GPS / Chartplotter - Internal or External Aerial?

[David_Old_Jersey]

At the moment I have a fixed GPS unit (Numbers not pictures!) with an external aerial fixed to the aft toerail. I don't use it (I have never bothered to learn )......instead I use a couple of handheld GPS units (each of course with internal aerials).

Now, as part of coming into the 21st century , I have the opportunity to acquire a 2nd hand Chartplotter - with an internal aerial and whch will live in the cockpit.

My initial thinking is to simply remove the external aerial fixed to the aft toerail (It is kinda in a vulnerable position) on the basis that internal / external aerial all same same and one less thing to go wrong / get damaged...........but I thought I would check here first as to whether the external aerial would give me something I don't know about..........

[SG]

If it works for you, I don't see an issue. It's dependant on whether there is equipment or rigging inherent to the boat -- or external issues which make the otherwise accepable, not.

So, if you don't use it and the internal antenna(e) are working, I'd go for it.

[Weyalan]

Personally, I don't think it matters too much if the plotter is going to be mounted outside. If you have a steel boat and the plotter is down below, you need an external aerial, but if the plotter is outside either will work.

[forsailbyowner]

I'm using older garmin 192c with internal. Full enclosure doesn't bother it.