Need a Little Help

[Spudman]

I have seen so many types of chartplotters, and i really dont know what one to pick. yes im getting a autopilot, and yes im getting a depth but i still dont know. I will spend up to about 1,400 so i should be able to get something good. oh and this is my first post lol thanks

[Unicorn Dreams]

Welcome to CF

Iam a fan of Garmin, my opinion is to get the bigest screen that you can afford. The only thing I don't like is that they have optional screens that most people don't need in my opinion. Not that you have to use them, buy they are designed to be multi use.
Like sonar, water temp, fish finder, etc.

I have an older Garmin 2010c, that I wish I would have waited on getting, don't get me wrong, I like it.. 10'' screen, but if I'd waited, bigger screen..

[chadlaroche]

they all have their +'s if you have the opportunity go play with some at a local store

[JJB]

This is almost like a Ford vs Chev question for some, personally I love Furuno gear, mainly because it integrates so well. From Furuno, this is about the cheapest and I think only one that would fit your budget: Furuno GP7000/NT GPS Chartplotter with C-MAP-NT PSICOMPANY.COM
I've known plenty of people that love Raymarine, and swear by it, I guess it all comes down to personal preference, as chadlaroche said, find store that has them on display and give them a try, reading reviews etc can only do so much for you.

[clifford sloan]

I have a Furuno and love it but the matter is one of personal preference. You go to any dealer and ask how you can get some hands on experience from their satisfied customers. Most will be happy to help. There are too many variables that boil down to you and your requirements.
All the best,
Clif

[Spudman]

Thanks for all the help I will look at them all in a shop. And make the teller work for a sale, I'm just that way. Again thanks

[bljones]

Spud, in Canada the best value in smaller screen (5") chartplotters today is Lowrance, because of the included Navionics charting, but if you want a bigger display, I'd look at a Standard Horizon CP500 with the 12" screen.

CP500 [STA-CP500] - $1,645.00$1,440.00 : Radioworld

[simonmd]

Personaly, i've got a Raymarine E80 and love it. However, this one is outside your budget as many decent sized plotters will be.

A thought for you, if you just want a good, clear plotter, why not buy a dedicated laptop, add a GPS reciever and install some plotter software? It will work out WAY cheaper than your budget and you'll get a decent sized screen, etc.

If you look on the forums here, there is a great program called 'Open CPN'. The software is free, all you need to do is buy or find the charts on the net to load onto it. You should be up and running for under $600 including the lappy, which of course, you can then use for other things once in port.

[Spudman]

Well thank u very much for all the input. I have looked at radioworld. I was at the boat show in Toronto and I was bombarded by information. I was impressed with the standard horizon cpf300i but couldn't get any real input on how this will interface with near future electronic expansion. But as someone had mentioned in an earlier thread I will be asking a lot of questions and going to the stores. Oddly enough radioworld was already my destination.

[lorenzo123]

You might also look at SeaClear, a free program you can download. It has several chartplotting features, and works well with NOAA charts that you can also download free (and legally). Of course, you need a PC, but you can find one on Craigslist or somewhere pretty cheap.

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard!
kind regards,