[C320-list] Which chartplotter do you use?

[upwego]

We just upgraded to a Garmin 740.  We mounted the 740 on the binnacle using a custom made Snap-it Marine mount.  I sent Snap-it the template of the mounting bail, down loaded from Garmin’s website, and they fabricated the mount for 45.00.  We eliminated the need to drill into the binnacle post by routing the 740 data cable thru the same hole the wheel drive cable is fed thru into the starboard binnacle post and routed to the control head of the ST4000 Autohelm NMEA 0183 connection.   Also, integrated the 740 with the DSC VHF radio in the main cabin as to get full access to the 740 DSC function.   Now the 740 can be removed when we leave the boat.  Better yet, I left enough length in the data cable to allow the unit to be rotated around so that data may be inputted by a crew member seated at the port cockpit bench.  A more stable position to operate the 740 from when entering data instead of while standing behind the helm and sailing the boat. 
The only information I’m missing from the 740 display is the wind and depth data from the Raymarine instrument cluster on the binnacle.  The wind, depth and speed instruments were not networked with the ST4000 control head from the factory.  The Autohelm control head and the wind, depth and speed are operated from different circuits.
Must find out if wind and depth data, once networked with the Autohelm, would display on the 740 via the 0183 connection. 
 
jack
#441
  

----- Original Message -----
From: Jon Vez <jonvez at comcast.net>
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Cc: 
Sent: Friday, June 1, 2012 7:55 PM
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Which chartplotter do you use?

Warren,

My two cents...My 320 had a Garmin, and I absolutely love them. My 355 came
with a RM C90--and I hate it. I find the Garmin to be way more
intuitive--don't really need to look at the manual to get up and going and I
prefer the Garmin chart look and feel.

The RM is anything but intuitive, and the internal GPS antenna is lousy.
Additionally, the manual (which you will need) comes electronically so you
either have to print it if you want to keep it on the boat (binder size), or
keep it on an iPad or laptop. We still scratch our heads sometimes to
remember how to do something.

However, I will say the integration using the new Ng backbone is really
impressive. Can't say enough about the AP integration with the ST70 and
SPX-10 linear drive is simply amazing. Since I'm all in with RM and the
single backbone is in place, it negates the need to screw around with nmea
2000 integration, thus I will learn to live with it. Just one man's
opinion....

Regards,

Jon Vez

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Warren Updike
Sent: Friday, June 01, 2012 10:23 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Which chartplotter do you use?

Ok, call me a Luddite; but, here on the Chesapeake Bay we are (almost)
always in sight of land, our chart book and cruise guide are as well, my
charts on PolarNav are up to date, and my years of sailing here rarely show
anything new.  So, I have resisted the move to a chart plotter, instead
relying on a Garmin hand-held GPS.  

So, why change?  One reason is that our now 18 year old instruments are
starting to crap-out.  Another is that eventually, I'll want (need) to sell
this tub and want it to be attractive to a new buyer.  Rather than wait, we
should think about replacing things now while we can reap the benefits.  

My question, for those who have replaced instruments in recent times, which
instruments and chart plotter do you use and why?  What do you like and
don't like? Has anyone done their own NMEA 2K refit?



Warren & Pattie Updike

1994 C320 #62 "Warr De Mar"