Chartplotter/GPS/etc question

[vizwhiz]

Okay, just got done reading over THIS thread again... I'm starting some research into electronics for my new boat (for when I get it).

After a henweigh (or henway if you're in Europe), I'm thinking that whatever VHS radio I have on-board will probably be as useful as I need it to be (for starters, that is), but that I'll need/want a good quality GPS/Chartplotter/depth-finder/speed-indicator/sammich-ordering device.

The ship should be an "S", so tiller-steering... I have a couple questions about what I'm looking for:

1. Big screen is better, according to most posts - but how big is "you just don't need it that big"?

2. If I'm looking at used units as an option, how old is "too old" in the sense that it wouldn't be supported by mfr, couldn't get updated charts for it, etc.?

3. Any "you've gotta have this" features that make life much easier? For example, can you tie in your DVD player to it so it can serve double-duty? (okay, that may have been a bit facetious...)

4. Removable or fixed/flange-mount to the front wall of the companionway? Other places I should consider putting it? One main unit and a remote display for putting...somewhere else? (A lot of fishing boats down here have the main unit mounted on the center console for driving, then mount a small remote display up on the casting deck at the front by the trolling motor so they can see it while fishing.)

[Divecoz]

I'm starting some research into electronics for my new boat (for when I get it).

I'll need/want a good quality GPS/Chartplotter/depth-finder/speed-indicator/sammich-ordering device.

The ship should be an "S", so tiller-steering... I have a couple questions about what I'm looking for:

1. Big screen is better, according to most posts - but how big is "you just don't need it that big"?
Yes it is ,but how big you get is determined by $$$ Spent. I have the Garmin 546s
2. If I'm looking at used units as an option, how old is "too old" in the sense that it wouldn't be supported by mfr, couldn't get updated charts for it, etc.?
My $2000 Lowrance was less than 3 years old when I had an "issue" their solution was a $200 Gift certificate towards the purchase of any unit retailing for over $1000. I switched to Garmin..Used Electronics used on the water? Is there a guarantee?

3. Any "you've gotta have this" features that make life much easier? For example, can you tie in your DVD player to it so it can serve double-duty? (okay, that may have been a bit facetious...)
Chart PLotter Sounder Anchor Alarm..??
IMHO...These things are like DVD Players $100 you get Play stop pause FF For $500 to $5000 it brushes your teeth and takes out the garbage.. I am Not a techie and Mine does WAYYYYY more than have ever needed it to do.
What do I.. need? I need to know how deep the water is. I need to know where I am. I want to see where I am going ( big Screen) I want "trac's" to see where I came through to get here safely and if its my desire to go back the very same way.. FL. Inter Coastal Water Way ..Bays with narrow entrances etc. etc. Anchor Alarm is nice but so far , its not very exact.. But better than sleeping on deck with one eye open..

4. Removable or fixed/flange-mount to the front wall of the companionway? Other places I should consider putting it? One main unit and a remote display for putting...somewhere else? (A lot of fishing boats down here have the main unit mounted on the center console for driving, then mount a small remote display up on the casting deck at the front by the trolling motor so they can see it while fishing.)

*******[/b] I can remove mine . It sits at the helm . Its mine not yours So that it is, still on board when I return from shore I often remove it and lock it up down stairs. I basically never leave it in the open when I am not there.[/b].

[hoaglandr]

Hey that was my first post! I've learned a lot since then!

FWIW - I ended up with a Garmin 421 from these guys:

http://www.gpsonsale.com/garmin/products/421.htm

I got the cheap one because I already had a depth finder. The GPS is still in the box but I plan on installing it on the pedestal along with a tach and my relocated depth finder (now covered up by the dodger) before spring. I don't think I will need it much at first but wanted to have it before I got too adventurous! I too, plan on making it detachable and storing it below when away from the boat.

I love reading posts by new (or soon-to-be-new) MAC owners. It is reassuring to know that I'm not the only one trying to figure all this stuff out. I'm having a lot of fun learning new stuff and I haven't really sailed yet! Good luck with your boat search!

Russell

[Divecoz]

That's a Nice Unit hoaglandr... I am sure you'll like it. I paid more for mine, but its a little bigger for these old eyes and she came with transducer and loaded with charts..
I have two VHF radios.
1 mounted in the companionway as you go down the steps on the Starboard side and reachable from the cockpit . The other is hand held . If the boat is moving ? Its at the helm.. I was very fortunate , that at the time of my commissioning ( about 3 years hahahaha) I was receiving through freinds and family connections, 40 to 60% off the Internet price, for just about everything I needed... After Market.. Peoples jobs change freinds die and my last major purchase was my Garmin .. off the Internet just like most others have to do.. IMHO go to the boat and sail shows ! There are some great deals to be had on the last day of the shows....I was at Strictly Sail In Chicago. First display as I recall, was West Marine.. Guy said $5 give me $5 and this boat hook is yours ... How much for 3 ? $15 hahaha I took 3 really nice boat hooks for the cost of one.. We spent the day and bought a few things and attended some free seminars and as we left and the show was shutting down.. The same guys calls out to me.... I got jackets ! Fits Your lovely wife .. $25 West Marine Brand Third Reef Foul Weather Jackets $25 com-on I dont want to pack-em up Give me $25.. Yep $125 Ladies jacket for $25.. Gil Gloves $5 a whole bag of freebies.. One of the Big Charter Boat Companies out of Florida (??) was giving away ICE scrapers with their logo on it.. haha I got two one for each of us and a little first aid kit from someone.. all free : ) I like free : )

