Question about Chart Plotters

[stockweiser]

Hey Guys,
We are thinking about buying a chart plotter this year. We don't know squat and are just researching right now but I wanted to see what you guys think and why. Our budget is 2-3k right now but might increase to 4k if we see what we like. We would like to incorporate a GPS and sounder all in one unit. Our equipment is good but we want to see the bottom better and actually chart our trips. What about using a thru-hull transducer? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[Fishin Fool]

Hey Guys,
We are thinking about buying a chart plotter this year. We don't know squat and are just researching right now but I wanted to see what you guys think and why. Our budget is 2-3k right now but might increase to 4k if we see what we like. We would like to incorporate a GPS and sounder all in one unit. Our equipment is good but we want to see the bottom better and actually chart our trips. What about using a thru-hull transducer? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

First question, what's the boat (type, length, etc.) you are planning on adding it to?

[CaptKevin]

And what kind of fishing are you doing and where are you fishing?

[stockweiser]

Lucian,
We are going to put it on a 260 Glacier Bay Canyon Runner.

Capt. Kevin,
We fish for tuna/mahi,wahoo and of course White/Blue Marlin. Normally, we trailer down to Oregon Inlet and depending on the time of year, Rudee Inlet.

[Gusman]

I just put a Raymarine C80 on my Cobia 240, with radar, DMS 300, and thru hull transducer....I absolutely love, and recommend it. Kind of pricey, but definately worth it...bout 4,500 for the whole package. Good luck!

[O-SEA-D]

The Garmin 3210 is on sale now for $1999 most places. Then you can add the Sounder box and the ducer. You can also add the XM weather to it if you want later on.

The Garmin stuff is easy to use and works great.

Here is the link to a 3210 package. Comes with everything except the ducer.

Garmin 3210 Package Deal

[Graceland]

I guess I am just old school about these things, but I absolutely want my chart plotter on one screen and my fish finder on another. I like them mounted side by side so I can quickly scan one and then the other. I do like to have the radar interfaced with the chart plotter for the overlay option. The networked systems with two large displays work out well for how I like to use my machines, or just two seperate stand alones.

I have all Furuno on my boat now. If I were outfitting a new one I think I would take a serious look at the Garmin plotters though. For fishfinders, without a doubt it would be Furuno. The new 585 with a 1 kw thru hull unless I went up to one of the commercial units, but those are up in the $10,000 range. I'm no cat expert, but I don't think you can do a thru hull. Hopefully someone on here will know that answer for you.

[Loose Crew]

Northstar just came out with their new Explorer Series. Nice units with all the bells and whistles yet the pricing is VERY reasonable. Would easily fit in your budget. Might be worth a look...

[Capt Josh]

I have Furuno, Northstar, Simrad, and Garmin between both boats and by far i'd recommend Garmin for the chartplotter...

Furuno's radar and fishfinding equipment is better than Garmin but if i was looking for a combo unit i'd go with the Garmin 2010C ANYDAY of the week...it's so user friendly a charter client could use it...(KIDDING!)...and it's got tide and celestial information a button push away...

[FINRAZOR RODS]

I run a Raymarine C120 outfit w/1kw thru-hull and it has been fantastic. I agree with the earlier post about having separate units, however, with the 12" screen on the C120, splitting the views is of no consequence. You can get the unit for $1700, DSM300 $270, transducer $750, GPS unit $ 270, 2kw radar $1000, plus around $1500 for install... there goes the budget...