Nav Station Chartplotter vs Handheld GPS

[Stu Jackson]

Routes? Routes? I don't need no stinkin' routes!!!

And, yes, Garmin has you and everybody else by the short hairs with their propriatary chart set up and copy protection. Are you using the Blue Charts on the 76? If so, the Mapsource software the comes with them is great for route planning.

It is a bummer about the Garmin charts, but unless you're sailing really far distances it becomes a sunk cost with the unit. The Mapsource software is very good for setting up routes on our GPSMap 76Cx.

QUESTION:

How many of you REGULARLY use routes that you'd have to input on your handheld from a computer? To the extent that it's more difficult to do from the handheld keyboard, and you could do it from your home desktop computer before a trip, so you don't need a laptop per se, on board.

Since we bought our Garmin GPSMap 76Cx, we've found that except for one trip up one of our (very few) rivers here, we don't use the route function at all, even for races.

I would guess that fog bound trips would be a candidate for a yes to the question, but that's pretty much all I can think of. If that's the case, wouldn't you have either prepared ahead of time or have built up a "library of routes" for use? I guess I'm just fighting geeting a laptop for the boat --- maybe one of those netbooks...keep dreaming', Stu...

That "library of routes" is something I've started by saving the routes I've created on the Mapsource software.

The Maptech software is easy to use also.

The downside of the Garmin $$ is that we're here on a dividing line: San Francisco -- one $100 chart unlock key to go north, and another one to go south! Drats!!!

But I really like the 76Cx, and I will continue to call it my "mini-chartplotter."

 

[JoeWhite]

And here is my input - I use Garmin76CS. I do not believe anything else is needed. I use it with batteries during day time and at night time I use its power cord since it gives me a back screen lighting. The only problem is that if it does not lay down flat it does not know whch way is north. Its internal compass works only when it is perfectly horizontal. It also has a screen that helps to indicate which way it needs to be tilted inorder that is flat. The other problem is that its blue charts have to turned on in order for it to work. When I am on the road the blue charts must be turned off. I do like Roger's solution as a cradle.

 

[druid]

Believe it or not, people actually sailed without a chartplotter at all, for hundreds of years

I have a Garmin 420S mounted in the bulkhead facing back into the cockpit, under the dodger. But my "normal" mode of navigation is to have the GPS showing speed, direction, dist. to waypoint, etc. (in BIG letters my old eyes can see from anywhere in the cockpit), and use paper charts to see where I'm going.

For SERIOUS chartplotting, I use my netbook, sitting on a cockpit seat, running Ocean Navigator (only program that will show the Canadian BSB4 charts), attached to a portable GPS. Unless the sun is shining on it, it's quite readable, and pretty much stays put unless it's really snotty.

I will put in my objection to Garmin's OUTRAGEOUS cost for charts for their chartplotters - they cost more than the chartplotter!

druid

 

[Shooter II]

I really like my Garmin 440.

Maps/charts are great.

Screen is good size and color.

I'm a newbie and before I got the Garmin, I found how hard it is to read a paper chart, locate yourself and steer. I found the bottom of the bay, the West river and the Rhode river way too often. With the Garmin, it's like checking your speedometer,
a quick glance and you know where you are and how deep the water is.
It is mounted on the binnacle and is stable. I love having it as a "partner/navigator" on
board.

 

[adirondackbob]

Another newbie question (or two): I just bought the Garmin 400c handheld GPS for my new (to me) Catalina 30. I also have both SeaClear and OpenCPN on my laptop. My question is whether I can connect the Garmin to my laptop so that I have its GPS capability working on the laptop. When I connect the Garmin to the laptop with the supplied cable, it shows up on the computer, but neither SeaClear nor OpenCPN seems to recognize it. It seems that I'm missing a driver, but I haven't been able to identify one on the Garmin site or anywhere else.

A related question: is there a GPS attachment that I can purchase to add to my laptop via a USB port? I've seen several references to such a device on these threads, but I'm not sure about compatibility with the SeaClear and OpenCPN programs.

Thanks.

Bob

 

[kloudie1]

Bob.. Here is a place I've done business with.. there are others..
http://www.buygpsnow.com/navibe-gm7...-receiver-sirf-star-iii-waas-enabled-779.aspx

 

[adirondackbob]

Bob.. Here is a place I've done business with.. there are others..
http://www.buygpsnow.com/navibe-gm7...-receiver-sirf-star-iii-waas-enabled-779.aspx

Thanks, Claude!

