Best small Chartplotter thats not a handheld ?

Bob M

Bob M

Well-known member
Hey Guys
I looking to mount a small chartplotter on my new duck boat.Any good or bad reviews will be greatly appreciated.


Thanks for your input

Bob
 
Bob,

Are you looking for a multi function display? I'm using a Garmin 440S. It's a compact unit and has a built in antenna that work fine under the didger. It's 5"h X 5 1/2" w, with a 4" screen. Full color chartplotter and fishfinder. I really don't need the fishfinder but it's nice to have.
 
nope just the chartplotter John.I dont like to put transducers on duck boats because of running through ice.
 
I have the 556s model, too large to be considered "small", but the only difference between them is the screen size. Ditto on the Garmin 400 series chartplotter.
 
nope just the chartplotter John.I dont like to put transducers on duck boats because of running through ice.
Click to expand...
Bob,

I have the same concern with Ice. My solution was to epoxy a small piece of laminated wood to the transom and mount the transducer to that. That way if the transducer does rips out it will not pull any screws out of the transom it self.
transducermounted.jpg

 
I've got (2) two of the 478's though there are newer units out there, haven't had a lick of problems with them.

You can't go wrong with any of the Garmin products.

The cheapest I've found is Ebay.

Just buy from a factory authorized dealer & don't let the "factory refurbished" scare you off.

Those are some great deals!!!
 
I've got (2) two of the 478's though there are newer units out there, haven't had a lick of problems with them.

You can't go wrong with any of the Garmin products.

The cheapest I've found is Ebay.

Just buy from a factory authorized dealer & don't let the "factory refurbished" scare you off.

Those are some great deals!!!
Click to expand...

I have a 276C that is a great unit, came family as the 478.
 
Everybody seems to like Garmin. I have a one one the Windy and hate it, it is very reliable but not user friendly at all. Every one that I have seen on a boat out here in Montauk is the same. Small models or big. Way to many usless steps to change functions. Just to sart it up every morning, I have to go thru 3 steps just to get the chart to come on. Now if I want to see what stage of the tide Im at, I push Home, then Information, then tides, then Back, Back again then Charts, then Fishing Chart Just to get back where I started. If you can find a used Northstar 952 I'd jump on it. Very reliable and user friendly
 
Hey Jack,

I don't want to hi jack the thread but since your a Northstar guy. I have a Northstar Auto pilot control head new in the box. I don't have the Northstar system any longer so I was going to put it on Ebay. Is it of any use to you or do you know anyone that needs it. It's not doing me any good sitting in the box. Shoot me a PM if you could use it.

Northstarns3300Autopilot.jpg

 
Work pretty good. Not as good as my big high def Ramarine or Furuno but not bad for what it is. Let me know if you want to check it out before you buy one.
 
I looked at one today John.I just want to make sure it reads the bottom structure on the bay well enough.
Thanks for your help
 
Hey Jack,

I don't want to hi jack the thread but since your a Northstar guy. I have a Northstar Auto pilot control head new in the box. I don't have the Northstar system any longer so I was going to put it on Ebay. Is it of any use to you or do you know anyone that needs it. It's not doing me any good sitting in the box. Shoot me a PM if you could use it.

Northstarns3300Autopilot.jpg
Click to expand...

Sorry John but I can't use it. The Simrad Auto pilot on the Windy has been working just fine for the last 10 years or so. if you do hear of a 952 or 951 please give me a call
 
I use a Garmin 276C.. You can use it in the car, water & air... It's a little old tech now but in my books
garmin makes the best GPS for canada because they have had the most indepth charts for Canadian Waters for a long time.

In the US it's you have more charting options..but garmin all the way!
 
Everybody seems to like Garmin. I have a one one the Windy and hate it, it is very reliable but not user friendly at all. Every one that I have seen on a boat out here in Montauk is the same. Small models or big. Way to many usless steps to change functions. Just to sart it up every morning, I have to go thru 3 steps just to get the chart to come on. Now if I want to see what stage of the tide Im at, I push Home, then Information, then tides, then Back, Back again then Charts, then Fishing Chart Just to get back where I started. If you can find a used Northstar 952 I'd jump on it. Very reliable and user friendly
Click to expand...
Simrad makes wonderful products, but i am unfamiliar with their "small" offerings. Their large screens I would rate as nicer than the large garmins.
 
Everybody seems to like Garmin. I have a one one the Windy and hate it, it is very reliable but not user friendly at all. Every one that I have seen on a boat out here in Montauk is the same. Small models or big. Way to many usless steps to change functions. Just to sart it up every morning, I have to go thru 3 steps just to get the chart to come on. Now if I want to see what stage of the tide Im at, I push Home, then Information, then tides, then Back, Back again then Charts, then Fishing Chart Just to get back where I started. If you can find a used Northstar 952 I'd jump on it. Very reliable and user friendly
Click to expand...
Simrad makes wonderful products, but i am unfamiliar with their "small" offerings. Their large screens I would rate as nicer than the large garmins.
Click to expand...

I think your right. I've never seen any thing small. They're geared for boats the size of he Windy and bigger, and they're not cheap. The plotter that i'm looking at is $3000
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top