question about chartplotters

[teucer49]

Thinking about buying a good quality chart plotter. I would like to get one that is able to hook up to a radar later on.

This year, I would buy only the GPS chart plotting and radar next year.

So far, looking at a lowrance 525C DF Igps, I want an internal antenna, so I do not have to hook up a seperate antenna.

Just starting shopping, any suggestion on make and model would be appreciated.

Mainly using my little 22 feet sailboat around the west coast of CANADA, BC San Juan area...

thx

 

[gcboat]

Re: question about chartplotters

Pretty much everyone is making decent electronic systems these days. Of course there are exceptions. Also depends a bunch on how deep your pockets are. I couldn't justify spending six grand on a system that I'll only be using a couple of times a month. I would like to say that the dual mode, single screen systems should be avoided if possible. If you loose your screen then you've lost everything that is operating off of it. A lot of folks just don't like the 'clutter' of too many electronics, but there is the advantage of not loosing everything.

 

[teucer49]

Re: question about chartplotters

thx for the reply, I think I will keep my current fish, deep finder and get the chartplotter only, with radar possibility for now, I am thinking about this one.

I think I want internal antenna, but I see someone here having issues with his 522.

Anyone have or heard, good or bad about the LOWRANCE GLOBALMAP 5300C IGPS 5" COLOR CHARTPLOTTER INTERNAL - GPS PLOTTERS - LOWRANCE - Model#116-29

thanks again

 

[dingbat]

Re: question about chartplotters

Lots of probelms with Lowrance GPS.

You can't go wrong with a Garmin chartplotter. You can add a 2Kw radar for under $1K

 

[cjames]

Re: question about chartplotters

The garmin 3200 series is a great option, networkable, comes pre-loaded with detailed costal charts, and its very user friendly. I had one problem with the unit software locking up on me. Garmin tech suport was VERY helpfull, and actually sent me a NEW unit when we couldnt solve the problem over the phone. I'm using the blackbox sounder, and will soon be adding radar. I'm networked to a fuel computer via NMEA, and it works flawlessly. I still keep a handheld GPS, and an antique strobe sounder, just in case.... Not sure about the internal antenna, I prefer an external to get the best signal possible. Garmin also supplys us with free software updates when they come out.

 

[protozo1]

Re: question about chartplotters

The lowrance 525c df has an external ante. I just bought one. I have 3 garmin gps units and they are great but for the money the lowrance had a much better sounder than the garmin in the same price. I think the lowrance also had better electronic chart capabilities and the their lake charts were by far the best. I've also got radar but I wanted that stand alone. If I lose the chart plotter I've got a seperate depth sounder and hand held gps. Take your time there are a lot of great systems out there.