Plotter/VHF combo

[Geoff K]

Looking at Standard Horizon CPV 350, a chartplotter and VHF combination. Does anyone have info regarding it or other brands of similar instruments? Will not be doing more than overnight cruising for several years. Hope to cruise Great Lakes eventually. Want a basic plotter and the safety of a DSC radio.

Any thoughts about Standard Horizon in general?

Any thoughts about Combos?

I have searched for reviews but non-biased sources are hard to find. October PS had a review on another SH plotter; perhaps similar?

Thanks for any help.

Geoff

 

[ITMaster]

well, that is a bit pricey

to me, $800 to $850. for $100 you can get a standard horizon 25 watt radio and for 200 to 300 you can pick up a garmin gps handheld. you can look around and find a gps that is mounted for less than the cost of this unit. it is a nice combo gadget, but for that money, i think you could do better than this unit.

 

[sailingdog]

Also, if the unit breaks, you'll be out both the GPS and the VHF... having separate units minimizes single points of failure.

 

[Geoff K]

Thanks

Thanks for the thoughts.

I think it's not pricy when comparing apples to apples. The least expensive 7" plotter I could find was $850. The least expensive Class D VHF was $200. (Not an in depth search) That's just $50 off the combo unit. OTOH, whether I need a Class D DSC or 7" of screen on the plotter is a good question ITMaster brings up. Perhaps that's more of a decision based on personal taste, but does anyone have comments on the apparent value of the extra safety of the Class D VHF or of the extra few square inches of screen?

I agree, sailingdog, separate units are better. I am thinking this unit would give me both units at the helm without the huge pod of plastic so common on today's boats. Does anyone have firsthand experience with Standard Horizon's reliability in general?

Geoff

 

[cat38skip]

My first response is, Why?? What is the purpose or advantage of having such a combo??
I believe that every piece of equipment that runs on electrons WILL FAIL at some point, usually at the most inopportune moment (from personal experience). A backup unit or backup method of performing the same function is a must. Multi-function devices offer more opportunity for multiple failures in a single incident. All of my electronic devices are single use and have backups or manual replacements.
From the manufacturers standpoint, the profit margin on multifunction devices is higher than single purpose units, so we will be seeing more of them. I am not sure what I would do with a SSB/GPS/DVD/IPOD combo. When that sucker goes out, not only will I not know where I am, I wont be able to tell anyone or listen to my music while I wonder what to do next.

 

[sailingdog]

I have a handheld SH VHF... they're pretty tough...

The other question is how good is the user interface on the SH chartplotter. Garmin has the best UI overall, which is understandable as they do have the largest share of the stand-alone chartplotter/GPS market IIRC.

One final consideration is the quality of the charts on the chartplotter. Garmin makes their own, and have a chartography division. What charts come on the SH combo chartplotter/VHF?

 

[TC22454]

Regarding Standard Horizon quality/reliability, I have used their radioes for over 30 years (handheld and cabin mount) and have never had a problem. I'm sure other manufacturers make fine products. I'm simply saying that I stick with what I had good luck with. I've dropped them, exposed them to storms and even dived for lobster with them on my belt. Never failed me. Never had to repair one. This boat is our first sailboat, an '89, and I was pleased it had a Standard Horizon radio still mounted in the original position according to the delivery documentation (one owner boat will all records). Replaced the antena and she's still kicking.

 

[Aloha27]

Re: Thanks

SH has usually reliable electronics, but I'd be wary of the "putting all your eggs in one basket" syndrome. I believe a separate VHF and plotter would be your best choice.

Just my .02

 

[Geoff K]

Thanks again for the input.

Cat38Skip, the "why" is to minimize the stuff at the helm. Could do similar, perhaps, with a chartplotter plus the handheld VHF but then I'm using a dropable/loseable instrument. Could use a remote mic but the speaker clarity is poor. I have an old but functional VHF mounted below now but need/want a DSC unit. The combo will give me the DSC unit, a good VHF at the helm, leave me with back up via the old unit and the handheld. If the combo goes I've not lost VHF capability; just the convenience of a helm unit and the DSC function. I'll loose the chart function and have to rely on paper charts. IMO, a reasonable trade off that doesn't affect safety. I won't really have broken all the eggs in the basket.

Sounds like SH has a good reputation. I have a handheld that works fine except new rechargable batteries cost almost as much as a new radio. I'm using regular batteries now. It's sound clarity is not as good as I would like but I have a hearing impairment and lots of small speaker radios are difficult.

Sailingdog, I don't know about the UI. I've not seen the radio nor have I used others. I was hoping I might find a user/owner here that could give thoughts. I'm in a rural area with no marine stores near by. I'll be in Minneapolis next week and will look at WM but I don't think they carry this unit.

Geoff

 

[sailingdog]

A good remote mic, like those found on the Icom units, would minimize space, but give you most of the functionality of a full VHF unit at the helm. I would suggest looking at them while you're at the chandleries.