GPS Chartplotter

Kiwi Phil · May 5, 2005

Now I have a new boat, I need a GPS Chart Plotter. I travel across a Bay some 30km so it is necessary. I have absolutely NO experience with GPS Chartplotters. From my looking around I have come up with 3 models that appeal to me. Garmin 172c (i = internal aerial) Navman 5500 (i) Navman 5600 (i) I need something that is: 1. very easy to read/see 2. very easy to operate 3. obviously best value for money Does anyone there have any advice or experience they can share with me. Am I on the right track looking at these models. Are there others at better prices for better features. Is a handheld out of the question because of size etc. Any help or comments would be very much appreciated. Cheers Phillip

imported_scott_m · May 5, 2005

Re: GPS Chartplotter

I've had my Garmin 168 Chart/GPS/Sonar combination for about 4 years now, and while I'm ready for an upgrade for color and a larger screen, I have been EXCEPTIONALLY happy with the Garmin unit from a price/performance standpoint.

imported_scott_m · May 5, 2005

Re: GPS Chartplotter

PS. I'd go with an extrnal antenna...GPS works much better with a clear shot at the sky.

STeveZ · May 5, 2005

Re: GPS Chartplotter

I recently picked up the 172c w/ internal antenna because it was the best deal I could find in a color GPS + chip. (email me and I'll set you up my my guy) However after the fact I've wondered if: 1. I should have paid more for the 182 eliminate my depth sounder/ fish finder* or 2. Spent more for a system that I could transfer to my car. *I "liquidated" my old G215 and chip and nearly broke even on the new unit. If I'd sold my Furona depth sounder and moved up to the 182 I probably would have cashed out!

Luna Sea · May 5, 2005

Re: GPS Chartplotter

$175 rebate on them Navmans............ Check out their site, looks like a good deal to me. External antenna if you have a hard top......

JB · May 5, 2005

Re: GPS Chartplotter

I will move this to Electronics for you, Phil. I think the Garmin 172C is the best buy in a color chartplotter for a boat. The 182C is more bux, but has a bigger screen. Though accessories are available to mount it in a vehicle, the 276C is a much better choice for dual use because it will take the City Select firmware as well as all the marine related Mapsource products. I have a 276C in my truck and love it.

RubberFrog · May 5, 2005

Re: GPS Chartplotter

Take a look at the Lowrance 337c.

Kiwi Phil · May 7, 2005

Re: GPS Chartplotter

Thanks for the feedback everybody. After checking out (in person) the various makes and models, I have decided on the Navman 5500. The Garmin 276C really impressed me but the screen was a bit too small for my failing eye sight. They have similar prices. Now here is a quandry for you. Over here a Navman 5500 (with Australian East Coast C-Map incl) is US$1,078. I looked them up here in iboats (although they are out of stock at the moment), and get this: I can buy one from iboats for US$744, to my door, and that is a US$334 savings to me, then, I am not sure how i will go about it, I can get a US$175 cash back from Navman. (The US$744 I quoted covers: US$503 for the unit; then 5% duty and then 10% tax this end; US$34 for postage and Insurance (thru US Postal Services); then the price of a local C-Map bought here in Aussie.) Spoke with Navman and the C-Map sold here fits the Navman sold in the USA. The question is: Do I go for it through iboats, in fact, will iboats mail and insure it for me, being an international customer. They would....wouldn't they......it is just another transaction really, and it all goes through my credit card... I have read the Conditions of the Cash Back and not too sure how it works for an international customer. It is sure as he11 attractive. (All the detail is on iboats site under Navman 5500 and 5600.) Anyone got any suggestions.... (I guess the first one is ::::approach iboats) Cheers Phillip

Dunaruna · May 7, 2005

Re: GPS Chartplotter

Hang on there Phil, there is a warranty issue that comes into play if you buy it from the U.S. Navman Australia will only warranty product purchased in Australia, if you buy it from the U.S. you would need to send it back for any warranty problems. The stupid thing is that it's the same unit worldwide but that's their policy. I tried to buy my navman 5100 from i-boats for the same reason as you - much cheaper, but I came across two obstacles: 1. i-boats wouldn't ship direct, I would need to buy it and then get it picked up via courier and then onto Australia (i-boats policy may be different now - dunno). 2. The warranty issue. I also suggest you get the external arial. Last time I checked navman (Australia) didn't charge extra for the external arial model. The 5500 is a great unit. Aldo

Kiwi Phil · May 8, 2005

Re: GPS Chartplotter

Thanks Aldo, I rang Navman in NZ (the manufacturers) last week to discuss the warranty issue there and in Australia. They stated outright they didn't like people doing what I was doing, but these things were pouring in to NZ via Mail and holiday makers returning, and they were really forced to uphold warranty issues on the grounds it was one of their units, and all models were identical throughout the world. I will definitely re-check this later tho. They also stated the numbers they have returned under warranty. I can't recall how he put it, but it was a neglegable figure. Good to hear your comments re iboats policy. I will await any other replies/suggestions before I approach iboats. Thanks again Aldo. Cheers Phillip

andymach23 · May 8, 2005

Re: GPS Chartplotter

I bought a 5500 last year and am very pleased with it. The external ariel works well and the GPS is very accurate. It's very easy to use also. Andy

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