chart plotting....what to use/buy

04FV270riverrat

So we want to start taking our 270 FV on some trips to different lakes and places i.e. LOTO, Put In Bay, Florida, etc. I currently do not have a chart plotter except for the Navionics app on my phone. What's the most economical way to get a chart plotter on my boat? I wouldn't mind using a tablet with the navionics app, but I'm assuming that would need a cell signal or wifi to work. 

What is a good budget one to buy?

Handymans342

Lowrance or Garmin make some nice smaller models. I made a long trip just using my 5 inch Lowrance unit.

J3ff

You actually don't need a cell signal or wifi to use navionics. You can download the chart areas you are going to be in before you go on the trip. 

I used navionics on an android tablet for a 20 hour (round trip) voyage.  It was my backup chart plotter to the one I installed (dragonfly 7) and both of them read the exact same the entire time. The only trouble I had was in rough waves my mount for the tablet wasn't strong enough! 

Liberty44140

We have a raymarine color chart plotter but I actually tend to look at my iPad with navionics more. I use both on trips. As said above you pre download the maps do you don’t need WiFi or cellular under way, I actually turn them off, but your iPad must be cellular capable as only the cellular capable iPads have the gps chip that your phone does. Lots of good mount options out there, I use a suction mount from ram.

skennelly

Garmen echoMap 74 chirp is what I have.

04FV270riverrat

Well after doing some searching at work today(not actually doing work) I think I might look into going full vessel view with the chart plotter and getting rid of my analog gauges. Gotta see what will fit where and how much extra glass work will be involved. I'm thinking like a Simrad G07 with Vessel view link. Looks like I can get what I need for around 1k, just don't know if I have the room on the dash to make it look modernized and factory.

rasbury

I have a Garmin 542s....it does everything I need for local rivers, lakes and intercostal boating. I don't know how bad a storm ir takes to lose the signal, it has no antenna. Also, do the charts need to be updated at some point? I have an SD card with it also..have had it for 8 or so years. Your needs may be totally different. I think I spent 600 bucks on it, unlikely they still make it. I would look on eBay after you figure out what you want.

norm

I have an old raymarine rl70 but it's not very user friendly.

I recently got a Samsung tablet and i'm trying out various apps .  At the moment I'm using iboating for setting waypoints &  routes etc., Marine Ways as a backup and to see actual NOAA charts, Waterway Guide for marina and Anchorage info, and a NOAA app for local weather.

I keep all the apps running and just switch as needed. 

I mount the tablet on the old lowrance 2400 , that came with the boat, with a couple of velcro strips.

The maps are downloaded so all I need is the GPS signal.

I would try some free alternatives to navionics.  I think they charge to much for maps. My total cost for maps and apps is less than $20. 

And of course I can use the tablet for all sorts of other things.

F1100

Raymarine dragonfly are great..easy to use, and combine fish and chart plotter in a compact size

zaverin1

If traveling long waters 
gps is a must 
garmin is my fav 

J3ff

F1100 said:

Raymarine dragonfly are great..easy to use, and combine fish and chart plotter in a compact size

The only thing I don't like about mine is that the memory for tracks is super small, gives me an error message after one or two times out and erases my track. ! 

F1100

never used that function.. What I do like is the turn on, and it works without having to push any buttons set up

its also got a nice split screen for fishing

rasbury

Is there a way/need to update the charts/tides and other info or is that all feed to the device?

reneechris14

Your running a 545 there is a update for the unit from Garmin it's on the web site. If you want to update the charts it's going to cost you. You'll have to buy a chip $100+. The water I boat in have not changed in years so I don't see a update helping. Tides are programmed and they know the future I don't know how i think its magic.

04FV270riverrat

Here's what I'm now thinking about. Just going all digital and replacing the factory gauges with a custom mount like diggin2day1 did on his boat.



connected to a Simrad GO7 or something similar that can connect and display the Vessel View info.

skennelly

I have read the argument that you shouldn't have everything on a single device...ie chartplotter / gps / guages ect...all relying on a single device.  If that single device malfunctions you have nothing????

04FV270riverrat

skennelly said:

I have read the argument that you shouldn't have everything on a single device...ie chartplotter / gps / guages ect...all relying on a single device.  If that single device malfunctions you have nothing????

If my single motor malfunctions I have nothing either....I can drive the boat without the gauges so that's not a big issue and just a chance I'll have to take I guess plus I would have a cell phone for backup GPS

LaRea

When the boat has limited space at the helm, I'd argue that the benefits of full integration outweigh the risk of single-device failure.  (Unless you're going off-shore a lot, which changes the equation.)

The biggest benefit is seeing miles-per-gallon in real time.  That one number conveys a huge amount of diagnostic information because it encompasses not just the engines, but also the drives, props and hull.  For example, if your mpg suddenly drops by 20% from where you normally see it, you know something's wrong even if the engine gauges look okay.  

04FV270riverrat

We mostly boat on rivers and lakes with cell service is something was to happen, plus the radio on the boat. I would like to boat in the ocean, but I don't plan on doing off shore long distance routes

Handymans342

You can get a satellite phone