New chartplotter

ciaranp · 15 October 2009, 17:02

I'm on the look out for a new or good 2nd hand chartplotter for my new boat.

Want something with a 5 inch screen or bigger.
Want something with preloaded Ireland maps.

Any recommendations?
Any good dealers or shops in uk to buy from?

ciaranp · 16 October 2009, 10:41

Anyone?

Downhilldai · 16 October 2009, 11:01

New Garmin 298C chartplotter/sounder combo unit on offer at Lindon Lewis Marine for £400, pre-loaded with UK/Ireland charts.
An older style plotter, but should do the job ok.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Garmin-GPSMAP-...item2300ea2472

Or, for even better value, the new Garmin 551S, again pre-loaded with UK/Ireland charts for only £360. You may need to check whether a transducer is included - the blurb in the listing suggests it is.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Garmin-GPSMAP-...item27ac3b180a

ciaranp · 16 October 2009, 11:57

tahnks,

anyone know anything about the Raymarine A50 and A65

Downhilldai · 16 October 2009, 12:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by ciaranp

tahnks,

anyone know anything about the Raymarine A50 and A65

I think IBWET has an A65

Jeff · 16 October 2009, 13:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Downhilldai

New Garmin 298C chartplotter/sounder combo unit on offer at Lindon Lewis Marine for £400, pre-loaded with UK/Ireland charts.
An older style plotter, but should do the job ok.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Garmin-GPSMAP-...item2300ea2472

I dont think this particular GSP298 does come with the UK&I maps - just the 'basemap' - you would need to buy the charts I suspect
Jeff

Top banana · 16 October 2009, 14:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff

I dont think this particular GSP298 does come with the UK&I maps - just the 'basemap' - you would need to buy the charts I suspect
Jeff

jeffs right, the 298 excepts the g2 preprogramed chart, brought seperatelly
and has a rechargable battery, which i believe is quite good.

Downhilldai · 16 October 2009, 14:47

Probably a US import then.
In view of that, not such a good buy at £400.

Leaderscharter · 21 October 2009, 18:19

I have the A65 which is a nice unit as a stand alone plotter and is quite neat when flush mounted. The model is being replaced at the moment and they are good value.
I bought the flush mount kit which was overpriced at 20euro but saved a lot of hassle.
All the wiring is good quality and seems well thought out.
Cheers,
Aaron

willk · 21 October 2009, 21:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by ciaranp

tahnks,

anyone know anything about the Raymarine A50 and A65

I have a A65 connected to a DSM25 (?) sounder module. The combo works well, but I use it mostly as a fishfinder/ backup plotter. Physically, it's a fairly bulky unit. They are definitely "last Gen" as regards the features, no AIS input etc. I got a good deal on mine from Raymarine in the UK (free sounder module).

ciaranp · 21 October 2009, 21:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

I have a A65 connected to a DSM25 (?) sounder module. The combo works well, but I use it mostly as a fishfinder/ backup plotter. Physically, it's a fairly bulky unit. They are definitely "last Gen" as regards the features, no AIS input etc. I got a good deal on mine from Raymarine in the UK (free sounder module).

so can one contact raymarine uk directly and get better deals?

willk · 21 October 2009, 22:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by ciaranp

so can one contact raymarine uk directly and get better deals?

Sorry, should have explained that one better; I had sent in a Fishfinder for repair that was DOA. The sale followed from that. RayDirect might be a better bet for a "fresh" call. That said, they were keen to sell me a replacement.

Unless you get a VERY good deal on a A65, I'd keep looking. Nothing wrong with it, just a question of value....

ciaranp · 21 October 2009, 22:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

Sorry, should have explained that one better; I had sent in a Fishfinder for repair that was DOA. The sale followed from that. RayDirect might be a better bet for a "fresh" call. That said, they were keen to sell me a replacement.

Unless you get a VERY good deal on a A65, I'd keep looking. Nothing wrong with it, just a question of value....

what kind of chartplotter would you suggest ?

willk · 21 October 2009, 22:57

Sorry - can't help you there, others will be more up to date. Suffice to say, if I hadn't been in the bind I was, I wouldn't have bought a A65.

Things I don't like:
Big (ratio of screen to footprint)
Poor sunlight visability
Limited features in software
Easily scratched screen

Things I like:
Very easy to use (main plotter is a 435i)
Got a free Fishfinder module

If you get a cheap one - it's a good bet. The Fishfinder module is expensive if you have to PAY for it

Top banana · 29 October 2009, 00:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by ciaranp

what kind of chartplotter would you suggest ?

garmin 450s/550s preprogramed uk irish sea, simple to use interface.built in gps sensor. marine superstore have some of the best prices as the new models are now available 421/521, minimal changes faster chart redraw etc.
check previous threads on garmin 550 very popular.

navigate_us · 02 November 2009, 16:26

I would go for an integrated unit - built in fishfinder/depth sounder as opposed to black box- although with the A65 being discountinued the prices are good. The very latest Garmin 556s, has a VGA screen, but you probably wont find a cheap one, but check http://www.mynewcheap.co.uk/products...ap-556s/36809/

good luck

Channel Ribs · 02 November 2009, 20:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by ciaranp

I'm on the look out for a new or good 2nd hand chartplotter for my new boat.

Want something with a 5 inch screen or bigger.
Want something with preloaded Ireland maps.

Any recommendations?
Any good dealers or shops in uk to buy from?

As has been said, Garmin 550S or 555S. Great value as they have just been discontinued but still a very capable plotter.

Try Google Shopping search.

Knot Yet · 03 November 2009, 14:09

We have the Garmin 550s - very pleased with it

J

ciaranp · 03 November 2009, 16:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knot Yet

We have the Garmin 550s - very pleased with it

J

Are the maps fairly detailed? Is the internal antenna sufficent enough?
Did you add any maps?

whats the difference in the 550 to the 551?

Knot Yet · 03 November 2009, 17:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by ciaranp

Are the maps fairly detailed? Is the internal antenna sufficent enough?
Did you add any maps?

whats the difference in the 550 to the 551?

Hi there

We have added Blue Chart maps - very detailed - but added cost - the basic mapping however seems pretty good for navigation

We have an external antenna (RIB came with one fitted) - so have'nt tried without

Re the difference - no idea - sorry - should also add ours is the sonar version 550s - thats a pretty cool addtion as you can keep an eye on depth and fish

J