*THE HULL TRUTH is the world's largest FREE network for the discussion of Boating & Fishing. Whether you're researching a new boat, or are a seasoned Captain, you'll find The Hull Truth Boating & Fishing Message Forum contains a wealth of information from Boaters and Sportfishermen around the world.
Welcome to the updated THT!
If you are having trouble signing in, please email feedback@thehulltruth.com with your username and we will help you. We thank you for your patience as we help you access the new site!
Random Quote: Wisdom is the ability to recognize a mistake when you've made it again
Ok, need some input. I need a GPS plotter for the tower.
Priorities include screen size and contrast in the sun. Color, Grayscale, etc. not a big concern AS LONG as the charts are detailed and easy to read. The PLOTTER will be used for fishing applications and will be a backup to the primary GPS.
Budget: $1,000 (unit cost)
Location: Tower on 24 ft. boat. Will be stored below in the cabin when not in use.
Preferred Brands: Furuno, Garmin, Northstar, etc.
Looking for feedback from actual users and owners of said unit(s). Thank you in advance.
Look at the Garmin 540 it will be loaded with the charts you need. Color is going to be the easiest to read gray scale is almost non-existent anymore. What is your primary GPS? you may want to stay in the same brand to make transfer of waypoints easier.
Neil
__________________
Scuba Steve
Scuba Steve's Marine Outlet
I agree with Steve, The Garmin is a good unit for the money you're looking at. Not sure if there is a Furuno at that price, but it wouldn't compare to the performance of the Garmin in that size.
Also look at the Standard Horizon if you're looking for just plotter capabilities.
The primary GPS is a Furuno...think it's a GP35. The meter (up/down) is also a Furuno. I like my existing stuff and just need to add the plotter upstairs to make fishing duties (track plot, marking bites, staying on the spot) easier. I would like to stay with Furuno, but I don't think I can stay in the price range that I want. Not a big fan of the old NavNet system. Prefer dedicated units for the most part. Not too worried about transferring waypoints, as major navigating will be done downstairs at the wheel and autopilot.
I've heard good things about the Garmin, but have yet to use one. Keep the ideas coming...thanks. Anyone use any of the new, small, Northstar units?
On the idea of keeping the same technology, is your Furuno using CMAP or Navionics? You can always get the PC Planner or Navplanner software and transfer WP's using that between other CMAP or Navionics plotters (as long as you stay to the same chart type).
I strongly suggest some type of networked GPS. The nice thing about being on a network is that you can access saved points from from either GPS. If you go stand alone and save a point from the tower you can't access that saved point form the lower station. Its not cheap but its the best way to go.
My existing Furuno's are all stand alone units. Nice and simple. No NavNet, or any type of system.
On this boat I basically want to be in the tower and have the plotter for reference. However, it's good to hear about all the options and what other guys are doing on their boats.
Another option, and this is what I am currently doing on my Sabalo, is get a small handheld style chartplotter like the Garmin 276C. I move it between the upper and lower stations. It also functions as a back up bottom finder with the GSD 20 black box sounder. It works ok for me but the screen is a little small.
Thanks, I was looking at that Furuno model originally and think it might be a little overkill for my needs. That Garmin looks like a good unit for the cash...will have to check that one out. It looks like it's already pre-loaded with charts...am I missing anything? Is it worth it to bump up to the G545? Any G545 users out there?
Frank-
Good idea with the portable, BUT my main consideration is having a dedicated screen LARGE enough for me to easily read. In between glassing while in the tower I want to easily view the plotter. If I could afford a Northstar 961...and had the space for it, I'd go that route.
Buddy of mine has the little portable plotter GPS on his boat, and it's ok. I get a little annoyed trying squint to look at it though... I guess if I go the Garmin route I could set up another mount down below.
Basically I'm looking for a simple, cost effective solution that doesn't reinvent the wheel. Thanks for you help guys.
This is out of your stated budget but, just to let everyone know. The new Raymarine G series black box unit will be able to power 2 independant screens (with 2 controls if you want, or a wireless that you move back and forth.)
Not a fan of RayMarine. Nothing major, just not "commersh" enough for me. I've spent a good deal of time with the E-series, but it just didn't do it for me. I'm used to Furuno, Simrad, Northstar, Icom. RayMarine felt like a step backwards...can't explain it.
Chart Plotter
