GPS Chartplotter Recomendations

[Brian W.]

After years of using the laptop/gps/maptech approach to course plotting, I'm looking to get a new GPS Chartplotter. The other approach, while highly effective was a bit impractical when using it underway (proping the laptop up in the cockpit in inclement weather for example).

Does anyone have any recomendations on models? The Garmin 182 seems to be the frontrunner at the moment b/c of the cost and Bluechart capability. Wondering if anyone's had any experiences?

Also, mounting: considering using one of those swing-out arms listed in the west catalog that allows you to mount it inside, yet swing it into the companionway to view while underway. Pedstal mounting would be nice, but with a standard pedstal I think it will be a bit bulky.

thanks for any input,
Brian
cd33

[Richard Stephens]

After years of using the laptop/gps/maptech approach to course plotting, I'm looking to get a new GPS Chartplotter. The other approach, while highly effective was a bit impractical when using it underway (proping the laptop up in the cockpit in inclement weather for example).

Brian,

You might want to take a look at <a href=http://www.maptech.com/oneclick/oneclick.pn.cfm>Maptech Pocket Navigator</a>. You can view your Maptech charts on a Pocket PC (with a full sunlight viewable display) and program your GPS from there. Much more convenient than a laptop!

If you want a larger display than the Pocket PC, I can supply you with the same software running on an 8" Windows CE tablet. This system gives you a high end color plotter, with all the advantages of a PC navigation system, for about $2000.

See <a href=http://www.memory-map.com>www.memory-map.com</a> for details.

Regards,
Richard Stephens.
Memory-Map, Inc.



richard@memory-map.com

[John R.]

After years of using the laptop/gps/maptech approach to course plotting, I'm looking to get a new GPS Chartplotter. The other approach, while highly effective was a bit impractical when using it underway (proping the laptop up in the cockpit in inclement weather for example).

Does anyone have any recomendations on models? The Garmin 182 seems to be the frontrunner at the moment b/c of the cost and Bluechart capability. Wondering if anyone's had any experiences?

Also, mounting: considering using one of those swing-out arms listed in the west catalog that allows you to mount it inside, yet swing it into the companionway to view while underway. Pedstal mounting would be nice, but with a standard pedstal I think it will be a bit bulky.

thanks for any input,
Brian
cd33

This is a good post you've made. I have been looking into the chartplotter matter for quite awhile now as I have been planning to incorporate the electronic chart capability on board for quick reference purposes so I don't have to roll out a full size chart all the time. I know well and good the importance of relying on a paper chart for all final decisions.

Anyway, I've been looking at the computer vs chartplotter methods and I still don't know what is the best way to go. The technology changes so quickly that a expensive mistake can be made quite easily. Richard has linked to some interesting technology that must be thrown into the mix as well. Overall I see it as a matter of cost choice on how the chart is made available. You can purchase a laptop and the expensive Maptech or similar system and also their chart packages; you can purchase a Pocket PC of some sort and Maptech or similar charting system, or you can purchase a chartplotter along with chart cards which are rendered obsolete periodically. A good discussion on this board of the pros and cons of each system in the eyes of different people would seem to me to be a very valuable dialogue.

I was recently looking at 4 different chartplotters. The units were as follows:

Standard Horizon CP150

Leica (small monochrome one)

Sitex Neptune (monochrome)same as Nautilus (color)

Interphase 7MI series

My reason for narrowing it down to these units was cost, size, chart type. One thing is for certain with a chartplotter, you do not get a lot of technology for the $$$ invested. A person can easily purchase a refurbished laptop on the web for around $350 -$400 that is more than capable to run software like Maptec, process and display weather fascimile, access e-mail and the web, print weather maps, and do a lot of other stuff to boot. On the other hand look at what a chartplotter can do, display a chart and associated info on services etc., that's it. However the chartplotter, like a Sitex can be used in the cockpit without any fear of damage from water/spray. But, if a person has a radar capable of chart display or a similar remote display then a small computer system like a Toshiba Libretto seems to make more sense for the $$$. I don't know what the answer is, I'm struggling with this decision also. I've been refurbishing the boat and have made modifications to the nav station and would like to come to a conclusive end on this subject also so I can make provision for the system in the nav station. I would like to hear points of view from many others on this board regarding this topic.

FWIW, I was very impressed with the quality of the Standard Horizon CP150 overall. A very intuitive software system, a small footprint and case, excellent screen display for such an inexpensive unit ($399 -West, Boat US). The cursor control is excellent. One major drawback is that it does not support 0180 or 0180CDX autopilot interface. A big mistake by Standard in my opinion. The Sitex, and Interphase are backwards compatible with the older 0180 autopliot interfaces which is very important I think because there are a lot of vessels out there with very expensive autopilot systems that are perfectly good and will last well into the future and should be compatible with todays newer GPS's and plotters. People at Standard told me that a lot of older pilots designed around 0180 can still communicate on 0183, I don't know about this. If someone has facts to confirm or refute their remarks please post a message on that point. I and many others I'm sure would like to know this for sure one way or another. I e-mailed the people at NMEA about Standard's claim but have not heard back from them thus far, no surprises there.

I do not know if the Leica is 0180 output compatible but it is a beautifully made piece of equipment although it is not as intuitive to use as the other units, I would put it on a par with Trimble quality. The Sitex and Interphase seem like they are the same unit with a different case and other minor differences.

On top of all this there is the option of the stuff Richard mentioned plus there is a computer/monitor all in one unit on the market, not a laptop. These units would fit flush mounted in a nav-station facia panel. They are beautiful units but we are obviously talking more money. I've seen them for around $2500 (that's a lot of cash in my opinion). However, the advantage is that they are complete computer systems with most of the ports and expansion capability of a typical PC system and is integral in one cleanly designed compact unit. It would make for one beautiful installation in a boat but the ticket is high.

I hope others will post some comments on the topic.