Chart plotter head spin

[JustJeff017]

For the life of me I can't decide on which plotter I want to get for the Chesapeake bay and rivers in Maryland. I have read pondered and read some more and am still lost. I prefer a plotter by itself in case of the unit failing the whole system isn't compromised. I'm tossing it out for all of you to help me out, yeah my head is spinning . Lol:smt119

 

[Lazy Daze]

Well, you're going to get a number of opinions on this one. It's hard to say what is the "best" plotter out there as most have their plus and minuses which leads to each person finding the one that fits their needs the best.

For me, I like the Garmin products. Excellent charts and easy to use.

Although I don't use it on my boat (a little too big for my boat - but I'm seriously considering upgrading to this), if I was in your shoes (or boat, as it may be!) I would look at the Garmin 740 as a starting point. It has a nice, tactile touch screen and is upgradable to adding other features if you want to down the road. The size lends itself to being easy to find a spot for it, yet is still a decent size for viewing. If you have the real estate, and the desire to spend more money, consider going up to a larger size.

For what it's worth, this is our store's best selling model.

 

[Steve.Lynette]

I looked at many and landed on the Lowrance HDS-8W with a Navionics platinum card. We cruise the Mississippi. I tried the Garmin 740 with a lake master card and found errors in placement of navigation buoys...and several were missing. Not good. I returned it and bought the Lowrance.

Alot of it is personal taste. If you have an iPad or iPhone you can download the Navionics app and check out the area you cruise. That's a good starting point.

My 2 cents

 

[Lazy Daze]

Steve, just as an FYI, whenever you get software, it's a good idea to do the free update right away.

By the way, how long ago was this? I'm having trouble remembering the Lake Master series card. Their Vision series is very nice.

Either way, Jeff is in need of coastal charts so he won't need an add-on card, anyways.

The HDS series are nice plotters, as well.

 

[Steve.Lynette]

This was last week. Perhaps an update was available, but chose to go with the Lowrance/Navionics.