www.iFourWinns.com

I am starting to look at Garmin GPS chart plotters/sounder. Wondering if anyone has any opinions on which models to look at or stay away from.

This unit will be only for Lake Powell, so I do not need anything for offshore, tide tables, ect...

I have decided that I will get a Garmin (I have 2 garmin GPS already), Raymarine is out because I would have to invest more than I am will to spend and I want a all in one unit not a component system!

I have been looking at the GPSMAP 430s, 530s and 535s. The 430 is a 4" screen vs the 5" screen of the 5 series.
Those of you that use plotters, is screen size that big of a deal? For inland lake use, would the 4" unit do the job? Anything else that I am overlooking?

Thanks
Kris

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2000 248 5.7L DP
'92, '94 SXI 750, '08 STX 15F, '12 Ultra LX 300
Videos

Hey Kris...

I had a Garmin on my Sundeck and was always pleased with it - I don't have first-hand knowledge of any of the units you mentioned. I would recommend you go with the largest screen size your installation space will comfortably accommodate. As simple as it seems, keep in mind that even if you don't think you need that big a screen to get the job done it's always easier to see what you need to see in a shorter amount of time with a larger screen. The less time your eyes are away from where they should be when you're underway, the better. Happy Shopping!

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Previously:
2008 V358/Volvo 5.7 GXi Inboards

Thanks for the feedback

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2000 248 5.7L DP
'92, '94 SXI 750, '08 STX 15F, '12 Ultra LX 300
Videos

I have been absent in getting changes done to this board and answering posts. I have been spending the time trying to promote the FlowGuardian and also putting together an Ebay business. I've just put online an Ebay store, Boater's Choice Marine If you are looking for electronics, Safety items, Blue Sea components, Chargers, etc please give me a chance. Many prices might be lower, I just can't list them any lower because of the infamous MAP rules. That is all the spam guys... sorry. Trying to pay for the boating addiction!

Kris, as to your choices, Garmin makes good stuff, as does Lowrance, and Standard Horizon. As to your question on screen size, yes, it can definitely make a difference, but that depends on your boating conditions. I had a smaller screen size and found that in rough conditions, when I really needed to focus many times on the plotter, it was hard to see. The larger screen definitely was an advantage (currently installed is a Lowrance Globalmap 6600C HD). Depending on the conditions you find yourself in and where you boat, a smaller screen size might be a great choice and save you some cash.

One other thing you may want to consider and this is what pushed me to Lowrance, is NMEA2000 support. Info on NMEA can be found here at Lowrances website. There are more and more NMEA2000 based products out now and all can talk to each other and share data. For example, Bennett had for about $150, new tops for their trim tabs that are NMEA2000 functional. They allow you to overlay trim tab indicators on your NMEA2000 chart plotter screen. Pretty cool, and no more holes in the helm! Fuel flow sensors are available, as are temp sensor and engine gateways that will put all critical engine data on the chart plotter screen for you. Lowrance is now making a NMEA2000 compatible VHF radio that will send MMSI data to the plotter and you can track up to three "buddies" right on your plotter screen. Definitely a coolness factor for many of us that boat with other like I do (Winter haven Nautical Club) or those that have fishing buddies. Also this unit will eliminate the old NMEA wiring I have under the helm (current vhf just receives data form the chart plotter over the old standard NMEA, they can't talk back and forth).

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Jvalich
http://www.badcock.com

'04 FW 288 Vista "Mental Floss"

powellcrazy, I have been looking at the Garmin 545S since I am on coastal waters. It is the same unit as the 535S you mentioned which has the built in inland charts instead of the coastal as you already mentioned. I was lucky enough to find a dealer with the 530S side by side with the 535S and when you see them and are looking at the same exact locations on the chart you will be amazed at the difference in the resolution. The 5 Series (ie. 535s OR 545s) has 4 times the resolution than the 530S or 540S series. The 535/545 series has 480 X 640 vs the 530/540 series at 240 X 320! I was convinced that the extra $200 or so for the 5 series was not woth it, but after seeing them side by side and moving along the same coordinates on each, I am now much more interested in the 535/545 series. These units are very nice, but they sure are pricey!!


https://buy.garmin.com/shop/compare.do? ... 8108&cID=${cID}

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'04 FW 268Vista "Andiamo"

I am currently installing a new 12" Garmin (4212)(1024 x 768 pixels) in my helm. Using radar and chart at 25 mph requires a larger display IMHO. I still use a Garmin 182C (5" diagonal 234 x 320 pixels) for first mate viewing.



http://picasaweb.google.com/alfelker/Bo ... 1977429090

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1991 365 Express Cruiser w/ twin 454 (7.4 liter) Crusader engines

Just don't mount it where this idiot did!



And NO, that is NOT my 268.

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Hey Cap! How did you get that picture of my boat! Only kidding!

That is incredible that anyone would mount it there!

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'04 FW 268Vista "Andiamo"