Plotters (which type)

Hightower · 01 January 2004, 10:53

Happy new year everyone. I expect that this question has been asked many-a-time, but which system is better: Bluechart or C-Map?

I've tried both out in shops and the level of detail was better on the Garman than the Navman.

As the date of purchasing this equipement draws nearer and I'm no expert in these matters and am calling upon the experience of the Forum for help!

Andy G

Brian · 01 January 2004, 12:28

My recommendation, Andy, would be to look at the functionality/quality/etc of your plotter/sounder first.
Having made you choice of instrument, then accept the type of chip it works with.
"Level of detail" you will find, is not too important, when whizzing along at 35knots in a 5m RIB. Indeed, I have seen boats who turn their screens to BIG LETTERS only, in order to be able to continualy view that important bit of data.

Garygee · 01 January 2004, 13:24

Hi Andy

Agree with Brian, even on a big plotter in anything other than a calm sea it takes you all the time to press the right button, never mind trying to pull up some data on a buoy, or scrolling around on high zoom.

Never used C-Map but like blue chart and the ability to plan a passage on the PC then download, all included in the price (if you get the CD version) Think this is extra on C-MAP.

Only down side is when you need to update its the full price for a new chart again (I think).

Like Garmin plotters, but dont rate their sounders if that helps, in case your looking for a combined unit.

Think colour is well worth the money, but not sure iof it was between a big mono or a small colour

I suggest go to the boat show, stick to the main ones that will stand up on ribs (waterproof, ask other ribbers not the sales guys as they tell you you can go diving with them all !!) and see which one you like best.

We went ready to buy a Raymarine and came away with a Garmin when we bought at the boat show.

Happy New Year

Regards Gary

Hightower · 01 January 2004, 13:50

Not sure if I can get to the boat show this year! (Work)

Wasn't too concerned with detail when zooming about the solent, was more interested in harbour areas when I'd be doing a more resonable speed and need the info for navigating channel entances etc.

I've seen lots of negative feedback about Garmin sounders on the forum, so won't be buying one.....

Andy

Garygee · 01 January 2004, 19:38

Hi Andy

I would be a bit carful about using plotters to navigate channels etc.

Up this area channels etc change so much most are not even marked on plotter charts.

I tend to navigate the channel in good conditions then follow my one trail on the plotter, making little use of the chart. This way as things move you just clear your trail and replot. Using this feature the cart detail has little impact in the ability to navigate to the GPS.

It may be different in south cost major harbours but most electronic charts fall down in the ability to update as things change.

Regards Gary

Rupert Bear · 01 January 2004, 22:34

I bought the Garmin 182 recently and am very pleased with it. The bluechart was expensive but covered the whole west coast from NI to Cape Wrath (basically my whole likely cruising area and more) the detail is very good even zoomed in and very accurate to real life. Charts can be updated when needed on the same disc for around £20-30.
Overall I would buy the same plotter again if I was making the choice now.
Can't say the same about my garmin sounder though, it really is crap!

Hightower · 01 January 2004, 22:52

Quote:

[i]Can't say the same about my garmin plotter though, it really is crap! [/B]

Hope you mean "Sounder"

Yes I too was pleased with a local demo of the 182C and get a chart chucked in after the LBS if I wait.

But why is the 182C much more expensive than the Navman5500?

Andy

Richard B · 01 January 2004, 23:23

Quote:

Originally posted by Hightower
pleased with a local demo of the 182C and get a chart chucked in after the LBS if I wait.

So, a Garmin with a free chart v Navman with no chart... is that the choice?

Hightower · 01 January 2004, 23:32

Well I've got a Navman lined up in the States and can get my charts from over there as well. BUT!!!!

Even though I can get major savings from the States with Navman (not so good with Garmin) a couple of local tests with the C-Map and the Bluechart would suggest that Bluechart has a greater detail when Zoomed in.

It really is a dilemma for me.....Low cost V higher detail.