[hoaglandr]

I don't have a handheld yet but it is on my list. Someone mentioned the other day that they also come in handy when one of the crew is on land and needs to call back to the boat. Of course the admirals response was, "your cell phone will do the same thing!" I then started the old "Well if the boats is under water then I can use the handheld...." but I realized that talking about sinking the boat was not scoring me any points. (I still plan on getting a handheld anyway!)

Not too many boat shows close by but I did drag the Admiral to the one in Cincinnati a couple years back, when buying a boat was still a "maybe one day" dream. We just wandered around and looked at sticker prices and shook our heads. Now that we've got a boat (used) of our own, our perspective will be a lot different! Of course I can hear the admiral now "What do you need to go to a boat show for - you've already got one!)

Russell

[vizwhiz]

Thanks for the tips...still have a lot to learn!

[vmohome]

Just use the Navionics app on the iphone......awesome!!

Would be even better on an ipad I'm sure.

[c130king]

Just use the Navionics app on the iphone......awesome!!

Would be even better on an ipad I'm sure.

Much better on the iPad. But I don't use it that much on the boat. I also have the app that has all the ActiveCaptain.com info...can't think of the name of the app at this time but that app is worth having.

I installed a GPSMap 546s with the new Garmin Transducer...works great.

I recommend Garmin...all their units come preloaded with the charts.

I installed a VHF radio but depending on your sailing area you would probably be just fine with a handheld.

Cheers,
Jim
Sailing on König
Sailing on König YouTube Channel

[hoaglandr]

I've used the GPS app on my cell phone a few times (very cool) and I think it might be useful on a boat as long as you are within range of a tower. My concern is that may not always be the case. I plan to install a DC outlet on my pedestal so I can keep the iphone handy (I might want to order a pizza or something). Got to think about how to secure it or I might be making a post to the "Jeopardy" thread.

I've got to check out some of the other boat apps.

Russell

[Divecoz]

My only issue with phones and such , is size of screen.. Maybe thats just me.. I really liked the 9 inch screen I had. However when I had to replace the unit and no longer having access to Manufacturers "cost" prices I went with the 5 inch Garmin.. which for " ME" is about as small as I want for a primary unit.. I too have a small ...back up hand held Lowrance with, I "think" a 2"W x 3" L screen?? Navigating long narrow stretches and sometimes being unable to see the next marker ( Whats with that?)
I really want the bigger split screen GPS / Depth.. But that may be just me.. I was alone and wanted as stress free a day as possible.. Weather kicking up and down was stressful enough at times.

[jschrade]

The iPhone 4 has a GPS built in so towers are not needed and also has a really nice compass that is really handy for sight bearing. Although the screen size on the iphone is small, the resolution is high (if you can read that small stuff!). It is an excellent backup but you need to be careful not to get it wet. The 26M can get rather wet when motoring so be careful.

Both the iPhone and Garmin 5" screens are too small (IMHO) to plan trips. I prefer paper charts or my laptop connected to a 24" monitor at home for that. I have been trying to use the Homeport application for my Garmin but really don't like it. Using the SD card is a PITA and it would be much nicer if it just connected wirelessly or via USB.

Wouldn't it be great if the Garmin was WiFi and you could sit below, plot your course on your laptop and send it to your Garmin. Someday!

Jim

[vmohome]

I also have an app called Anchor alert......lets you know with an alarm if you drift off a specified amount with an alarm. It was $3.99 awesome!!

Hey c130king.......i'm thinking you fly a c130?

[vmohome]

Its true the navionics app does not require cell phone signal as the info is downloaded onto the phone and the GPS does not require cell signals at least on the iphone 3gs and 4. The cell phone signal only helps the GPS get updated faster.

By the way these navionics charts are true marine charts in fact I have heard fishermen are using the app. I chartered a 42 foot Bavaria a few months ago with a raymarine chartplotter/radar set and I think I preferred the iphone maps (not as big of a screen though which is where the ipad would be so cool!!!)

For 10 bucks at least its a great backup to the garmin you may buy

[c130king]

Hey c130king.......i'm thinking you fly a c130?

Unfortunately not recently...I currently fly a desk in the "5-sided Puzzle Palace" along the Potomac River.

The Navionics App for the iPad I think was $24. The other app...with all the ActiveCaptain.com data...is called Charts & Tides and is from Navimatics. IMHO it has better info on marinas, anchorages, bridges/obstructions, etc...

But as I said before I don't use my iPad when sailing other than a few times just to play with it.

Cheers,
Jim
Sailing on König
Sailing on König YouTube Channel

P.S. -- Thanks to all who have visited my website...I went over 700 total visitors today.

[vizwhiz]

I'm thinking a trip to the local marine store to put my eyeballs on a couple of these would be beneficial...