I have been researching Navigation systems for my Catalina 30. I have narrowed it down to the Garmin GPSMAP 3006C and the Navistar 6000i. both at 6.4 inches. both are about the same price but I would like to know more about the quality, durability and ease of use. I have attempted to consult unbiased written evaluations on line and in print but have been unsuccessful. Can anyone with experience advise me. I am primarily going to use it on trips to the east end of Long Island and possibly Block Island, Martha's Vinyard etc. I am also not sure about screen size for my boat. They come in 6, 8, and 10 inch screens.
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Garmin VS ????
Jerry, As for performance, most new plotting GPS units are similar.. bells and whistles vary and some have faster refresh-rates than others. A few years ago I used a Garmin unit on a friend's trawler. With the screen zoomed in We were able to move faster over the bottom than the unit could refresh the screen!!!! So it always showed us where we were!! not enough memory or slow software??? (Certainly not an issue for us sailors) My friend went right out to get a newer Garmin only to find that his chart chips would not work in the new units!!! SO, not only did he need a new display but also had to spring for almot $800 in new charts if he went with a new Garmin unit !! Over the last few years Garmin has introduced 3 different memory chip formats. None is compatible with the previous format. Cool way to boost both your hardware and softwares sales!!! I will not use Garmin chart plotters for this reason !! Every new generation of hardware needs new memory chips. The chart data has not changed enough to require $100's in new chips. I would recommend a chart format that is more universal and not a vendor propriatory item. C-Map, C-Map-nt, Navionics, and others are used by various hardware manufacturers and you have a good chance of being able to upgrade your hardware without having the added expense of buying the same charts again just to fit in some newly reshaped hole in the side of the display !! Future upgrades may or may not be in your plans. But, it maybe something to consider. fair winds, Dave
Jerry, As for performance, most new plotting GPS units are similar.. bells and whistles vary and some have faster refresh-rates than others. A few years ago I used a Garmin unit on a friend's trawler. With the screen zoomed in We were able to move faster over the bottom than the unit could refresh the screen!!!! So it always showed us where we were!! not enough memory or slow software??? (Certainly not an issue for us sailors) My friend went right out to get a newer Garmin only to find that his chart chips would not work in the new units!!! SO, not only did he need a new display but also had to spring for almot $800 in new charts if he went with a new Garmin unit !! Over the last few years Garmin has introduced 3 different memory chip formats. None is compatible with the previous format. Cool way to boost both your hardware and softwares sales!!! I will not use Garmin chart plotters for this reason !! Every new generation of hardware needs new memory chips. The chart data has not changed enough to require $100's in new chips. I would recommend a chart format that is more universal and not a vendor propriatory item. C-Map, C-Map-nt, Navionics, and others are used by various hardware manufacturers and you have a good chance of being able to upgrade your hardware without having the added expense of buying the same charts again just to fit in some newly reshaped hole in the side of the display !! Future upgrades may or may not be in your plans. But, it maybe something to consider. fair winds, Dave
And then there are
paper charts and a basic GPS. Sure saves the hassle that Dave explained very well. Stu
paper charts and a basic GPS. Sure saves the hassle that Dave explained very well. Stu
Stu makes a very simple and good point
An alternative to messing with a plotter, is creating a laminated cockpit sized chart or charts with a full compliment of prechosen waypoints adequate to provide safe rhumb lines for the whole area... these waypoints all marked on the charts for quick management. Then a simple gps tells ya what you need to know.
An alternative to messing with a plotter, is creating a laminated cockpit sized chart or charts with a full compliment of prechosen waypoints adequate to provide safe rhumb lines for the whole area... these waypoints all marked on the charts for quick management. Then a simple gps tells ya what you need to know.
I also agree with Stu
I should have ended my tirade with my own solution to 'Where the hell are we?' I have a basic GPS at my helm and one at the chart table that tell me Lat and Lon without charting. I have a full set of waterproof charts for my sailing area. WARNING !! Eventually EVERY Electronic device will FAIL !!! Have a backup GPS and Learn to use Your charts without your GPS.
I should have ended my tirade with my own solution to 'Where the hell are we?' I have a basic GPS at my helm and one at the chart table that tell me Lat and Lon without charting. I have a full set of waterproof charts for my sailing area. WARNING !! Eventually EVERY Electronic device will FAIL !!! Have a backup GPS and Learn to use Your charts without your GPS.
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