Chart plotter recommendation

[mabbs]

Hi just looking at chart plotters/depth sounded and there is such an array. Have been looking at garmin as they seem simple to use. Also is there much difference in the transducer used obviously there is more work involved with a through hull as opposed to a transom mount. Using the boat inshore on the south coast. Any advice greatly received.

[DACS]

Through hulls usually work well and are quite easy to fit. A transom mount is likely to involve drilling the hull, both for the fitting and to bring the cable inside. Also, a transom mount will usually have to be fitted further off-centre to avoid the engine. It also can only read the depth where you have already been. A through hull can be fitted further forward which I prefer.

Chrat plotters are still quite expensive. I use the Navionics app on a cheap tablet and find it very good. £20.99 buys you a full set of charts for the UK, Ireland and Holland with updates for a year.

[tatsuko]

Got to agree with a cheap 10" tablet with GPS and the Navionics software. Can't understand why anyone would buy a dedicated chart plotter for the outrageous prices they charge, and the tiny little screens they have. As for a depth sounder a fishfinder is a cheap option, won't give you alarms or anything like that, plus the transducer is on the transom and no need for a hole in the hull in the middle of the boat.

[dellquay13]

Hi,
Do your tablets easily talk to your dsc vhf over nmea2000 protocol for reliable transmission of position data should you ever have to hit your distress button? Do they have good secure mounts to cope with really heavy seas, and do they have easily accessible MOB buttons? These are three benefits of my 12 year old Cobra chattplotter I wouldn't set to sea without.
Hope this helps
Chris

[mabbs]

thanks for the replies, I guess that a smartphone uses mobile phone signal to triangulate and tablets use GPS if you use some kind of receiver?

[dellquay13]

Hi,
Smartphones use both data and gps, you can still get a position fix, albeit rather slowly, without phone coverage. Tablets may have an on board gps receiver set or may need an external aerial. You would need to consider the strength and integrity of any plug sockets in use, such as micro USB, if there is much chance of movement of the cables. How well any unprotected ports or sockets would cope with a salty atmosphere? Any exposed copper contacts with a DC electric charge would be subject to electrolytic corrosion or deposits. Any chance of Water spray would have to factored in too.
Hope this helps,
Chris