chartplotter

[GARYGERNARD]

i am looking to buy a chartplotter but a bit puzzled as what to get any help would be welcome

[The Jester]

Everyone seems to have thier own preferences Gary, but Garmin seems to be the choice of most

[GARYGERNARD]

looking at a lowrance one from ebay its from canada but not sure if i have to pay duty on it or that is price all in its 4hundred plus qiud going to look at a few first its for next season cheers

[oldessox]

You will have to pay duty on anything you import, best to buy something like a plotter locally for warranty and such unless it's a really big saving .

[GARYGERNARD]

thanks mate

[kingcod deano]

as already said either garmin or lowrance are the ones you should be looking at

[drifter]

You only get what you pay for!!!

Unfortunately with GPS systems you only get what you pay for so don't be seduced by the claims made by some entry level systems because they invariably lack detail and essential information.
Most GPS systems will require a Navionics or similar data card specific to the UK or indeed our area so be carefull when purchasing from abroad and you will also need to know if it has a built in or external antenna.
I guess it's all down to what you can afford and/or what level of detail you require but in my opinion a good quality GPS system is essential.
I fish inshore ground and offshore wrecks, I do not drift aimlessly and from my GPS database I select undersea features such as reefs, wrecks and ridges. I then consider factors such as wind direction and tidal flow before positioning my boat and I attribute at least 99% of my seasonal catch to my GPS system.
I have a Raymarine C70 but any decent make such as Garmin, Lowrance, Furano, Simrad etc will be ok but be prepared to lay out the stiff end of a grand to acquire a decent system.

[kingcod deano]

i disagree you dont have to lay out best part of a grand for a decent system in fact about £500 will get you a smashing bit of kit if you shop around i had only a £300 pound unit on my boat and it would get me on the wreck everytime the higher end price bracet are 3d systems higher pixel and bigger screen units i belive the fish finder should match the quality of the gps unit as you cant locate a wreck without it

[GARYGERNARD]

thanks lads for your input going to look at as many as i can xmas nearly here so santa (wife) might surprise me i will point her in right direction cheers again for advice

[GARYGERNARD]

been looking at garmin 451 on ebay has any one got one and what they like

[amblecol]

been looking at garmin 451 on ebay has any one got one and what they like

I use one (no ariel) and it works great for me, it's very accurate for what I use, finding peaks and ground edges. Big plus was it came pre-loaded with charts which you can add waypoints to as you go, I bought the homeport software as an extra which allows you to add or edit marks on your pc with an sd card which fits unit. A good fish finder is a must to go with it though, I managed to get an old koden and fitted a new transducer, works a treat and saved a few bob.

[GARYGERNARD]

thanks mate happy fishing

[KeithB]

Gary, Bert was saying Stephen Brown is selling one for £250.

[GARYGERNARD]

cheers keith not be getting one till xmas or next year just trying to pick peoples mind on which one to get selling my dgps after this seasonto put towards chartplotter thanks again

[canman]

Garry, check out the spec of the Humminbird 597 ci hd combo gps. Looks a canny bit of kit for the price.