First chart plotter

[capn ken]

Having missed out on the killer deal of the century, 7 inch plotter with transducer, at west marine for 397.23 $ I am now seeking advice for an alternative. 7 inch plotter for inland rivers .mainly west coast and northwest to Canadian waters . Older cal 29 . Should I separate the charter/ depth sounder from a transducer package ? Or bite the bullet and get the airmar DST 810 bronze 2000 NMEA ? Spendthrift but I like the 3 in one . Thanks in advance for your input

[thomm225]

You could build your own chart plotter almost for free if you have an old Laptop laying around with the Windows 10 OS.

You'd just need a GPS USB Dongle which is around $17.00.

Then download the OpenCPN Charts for the area you plan to sail.

That's it.

I loaded and tested mine at home then move it to the boat.



Used a $99.00 Raspberry Pi 4 computer at first then decided to use that as backup to the Windows 10 Laptop Chart Plotter.

I also have AIS displayed.

[capn ken]

Did I mention I am basically a Luddite and will gravitate to shiny things and am inherently lackadaisical?

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by capn ken

Did I mention I am basically a Luddite and will gravitate to shiny things and am inherently lackadaisical?

Delighted with our Raymarine Element. Went for the 9" version only incase we add radar later and it gives a better picture. However, the 7" sail versions are readily available. Change the existing transducer and you are away.

Personal opinion but I think it's much easier to use than the old C80 it replaced.

Substantially cheaper than the Axiom range and comes with buttons not touch screen, handy with cold or wet fingers.

There are two versions, you need the sail rather than the fishing version which has an enhanced depth sounder capability not needed on a yacht.

Pete