 

[MKirk51]

RAM Mounts

Another option for mounting a chartplotter, similar to Roger's (very cool BTW), is to use some of the RAM mount products. Pricey, but lotsa ways to do the job. I have a tiller so obviously the helm wasn't an option, so I used their product instead of permanently mounting it in the bulkhead or down below. It twists and swivels and lets me position it at the bottom of the companionway, at the top if the weather is such that I wanna put in some hatchboards, or down below at the nav station or just out of the sun when I'm not there. I don't have pics but I really like the flexibility. But like I said they're pricey.

 

[Joe A]

Funny thing...

For my Keys trip last year a friend loaned me his Garmin 545S. I temporarily mounted it near the tiller in such a way that I had to turn toward the back of the boat to look at it. By the end of the trip my grasp of port and starboard and left and right were all screwed up.

I use a laptop with SeaClearII down below, but I plan to purchase my own 546S for the Bahamas this year and there is a $100 rebate right now which makes it barely affordable. I plan to mount it like Roger did his using this TV mount at buy.com for $12.99. The 5 series Garmins have an awesome sunlight readable screen.

http://www.buy.com/prod/videosecu-s...all-size-lcd-monitor/q/loc/111/211485558.html

 

[Roger Long]

I plan to mount it like Roger did his using this TV mount at buy.com for $12.99.

Buy 3-4 if you are in salt water because it will be a rusty mess after a season or two and you won't want to drill new holes for the different version that will be available then.

 

[Joe A]

Buy 3-4 if you are in salt water because it will be a rusty mess after a season or two and you won't want to drill new holes for the different version that will be available then.

Roger,
Thanks, I was worried about that. It does say "durable aluminum alloy" though. I just ordered one and I'll check it out. If there is any steel on it I will either modify it or I won't use it. I know what you mean about the rust and I won't have that.
Joe

 

[MoonSailer]

Do you really trust the GPS in close quarters??? My handheld has been off by 1/4 mile or so a few times. Is this GPS stuff a backup to the depthsounder and your eyeballs or do you really trust the GPS in tight quarters??

 

[Snotter]

Do you really trust the GPS in close quarters??? My handheld has been off by 1/4 mile or so a few times. Is this GPS stuff a backup to the depthsounder and your eyeballs or do you really trust the GPS in tight quarters??

I would like to think that an 1/4 mile error is more likly attributable to the cartography. There is a place near where the elk river comes into the TN river that is always off for me.

I miss seeing you out an about, Moon.

 

[Roger Long]

Do you really trust the GPS in close quarters???

Too much. Up here in Maine, where most of the the rocks and ledges haven't moved since before man knew how to sail, it is spooky how accurate it is. It's easy to see how accurate it is when there are solid, recognizable reference points just a few dozen feet away. Even when it is drawing a big circle to indicate that accuracy is degraded, the boat will usually be properly located within the circle.

The charts in this part of the world are also very accurate. The problem with this accuracy is that you come to depend on it and it only takes one hard grounding to ruin your day if not a season. See my article in the upcoming issue of "Points East" about one of the exceptions that could make you greatly regret drifting into trusting the GPS as much as you can get away with 99% of the time. The issue will start hitting stands in New England marine stores and marinas January 25 and will be available online early next month at:

http://www.pointseast.com

 

[Stu Jackson]

Speed = Distance & Time plus helm photo of GPS holders

OK, so I forgot the exact equation, but the point is that in addition to accuracy, there's TIME built in. Ever watch your boat icon drift across the screen? You're always a bit further along your course than it appears on your screen. Those satellites are out there a bit, even if the signals are amazingly quick.

We have two Twist N Lock white starboard holders on our binnacle. The port side one holds a Garmin 72/76 series sized GPS and the starboard one holds my old Magellan Blazer 12 or a cell phone. We like it pretty clean and clear. The VHF clips onto a foot loop on the side of the teak drink holder.

 

[Scott B]

I guess it all depends on your usual cruising / sailing grounds.


I wouldn't leave home without it at the helm. Although I have and can read charts etc., I would much rather use the chartplotter to locate the rocks for me. I have found it is fairly accurate and yes I do trust it in close quarters. I've gone through areas with only a few feet on either side of the boat to underwater rocks.


This is in an area of wide open clear water.... not somewhere I want to test my nav skills if I don't have to...

 

[paulj]

Stu

I can't remember how many times have I told the Grandkids not to hang the binoculars there...


paulj :troll:

 

[Stu Jackson]

Paul,

Have 'em come on down and practice on Aquavite.

Where do you keep yours? I used to think I wanted and/or needed a binocular box in the cockpit, but I haven't been able to justify something else, and they work just fine hanging there. We're very, very good at putting them back after each use, so they don't get laid down somewhere and go flying on a tack!

Stu