"CGB" wrote in message
news
I'm about to buy my first GPS for my boat because my LORAN finally died.
I boat in coastal New England. I am inclined to get a GPS that also
includes a depth sounder/fish finder. I know next to nothing and would
appreciate any help.
1. Best brand? Garmin, I know is common. I saw a Lowrance (model
LCX-28C-HD) that looked very nice at the boat show.
2. Do I understand that when you buy a GPS it doesn't come with the
charts built in? That's an extra cost? I see some advertised as
"GPS/chartplotters." Is there a difference between a GPS unit and a GPS
unit with "chartplotter?" Without the charts, what does it do for you,
just give lat/long? How much extra to get the charts, typically
3. If I have to buy charts, what brand do you recommend? How do I get
updates to them, via web, CD, flash memory, etc. Is this necessary
(charts do change). And, is this yet an additional charge?
4. Depth/fish sounder needs a transducer. This is an additional
charge??!!! I would prefer a thru-hull but if I'm reading things right,
these are expensive, like a couple hundred $. Are transom mounts OK? I'd
like fishfinding, water temp., and depth.
5. Internal vs. external antennae. I think some of the models I looked
at even charge extra for the antenna and bracket!! Mine will go on a
flybridge covered only by a cloth canvas top with minimal stainless steel
support work. Would an internal antennae be OK? (lady at West Marine
told me it was "line-of-sight" and the canvas top would prohibit reception
through it because you can't see through the top!!! That's gotta be
incredibly stupid, doesn't it?) As long as I'm spending the money for
this, is there a model as described that would also serve in my auto,
using a plug to the cigarette lighter? Or, am I engaging in wishful
thinking? But, I do spend far more time in the car than I do on the boat
here in New England.
6. In other words, I'm rather lost and would appreciate any help. I've
seen a lot of GPS units advertised for $500-$700 and thought I'd likely
have to spend in that neighborhood. Now thinking that I may have to buy
the bracket, the antenna, the transducer, etc. etc., all extra, it's
getting to look like maybe I ought to just get my LORAN fixed or get a new
compass and parallel rules and use them with my $12 digital watch. (for
you youngsters, that's called dead reckoning).
Thanks, in advance, for any help.
Chet
I think your best buy for a chartplotter with built-in sounder is the Garmin
GPSMap 498. Comes with transducer and antenna for about $850US. You can
add a depthsounder and transducer to some Standard Horizon plotters, CP175c
for example, but the total cost will be more. A simple handheld GPS will
have some basic map built-in. This is likely to show lighthouses, bouys,
etc. A plotter shows you an actual chart much like the paper version. I
think most plotters now come with a complete set of US charts as NOAA has
made these free to everyone.