plotter? I prefer the chart and GPS as I already have the maps and find them a great way to document cruses. You get a large map with ALL the details instead of a small one that you have to keep futzing with to see what is going on around you. And chart plotters are absolutely horrible when you are trying to plan a trip. Maps are much easier.
A chart plotter or GPS will give you all the navigation information you need. SOG, distance to way point, time of arrival, cross track error....... They both provide these features. A GPS will not and a chart plotter will give you an pretty 4" or 5" screen that you can look at. Some do allow you to pick a way point from that screen but entering in a lat - long into a GPS is not what I'd call difficult. So the question really becomes: do you want a 5" map or a 20" map. Do you want to buy all your maps (electronic for the plotter) over again? Do you still want to maintain your paper charts as a backup? Do you have the room to mount a chart plotter? I prefer the chart and GPS as I already have the maps and find them a great way to document cruses. You get a large map with ALL the details instead of a small one that you have to keep futzing with to see what is going on around you. And chart plotters are absolutely horrible when you are trying to plan a trip. Maps are much easier.
More opinion
Mick, I didn't mean not to have paper charts, and I didn't mean not to use them. Apparently you have never been in some nasties, trying to run a strange inlet, and having to read a paper chart, with the wind blowing it around, and the rain drops falling on it. All the while trying to man the helm with a large following sea, spot the channel markers and all that goes with that scenario. I normally leave the paper charts at the nav station and use them in advance, not while I am in the nasties. jaydog, just go into West, or Boat US or whatever and compare units side by side. This will give you a good idea of what you are looking at. Previous posters are correct in the info on a good chartplotter. My Garmin has marinas, and the services they provide, along with phone #, which VHF channel they monitor, their location and how far they are from you. Invaluable if you get caught in some weather and are looking for a place to duck into. Complete tide station listings for anywhere you want. If you plan on ever sailing out of your local area, I would strongly recommend that you buy one of the units with all the detail built into it. This adds 100 bucks or less the the purchase price, but the chips for each and every area cost this much or more. If you still are undecided, I still say to sail on a boat with a good chartplotter to see what they will do in actual use. Brand is just personal preferrence. All of them have the same capabilities.
Mick, I didn't mean not to have paper charts, and I didn't mean not to use them. Apparently you have never been in some nasties, trying to run a strange inlet, and having to read a paper chart, with the wind blowing it around, and the rain drops falling on it. All the while trying to man the helm with a large following sea, spot the channel markers and all that goes with that scenario. I normally leave the paper charts at the nav station and use them in advance, not while I am in the nasties. jaydog, just go into West, or Boat US or whatever and compare units side by side. This will give you a good idea of what you are looking at. Previous posters are correct in the info on a good chartplotter. My Garmin has marinas, and the services they provide, along with phone #, which VHF channel they monitor, their location and how far they are from you. Invaluable if you get caught in some weather and are looking for a place to duck into. Complete tide station listings for anywhere you want. If you plan on ever sailing out of your local area, I would strongly recommend that you buy one of the units with all the detail built into it. This adds 100 bucks or less the the purchase price, but the chips for each and every area cost this much or more. If you still are undecided, I still say to sail on a boat with a good chartplotter to see what they will do in actual use. Brand is just personal preferrence. All of them have the same capabilities.
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