This is why I'd like to know what the forum prefers! To help make my mind up.

Richard B · 01 January 2004, 23:57

I wouldn't recommend the "grey import" route. Mainly because in reality the savings are marginal, but also because Garmin give superb warranty cover (and beyond) on their gear. They are really super people to deal with.

On the other hand - how long have Navman been making GPS chart Plotters?

Hightower · 02 January 2004, 00:22

£700 for Garmin182C Internal+free chart of channel to include channel Islands (standard chart I think) local supplier. With legendary customer satisfaction.

£500 for Navman 5500X including chart of similar area (providing customs don't catch me). International guarantee

Very tempting, I'll defiantly get a depth sounder from the states though.

Richard B · 02 January 2004, 00:32

International Warranty sounds good!

I've seen the PC plans produced from both a Bluemap device (Garmin) and a C-Map device, and reckon that the C-Map is better (full Admiralty chart in .pdf format - although this was from a Hummingbird unit, not a Navman), whilst I covet a Garmin unit because I like the way the software works, I must say that the C-Map planning was better. Well I think it's C-Map. Jackeen, help me out here!

Just a thought Andy - are you very tall (or can you do impersonations/mimics of everything? - I'm thinking of Police Academy here

)

The Jackeens · 02 January 2004, 00:41

Quote:

Originally posted by Richard B
Well I think it's C-Map. Jackeen, help me out here!

The Hummingbird has C-Map but the pdf printouts came direct from Maptech Memory Map PC based software.

Richard B · 02 January 2004, 00:45

Is that Memory Maptec stuff included with the C-Map stuff/download waypoints to the GPS?

Also - just a thought - the Garmin might have been the older G-chart rather than blue-chart.

Must be getting tired - must go to bed! nite-nite.

The Jackeens · 02 January 2004, 00:48

OK I'll come clean...Jackeen dictated the last bit & I typed...I don't have a clue what ye are on about...GO TO SLEEP and I'll make him answer you in the morning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Missus

Richard B · 02 January 2004, 00:49

n-nite!!

Daniel · 02 January 2004, 01:38

I'm a blue chart fan myself. Great software - very easy to use.

It's worth considering that your CD includes an unlock voucher for 1 region but 2 units. This is intended to be for your handheld chartplotter backup but... find a friend and 1/2 the cost! This does work

Hightower · 02 January 2004, 01:42

I know what you watched over Xmas Richard. Yes I'm very proporsonal to the 6'.......something the Hightower in the film is, except the colour you understand.

I only hope that I do get a chance of going to the LBS, as I think I could clear up some issues.

Nighty Nighty Everyone.

Andy

Ribald · 02 January 2004, 09:09

We have a Garmin 188C plotter/sounder with the English Channel chart and so far have been very pleased with the unit. The sounder section works fine and the Scurvy Crew is hoping to use it to find some fish. The only thing I have to do is to work out how to get the thing working in Sim mode when it's not on the RIB so routes, waypoints can be input etc.

The unit came with an Irish Sea chart so we had to get the English Channel one which was nearly £190 so if you are getting one free then that must be worth having. Detail is brilliant.

I had Garmin GPS & FF on the old RIB and had no probs with either. From other threads the back-up from Garmin seems second to none.

Richard B · 02 January 2004, 11:55

Quote:

Originally posted by Ribald
The only thing I have to do is to work out how to get the thing working in Sim mode when it's not on the RIB so routes, waypoints can be input etc.

Peter, I suspect that it's easier than you realise. I've never tried this with a Garmin unit, but an MLR unit that I use is extremely easy. No need to put it into "sim" mode, just plug it in, power it up and download the info. Interestingly the other thread http://rib.net/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3611 sort of does some more explanation about C-Map stuff and both Brian and Jackeen seem to have found limitations with their Hummingbird and Raymarine units. I'm pretty sure that the Garmin units interface fully for waypoint upload/download though. Mike C has sent me routes electronically which were done for his Garmin unit.