Garmin 45DV chartplotter & transducer fit to SIB (Aerotec) - Page 3

Fenlander · 10 May 2016, 19:48

>>>Might just sell the Honwave and buy an Aerotec ;-)

Ahh but remember you need a bigger boat not narrower!

HDAV · 19 May 2016, 19:54

Just jumping in on this I fancied a 45dv or similar but limited funds and time mean I would likely not get it set up and wired in before the winter so just seen a good deal on a etrex all I need is a few local beaches and spot that I can navigate to in mostly a straight line. So having owned both what's the verdict compared to the etrex the new etrex with charts is tempting but the basic one should do what I need? Or do I forget the 45dv and get an etrex 25/30?

The idea being I can keep the etrex as aback up or sell it lend it to a friend if I do get a 45dv or similar (also take it when on someone else's craft)

Fenlander · 19 May 2016, 22:14

Does anyone sell an Etrex plus Bluechart package at a good price? Usually the Bluechart for the UK is about £220 to buy alone yet the 45DV with that chart is only £275! I just couldn't beat that when I was looking about.

Now I have the experience of the 45DV those extra couple of inches in screen size and having it seat mounted make a big difference over a handheld. I'm really pleased with it.

I still carry the Etrex as a backup.

HDAV · 19 May 2016, 22:40

Looking a few options but basic etrex new for £75 seems decent the 20/25/30 that take the maps are £150+ maps (seen maps for £30) but I dare say there are illegitimate sources of the maps too

seadogdave · 19 May 2016, 22:56

There is no substitute for square inches when it comes to screens. Some screens are wider than they are tall, but I personally think a portrait format is better for navigation. My gpsmap 60 is very good, but the 45dv is much better. The only advantage with the portables is the ability to use battery power. Other than that the 45 wins out. You pay a considerable premium for battery portability.

Having bundled charts saves a packet. A bit like buying a printer. The machine is virtually free, you just pay for the bundled ink cartridges, or charts in this case.

There iare a number of websites where, if you're so inclined you can get all kinds of charts and maps for free. Not that I condone that kind of thing you understand.

That probably wasn't the answer you were looking for, but at the end of the day, you got to do what's best for you.

Cheers

HDAV · 19 May 2016, 23:25

I'm working on the "basic gps, is better than no gps" i just don't want my first beyond site of the beach foray to end up as an RNLI statistic or worse..... It's a straight trip of no more than 20miles doable in under an hour easily (as long as your on the right course......)

Iron Dials · 20 May 2016, 09:19

A handheld gps will get you home, subject to battery life.

A basic compass and a few minutes on a chart (I use Navionics web app when I'm looking into stuff) is a great start to knowing where you are/planning to go to.

I would suggest two things.
Firstly, while screen size affects usability, it's much more important to learn how to use your device and understand all (or most-some are just crazy complicated) the features. Set up your own waypoints/track sequence to get you home in advance. If you're having a bad day, then having this done in advance will give lots you of confidence in it.

Secondly, have a mounting point for a handheld. You don't want to be bobbing along with this little gps thing sliding all over the place while you're trying to find your way home home.

Happy shopping

HDAV · 21 May 2016, 15:23

Hmmm it's either buy an etrex and stick to it or repurpose an old iPhone (with a good case) and save for something better hmmmmm

Iron Dials · 21 May 2016, 17:34

Old iPhones aren't famous for their battery life.
And you know when it's going to go flat......
(mind you I know nothing about battery life of etrex)

HDAV · 21 May 2016, 19:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iron Dials

Old iPhones aren't famous for their battery life.
And you know when it's going to go flat......
(mind you I know nothing about battery life of etrex)

Indeed! The etrex is supposed to be 24 hours on a set of AA so easy to carry spares. Time for a topic on the etrex I think.

jeffstevens763@g · 21 May 2016, 20:20

Just my bit I use a etrex type gps from garmin forgot model for work, great bit of kit while walking but in a boat bobbing around at speed not big enough screen wise for me personally I would save up for a 5" scream minimum. Force 4 chandeliers had some very good deals on last week.

Cheers

Fenlander · 19 June 2016, 20:33

Just a bit of feedback as I've finalised our installation. The DownVu transducer has been very unfussy and gives a reading free of dropouts at all speeds and in rough water... quite surprised to be honest.

Now I have a height sorted I've trimmed the mount timber and fixed to the transom with my favoured long shank eye/female eye combo.... but still with a safety cord.

jeffstevens763@g · 20 June 2016, 12:16

looking good David

cheers

Fenlander · 28 July 2016, 18:33

Only a small thing but...

I'd not realised they did the nice grey cover for these smaller units... but they do... so I bought one... £10.

Very nice fit across screen and covering all edges too so great protection when the Garmin's off the boat.

jeffstevens763@g · 28 July 2016, 21:08

Yep a must in your situation good buy

Fenlander · 28 July 2016, 21:58

I'm almost run out of things to buy for this outfit now.... but just thinking a brass clock/barometer set on the transom and I'll be fully equipped!

jeffstevens763@g · 29 July 2016, 07:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fenlander

I'm almost run out of things to buy for this outfit now.... but just thinking a brass clock/barometer set on the transom and I'll be fully equipped!

captains hat ?

Fenlander · 29 July 2016, 09:13

I think Firstrib leads the way there.